TAMPA, Fla. — Enterprise leaders throughout Florida are expressing robust confidence within the state’s financial trajectory, with capital funding expectations reaching document ranges, in accordance with a new quarterly survey from The Florida Council of 100.
The Council’s Q1 2026 CEO Financial Outlook Index, based mostly on responses from greater than 100 executives representing a few of Florida’s largest employers, posted an total rating of 98 — properly above the nationwide index studying of 89. The index measures CEO expectations for gross sales, capital funding, and employment over the following six months.
Probably the most vital improvement within the newest report is a surge in capital funding. The capital expenditure (capex) subindex climbed from 88 to 91, marking the best stage recorded because the index was launched. The rise suggests firms are persevering with to prioritize growth, infrastructure enhancements, and innovation regardless of broader financial uncertainty.
“Florida CEOs are betting on the state’s future via continued funding and growth,” stated George LeMieux, chair of the Council. “That confidence displays the energy of Florida’s enterprise setting and long-term financial outlook.”
Whereas expectations for gross sales and hiring eased barely in comparison with earlier quarters, total sentiment stays robust. Florida’s employment subindex got here in at 95 — considerably greater than the nationwide determine of fifty — signaling that main employers within the state nonetheless anticipate continued hiring within the months forward.
“What we’re seeing is alignment amongst Florida’s main CEOs round continued funding and progress,” stated Mike Simas, president and CEO of the Council. “When that many enterprise leaders are transferring in the identical route, it’s a robust sign about the place the financial system is heading.”
The findings reinforce Florida’s standing as a high vacation spot for companies searching for to speculate and increase operations. The Council, which brings collectively most of the state’s most influential executives, makes use of the index to seize real-time perception into financial tendencies shaping Florida’s future.
The Q1 2026 survey was performed between March 11 and March 18 and included responses from 111 CEOs throughout a variety of industries statewide.
The following CEO Financial Outlook Index report is predicted to be launched in June 2026.
