Florida business confidence reached its highest level since the Florida Council of 100 launched its CEO Index last year, with executives reporting stronger expectations for sales, investment and hiring despite national economic uncertainty.
The council’s Q2 2026 Florida CEO Index rose from 98 in the first quarter to 106, outpacing the national Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index of 91. Scores above 50 indicate expectations for economic expansion.
The quarterly index measures Florida CEOs’ expectations for sales, capital investment and employment over the next six months. The latest survey included responses from 111 CEOs across major industries statewide.
Florida’s sales subindex increased from 109 to 118, a record high, signaling continued expectations for revenue growth. The capital investment subindex rose from 91 to 99, also the highest level since the index began. The employment subindex increased from 95 to 100, matching its previous high and indicating continued hiring expectations.
The overall index also improved significantly from Q2 2025, when it stood at 83.
George LeMieux, chair of the Florida Council of 100, said the results reflect confidence in Florida’s economic direction and long-term competitiveness. Mike Simas, the council’s president and CEO, said the index helps identify areas where Florida is succeeding and where additional attention is needed, including workforce, infrastructure and housing affordability.
“Strong economies don’t remain competitive by accident,” said Simas. “They stay competitive because leaders recognize emerging opportunities, confront challenges early, and work together to solve them. The Florida CEO Index helps us better understand where Florida is succeeding and where additional attention is needed, whether that’s building the next generation of companies, strengthening the workforce, improving infrastructure, or addressing long-term challenges like housing affordability.”
