Report: Florida CEOs post record high optimism levels

Florida’s CEOs are reporting record high levels of optimism in sales, capital investment and hiring expectations — despite national uncertainty, according to the Florida Council of 100's quarterly CEO Index.

Business confidence has reached its highest level since the organization, made up of CEOs from the state’s leading companies, launched its CEO Index last year, according to a release. 

Despite national uncertainty surrounding costs, workforce needs and broader economic conditions, the state’s overall CEO Index increased from 98 in the first quarter to 106 in the second quarter. That’s the highest reading since the Council of 100 launched the index in 2025. 

The state’s score also exceeded the national Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index score of 91. Scores above 50 indicate economic expansion, the organization says. 

The quarterly index measures Florida CEO’s business confidence and expectations for sales, capital investment and employment over the next six months, providing an early indication of where the state’s economy is headed. The most recent survey included responses from 111 CEOs across major industries statewide.

“Business leaders often see changes in the economy before anyone else because they’re making decisions about investment, hiring, and growth every day,” says George LeMieux, chair of The Florida Council of 100, in the release. 

The index shows that business confidence has improved significantly from the same period last year, with the overall index rising from 83 in Q2 2025 to 106 in Q2 2026. The results also outpace national ratings in multiple key business indicators. 

Other key metrics from the report include: 

• Florida’s capital investment sub-index increased from 91 to 99, with CEOs continuing to express confidence in investments supporting expansion, infrastructure and innovation. The national rating was 93, according to the release. 
• Florida’s employment sub-index increased from 95 to 100, outperforming the national index of 5. 
• Florida’s sales sub-index increased from 109 to 118, another record high, signaling expected revenue growth over the next six months.

Founded in 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan Florida Council of 100 represents more than 200 companies employing more than 1.3 million Floridians.