Survey: Small business confidence is high in the Sunshine State

Despite the onslaught of challenges, from inflation to political unrest to supply chain snarls, Florida small business owners remain an optimistic bunch.

That’s the word from the eighth annual First Citizens Bank Small Business Forecast, which polls businesses in California, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Wisconsin. The survey found Sunshine State entrepreneurs posted the highest increase in perceived business success over the past 12 months, with 79% claiming a positive year. That’s up 25% over last year’s survey.

Florida also came in first on the question of business climate, and if business owners believe their state is a great place to start a small business. A strong majority, 85%, believe that in Florida. California, which often scores poorly in business climate surveys, was last in that category, at 61%, the survey found. Wisconsin (76%), South Carolina (76%) and North Carolina (75%) were in the middle of California and Florida. California also owns the bottom spot on the survey in having confidence in economic conditions for the next 12 months, with 45% having low optimism.