Economic forecast: Confidence, optimism, flows

When Florida clawed its way out of the 2008-2009 recession, the phrase cautious optimism was an often tossed about platitude. A phrase that could best sum up the economic outlook for the region, and state, in 2022 is a bit different, but remains rather sunny: counterintuitive optimism.

That’s because multiple business owners and executives, while not immune to the many obstacles — Omicron, supply chain, inflation, etc. — believe Florida is the place to be for the next year. And beyond. This comes as states in the Northeast and Midwest gird for more possible COVID-19 lockdowns and a continuing population exodus.