Florida is worst state in which to lose a job

TAMPA, Fla. - New data shows Florida is the worst state in the country to lose a job.  Last year, 53% of jobless people in Florida were out of work longer than six months, according to the Brookings' Hamilton Project.

Analysts blame it on the implosion of the housing market, which came to a screeching halt in 2007. 

The state's unemployment rate soared to one of the highest in the nation, peaking at 12% in December 2010.

In the past year, the state's employment rate has dropped, following the national trend. About 130,000 jobs were created, bringing the unemployment rate to 9.9%. 

Still, about 913,000 Floridians remain without jobs.