News Summary
A survey by the Florida Council of 100 reveals that Florida CEOs exhibit robust confidence in hiring and capital investments compared to their national counterparts. Nearly half of Florida’s business leaders plan to boost employment in the next six months, contrasting sharply with only 25% of national CEOs. Additionally, 49% of Florida executives aim to increase capital spending, suggesting a positive economic trajectory. While challenges such as affordable housing and strains on infrastructure persist, the ongoing optimism among business leaders indicates a bright future for Florida’s economy.
Florida business leaders exhibit a strong confidence in hiring and capital investments, significantly outpacing their national counterparts according to a recent survey conducted by the Florida Council of 100. The Q3 2025 CEO Economic Outlook Index, which gathered insights from 123 Florida CEOs, shows that nearly half of these executives plan to increase employment within the next six months, indicating a robust economic environment within the state.
In contrast to the national averages reported by the Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index, which included 157 CEOs, only 25% of leaders nationwide anticipate hiring more staff. Furthermore, a mere 9% of Florida CEOs expect to reduce employment, starkly lower than the 38% of their national peers who are considering layoffs.
The optimism extends to capital investments as well, with 49% of Florida’s CEOs planning to increase capital spending. This figure surpasses the 38% of national CEOs who share similar intentions. However, when it comes to sales expectations, while 64% of Florida executives predict growth, this number falls below the national expectation of 71%. Additionally, 15% of Florida CEOs foresee a decline in sales, in comparison to just 8% of CEOs nationwide.
The survey was conducted in September and focused on future hiring, investment, and sales plans. The Florida Council of 100 serves as a nonprofit organization composed of over 200 influential business leaders in the state. The insights from this survey will help shape policy recommendations and economic strategies moving forward.
Key drivers behind Florida’s economic growth include increasing employment rates, continued innovation, and enhanced investment across various sectors. Notably, a significant area of growth is observed within the healthcare sector, particularly focusing on life sciences and medical technology. This reflects a larger trend of technological advancement and adaptation in healthcare strategies across the state.
However, Florida does face challenges alongside its economic growth. The state is experiencing a rapid population influx, which has led to pressing issues such as affordable housing and strains on infrastructure. As Florida grows, addressing these accompanying challenges becomes crucial for sustaining economic momentum.
Water sustainability also emerges as an essential long-term priority for the state’s leaders. Ensuring reliable and sustainable water resources will be vital as Florida continues to expand its population and industries.
According to Mike Simas, President and CEO of the Florida Council of 100, the current economic landscape is a testament to Florida’s rising status fueled by advancements in hiring, innovation, and investment. Additionally, George LeMieux, Chair of the Florida Council of 100, emphasizes the growing optimism among CEOs regarding future economic growth and collaboration across industries, further reinforcing a positive outlook for the state’s economic future.
The results of this survey reveal that Florida’s business environment is characterized by confidence and ambition, positioning it favorably for the future. As business leaders continue to focus on hiring and capital investments, the state may see ongoing prosperity and advancement in various sectors, with the assurance that these plans align with realistic sales goals amid a climate of optimism.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
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