Drew Wilson
Florida business owners aren’t too hot on the economy right now, a Florida Chamber of Commerce survey found.
The First Quarter Small Business Index Survey put economic uncertainty atop the list of concerns held by Florida businesses for the first time in nearly three years.
“When job creators see uncertainty in financial or international markets, they are less likely to invest,” said the Florida Chamber Foundation’s chief economist, Jerry Parrish. “To ensure Florida remains competitive, we must continue the momentum built since the last recession, and renew a focus on signaling to the world that Florida is open for business and ready for economic development investments.”
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed said economic uncertainty was their main concern. The Chamber said that figure may have been influenced by “the threat of a trade war, expansion of tariffs and slowing growth in other economies has Florida’s small business owners uncertain about the economy.”
Business owners were also significantly less bullish on the future of the economy — less than half said they thought it would be in better in a year. Last quarter, 77 percent had a positive outlook.
Coming in second behind the economy were concerns over Florida’s workforce, which was top-of-mind for about a fifth of those polled. Not being able to land employees with the right skill set has traditionally topped the survey.
“After being the top concern for eight quarters in a row, workforce quality takes second place behind economic uncertainty, which is the top concern of Florida’s small businesses,” said Glenda Hood, chair of the Florida Chamber’s Small Business Council. “Florida’s economy is dependent on the small business community, and the Florida Chamber’s Small Business Council remains committed to advocating on their behalf.”
Other worries: the growth management process, government regulations and access to capital. Each of those responses made up less than 10 percent of the whole.
The Chamber survey was conducted electronically from Nov. 28 through Jan. 3. Businesses with fewer than five employees made up 44 percent of the sample while those with five to 49 employees made up 40 percent. Companies with more than 50 employees made up the remainder.
