Increased Consumer Confidence Also Shows Economic Growth

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida has added 75,449 new businesses since December 2010. This is a 16.5 percent increase in the number of private-sector employers in the state. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, this figure accounts for the total net number of businesses year over year since December 2010. Florida’s strong economic growth also improved consumer confidence, which rose 2.1 points to 96.4 in June.

Governor Scott said, “We have worked hard to diversify our economy by cutting taxes and reducing burdensome regulations to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation. Today’s great news shows that our efforts have helped more than 75,000 entrepreneurs across the state start and grow their businesses in less than seven years. Our economy is on a roll, and with the creation of the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to promote public infrastructure projects and job training projects, we will continue to welcome job creators to our state and help create opportunities for future generations.”

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Florida’s rising consumer sentiment shows Floridians are confident in the state’s economic growth and I am proud that we’ve created an environment that fosters this confidence and encourages new business growth. DEO works to provide Floridians with as many tools as possible to help their businesses succeed and create jobs for families. In the future, we expect to continue making job gains and growing Florida’s economy at a faster pace than the nation’s.”

The Florida Consumer Sentiment Index is calculated by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida and measures five key indicators of consumers’ feelings about the economy. Indicators include one’s personal financial situation compared to a year ago, personal financial situation expected one year from now, expected national economic conditions over the next year, expected national economic conditions over the next five years and whether it is a good time to buy major household items.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity provides numerous resources to help Floridians start or grow their businesses. To learn more about DEO’s small business programs, click HERE. To learn about all of DEO’s business resources, click HERE.

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