As we begin the new year, Florida’s business landscape is showing remarkable resilience. The Florida Council of 100’s CEO Economic Outlook Index for the fourth quarter of 2025 reveals that the state’s top executives are significantly more optimistic about the future than their counterparts across the rest of the country.
Florida’s overall economic index rose to 100 in the final quarter of the year, a sharp climb from 91 in the previous quarter. For comparison, the national index currently sits at 80, highlighting a widening gap between Florida’s local momentum and the broader national sentiment.
Key Growth Indicators
The survey, which captures expectations for the next six months, highlights three critical areas of strength:
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Hiring and Employment: This category saw the most dramatic improvement. Florida’s employment subindex jumped 13 points to reach 100. Meanwhile, the national employment index remains low at 41. Currently, 61% of Florida CEOs expect to expand their workforce in the coming months.
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Sales and Revenue: Confidence in sales is surging. The sales subindex rose from 100 to 112, with 71% of executives anticipating revenue increases. Florida’s growth in this area more than doubled the rate of the national average.
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Capital Investment: Half of the CEOs surveyed plan to increase capital spending, pushing the state’s investment index to 88. This indicates a continued commitment to infrastructure, innovation, and physical expansion within the state.
A Focus on Fundamentals
Leadership at the Florida Council of 100 attributes this optimism to the state’s strong economic fundamentals. While national uncertainty persists, Florida’s business leaders appear confident in the local workforce and the general business climate.
Mike Simas, President and CEO of the Florida Council of 100, noted that these figures reflect steady gains and growing optimism despite external economic pressures. George LeMieux, the council’s chair, added that the results send a clear signal of expected job growth and continued economic expansion for the Sunshine State.
Looking Ahead
The survey, conducted in December 2025, involved over 100 CEOs from across Florida. With the next update scheduled for March 2026, all eyes will be on whether this momentum carries through the first quarter of the year.
