Report: Florida CEOs plan to hire more than national counterparts

CEOs in Florida have a brighter economic outlook than their national counterparts, according to a new report from the Florida Council of 100. 

The council, a Tampa-based organization made up of business leaders statewide, conducts a quarterly CEO economic outlook index. It recently released results from the second quarter, showing more CEOs in the Sunshine State intend to invest in hiring and capital spending over the next six months when compared with CEOs nationwide.

About 49% of Florida CEOs say they plan to increase employment in the next six months, compared with 26% of CEOs across the country, the report says.

Among Florida CEOs, 45% say they intend to increase capital spending in the next six months, compared with 28% of CEOs nationwide. 

“Florida’s top business leaders are signaling continued confidence in the state’s economic momentum,” President and CEO of the Florida Council of 100 Mike Simas says in a statement. “From expanded hiring plans to robust investment strategies, this index underscores the strength and direction of Florida’s economy, and the role our members play in driving it forward.”

When it comes to the sales outlook, Florida leaders were more conservative than their national peers, according to the report. About 52% of Florida CEOs say they expected sales to increase in the next six months, compared with 67% of CEOs nationwide. About 17% of Florida CEOs expect sales to decrease, compared with 10% of CEOs around the country.

The report shows the state is on "solid footing" headed into the second half of the year, according to the chair of the Florida Council of 100.

“This quarterly index gives us a powerful new lens into Florida’s private sector — and it comes at a critical time,” Chair of the Florida Council of 100 George LeMieux says in the statement. “Our members are not only building companies — they’re shaping communities, creating opportunities and growing Florida’s economy. These results show that Florida is on solid footing, and we intend to keep it that way.”