Report: Florida CEOs more optimistic than national peers

Business leaders in Florida have more confidence about hiring and capital investments in the next six months compared with their peers at the national level, according to a new report from the Florida Council of 100.

The Florida Council of 100 is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of more than 200 business leaders from Florida-based businesses dedicated to improving the state’s economy and quality of life. More than 120 Florida CEOs completed a survey that was used to generate its Q3 2025 CEO Economic Outlook Index. The results were compared with the nationally recognized Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index from the third quarter, which surveyed 157 CEOs from around the country.

Both groups were asked in September about their plans for hiring, capital investment and sales over the next six months.