Q3 index exceeds national and year-ago readings, with annual gains across sales, investment and hiring expectations

Florida CEOs maintained a positive economic outlook in the third quarter, with the Florida CEO Index registering 96, down from a record 106 in Q2 and above its year-ago reading of 91. Florida’s overall score also remained above the national reading of 94.

Expectations for sales, capital investment and employment eased from the previous quarter but remained higher than a year earlier.

The Florida CEO Index is The Florida Council of 100’s quarterly measure of business confidence, modeled after the Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index. The survey captures Florida CEOs’ expectations for sales, capital investment and employment over the next six months.

“Florida’s business leaders remain confident in opportunities to invest and grow,” said Senator George LeMieux, Chair of The Florida Council of 100. “Hiring expectations remain particularly strong relative to the nation, and investment expectations are substantially higher than a year ago.”

Q3 Results

• Sales: Florida’s sales outlook index measured 104, compared with 118 in Q2 and 100 a year earlier. The national sales index stood at 129.

• Capital investment: Florida’s capital spending index measured 96, compared with 99 in Q2 and 85 a year earlier. Florida’s reading matched the national index of 96.

• Employment: Florida’s employment index measured 89, compared with 100 in Q2 and 87 a year earlier. Florida’s reading exceeded the national employment index of 58 by 31 points.

“The value of this index comes from tracking CEO expectations consistently over time,” said Mike Simas, President & CEO of The Florida Council of 100. “This quarter, confidence moderated from a record high while remaining above year-ago levels. Reporting both gives business leaders and policymakers a clear picture of the outlook.”

About The Florida Council of 100
The Florida Council of 100 is an independent, nonpartisan organization of top CEOs that researches, convenes and executes on Florida’s key issues. Founded in 1961 at the request of Governor Farris Bryant, the Council works to strengthen the state’s long-term competitiveness, expand economic opportunity and improve quality of life for Floridians.
Through research, collaboration and business-led action, the Council helps Florida build stronger industries, create higher-wage jobs, develop talent and address challenges affecting the state’s future. Today, the Council represents more than 200 companies employing over 1.3 million Floridians.

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