The Florida Council of 100’s Q3 2025 CEO Economic Outlook Index shows top executives’ expectations for sales, investment, and hiring over the next six months. This quarter’s survey polled 123 CEOS between September 9 to September 15 and shows how Florida's leaders are looking forward to their economic opportunities.
“Florida’s economy is on the rise, and our CEOs are building for the future—growing teams, sparking innovation, driving investment, and creating new opportunities that strengthen Florida’s communities,” said Mike Simas, President & CEO of the Florida Council of 100.
Florida vs. National Sentiment
Employment
Florida CEOs expressed much higher confidence in the job market than their peers nationwide. This signals positive expectations for hiring growth as well as workforce stability.
- 46% of Florida CEOs said they expected hiring to increase in the next six months, compared with 25% nationally.
- Only 9% in Florida anticipate job cuts. Nationally, this number is 38%.
- Florida’s employment subindex stood at 87, more than double the national 37.
Capital Investment
The investment subindex is a way to measure CEOs’ plans for spending on equipment, facilities, and other long-term growth. Florida’s score of 85 shows leaders have a stronger willingness to invest compared with the national score of 77. This suggests executives in Florida are more confident about putting money back into their businesses.
- Nearly half of Florida CEOs (49%) said they planned to increase capital spending. This number was 38% nationally.
- Florida’s investment subindex reached 85, topping the national 77.
Sales Expectations
The sales subindex reflects CEO expectations for revenue in the next six months. Florida’s score of 100, lower than the national 114, shows that while most state CEOs are optimistic about rising sales, they are slightly less so than their peers nationwide.
- Florida CEOs were more measured on sales, with 64% projecting growth versus 71% nationally.
- Florida’s sales subindex came in at 100, below the national 114.
