Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
Consumer confidence is at its highest point in nearly a year.
According to the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida, consumer sentiment rose to 93.4 in March. That’s up from February 2015, but still below March 2015’s reading, which was the highest reading in a decade.
“Floridians are confident in the state’s economic growth,” said Cissy Proctor, the executive director of the Department of Economic Opportunity. “Florida’s positive indicators, such as job growth and a low unemployment rate, are a result of our investments in pro-growth policies that are helping businesses thrive.”
The report found that of the five components that make up the Florida Consumer Index, four saw increases and only one declined.
“Florida families and businesses are clearly taking note of our state’s impressive economic growth, and I am proud to announce that Florida’s consumer confidence has risen to the highest level in nearly one year,” said Gov. Rick Scott in a prepared statement Friday. “We will continue to work each day to support this type of growth and create new opportunities for our families so Florida can be first for jobs.”
The March study was conducted between March 1 and March 27. The study reflects the responses of 447 individuals, reached by cell phone and representing a demographic cross-section of Florida.
