Florida Consumer Sentiment Edges Up, Ending a Six-Month Slide
The UF index rose 0.3 points to 67.7 in September even as national confidence fell.
Florida consumers are feeling slightly better. The University of Florida's consumer sentiment index rose 0.3 points to 67.7 in September from a revised 67.4 in August, ending six straight monthly declines, according to figures reported by UF News and Florida Realtors.
The uptick came against the grain: national sentiment fell over the same period.
A fragile turn
A 0.3-point move is small, and the index remains well below levels that signal strong confidence. Still, a reversal after half a year of decline is a welcome sign for retailers, restaurants and homebuilders heading into the busy fall and winter season, when Florida's economy leans on seasonal spending.
Sources: UF News; Florida Realtors; Florida Trend.
More in Business
BusinessFlorida's Minimum Wage Hits $15, Completing a Five-Year Climb
The final $1 step under the 2020 constitutional amendment took effect September 30, lifting the tipped cash wage to $11.98.
BusinessJAXPORT Reports Softer Container Demand, But Volumes Beat Projections
Officials cite tariffs and Panama Canal drought for a roughly 5% year-over-year decline in tonnage and vessel calls.
BusinessFAA Weighs Blue Origin's Bid to Fly New Glenn Up to 50 Times a Year
A draft environmental assessment would raise the cap at Cape Canaveral's SLC-36 from 12 launches annually.