While optimism is ticking up, there are still nagging issues about affordability making many consumers cautious.
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As 2026 nears its end, Florida consumers are feeling a bit better about the economy’s future after months of gloom, even as they grow more pessimistic about their current finances.
Consumer sentiment in Florida rose to 69.1 in October, up from a revised 68.4 in September, according to a University of Florida survey. It was the second straight monthly increase, following a six-month slide that saw declines every month from March through August.
“Floridians’ expectations about future economic conditions improved again in October, particularly their views about the national economy over the next five years. However, this improvement contrasts with their increasingly pessimistic assessments of current conditions,” said Hector H. Sandoval, Director of the Economic Analysis Program at UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
“In fact, views of personal financial situations compared with a year ago declined for the seventh consecutive month, making this the component with the largest decline since the beginning of the year.”
Sandoval said elevated inflation is raising affordability concerns for many Floridians. Views of personal finances compared with a year ago slipped from 62 in September to 61.8 in October. But expectations about personal finances a year from now rose from 83.1 to 83.3.
Expectations about U.S. economic conditions a year from now also improved, rising from 66.9 to 68. Views of the U.S. economy over the next five years showed the biggest gain, jumping from 71.1 to 73.8.
“Recent economic developments continue to present a mixed picture. The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 3.4% in the third quarter, supported by consumer spending and business investment. However, inflation remains elevated,” Sandoval said.
“Overall, consumer sentiment remains below its level at the beginning of the year, with assessments of current finances and spending intentions continuing to deteriorate. The decline in spending intentions is particularly notable as the holiday shopping season approaches.”
UF surveyed 970 people by cellphone for the October report between Sept. 1 and Oct. 29.
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