For the eighth consecutive month, the Sunshine State remains below the national average for unemployment.

Gov. Rick Scott made the announcement Friday at Power Grid Engineering in Winter Springs.

The state’s unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percent to 6.3 percent in March, which is down 1.4 percent from last year's rate.

The governor said 20,900 jobs were created in March.

The state also saw its fastest job growth rate of 3 percent from March 2013 to March 2014 since June 2006.

“March’s job creation number brings more good news for Florida families,” Scott said. “This means that more than 20,000 more Floridians will be able to provide for their families. Businesses in the state are continuing to create jobs – a total of 563,900 jobs since December 2010. Our improving economy is evidence that our policies are working and we will continue to work until every Floridian that wants a job can get a job.”

The national unemployment rate is 6.7 percent.