Florida CEOs Show Greater Optimism for 2026 Compared to National Peers

Rising Optimism Among Florida CEOs for 2026

As 2025 concluded, Florida's CEOs exhibited heightened optimism regarding the economic landscape, surpassing their national counterparts. According to the Q4 2025 CEO Economic Outlook Index, released by The Florida Council of 100, Florida's index climbed from 91 in Q3 to 100 in Q4, while the national index lagged at 80. This impressive leap of 9 points in just one quarter illustrates the confidence that Florida’s business leaders have in their state’s economic trajectory.

Unpacking the Numbers

The upbeat sentiment among Florida CEOs is not merely anecdotal; it is backed by significant improvements across various economic indicators. Mike Simas, President and CEO of The Florida Council of 100, remarked, "These numbers show growing optimism when it comes to hiring and sales and steady gains in investment, even amid broader national uncertainty."

Looking closely at the sub-indices further highlights this positive trend:

Sales Outlook

A majority of Florida's CEOs (71%) forecast an increase in sales over the next six months. The sales sub-index rose from 100 to 112, marking a substantial 12-point increase, although it remains below the national sub-index of 120. Nonetheless, Florida's score improvement outstripped the national gain by 6 points, showcasing a strong local market sentiment.

Capital Investment

The capital investment sub-index reflects sustained confidence as well. Increasing from 85 to 88, Florida's commitment to capital expenditures remains stronger than the national score of 79. In fact, half of Florida's CEOs (50%) anticipate an upsurge in capital investments, signaling ongoing dedication to infrastructure, expansion, and innovation moving forward.

Employment Outlook

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the report is the enhanced expectations for hiring. Florida's employment sub-index surged from 87 to 100, indicating a 13-point increase quarter-over-quarter. This is a world apart from the national employment index, which only rose by 4 points to a score of 41. More than 60% of Florida’s CEOs (61%) expect employment levels to rise over the next six months, reinforcing the sense of bullishness about job growth and economic expansion.

Key Leadership Perspectives

George LeMieux, Chair of The Florida Council of 100, emphasized the importance of this optimism by stating, "Florida CEOs are sending a clear signal that they expect continued job growth and economic expansion. This quarter's results reflect confidence in Florida's workforce, business climate, and long-term growth prospects."

This data was collected through a survey conducted in December 2025, which involved 105 Florida CEOs. The national results were based on feedback from 164 CEO responses, providing a comprehensive view of the economic outlook from a diverse leadership demographic.

The Road Ahead

As the new year unfolds, Florida's business executives will be closely monitoring the economic climate, both locally and nationally. The next index from the Florida Council of 100 is set to release in March 2026, which will provide further insights into the sentiments of Florida’s top leaders. For now, the prevailing optimism offers a promising outlook as Florida continues to emerge as a beacon of economic growth and stability.

About The Florida Council of 100

The Florida Council of 100, established in 1961, is a private, non-profit organization of state business leaders aiming to enhance Florida's quality of life and economic health. Representing over 200 companies employing more than 1.3 million Floridians, the Council plays a pivotal role in shaping policy solutions and driving economic impact initiatives.