Consumer confidence is a standard barometer of conditions in the economy. Increases in consumer confidence are associated with increased demand for goods and services. The University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) surveys roughly five-hundred Floridians each month to gauge consumer confidence, asking them five questions about their financial situation and outlook for the economy. After falling with the onset of the recession, consumer confidence has been relatively flat this past year. Although the economy has made modest improvements, consumer confidence in Florida has remained at recessionary levels.
Source: The University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR)