Florida Consumers Remain Upbeat Despite Inflation Concerns

Consumer sentiment indexes rise in January as Floridians express optimism about personal finances and spending

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Despite rising inflation, many Florida consumers are maintaining a positive outlook on the economy, according to the latest consumer sentiment survey from the University of Florida. The state's Consumer Sentiment Index rose 2.3 points in January, reflecting more optimistic views on personal finances and spending intentions among Floridians. While some residents have adjusted their shopping habits, many are continuing to dine out and travel frequently.

Why it matters

Consumer confidence is a key indicator of the overall health of the economy. The resilience of Florida consumers in the face of high inflation suggests the state's economy may be weathering current economic challenges better than other parts of the country.

The details

The Florida Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 77.2 in January, up from 74.9 in December, though still down from 86.8 a year earlier. Nationally, the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index also improved in January, rising 3.5 points to 56.4. Floridians cited factors like improved personal finances and continued spending on dining out and travel as reasons for their optimism, despite concerns over rising prices for groceries and other goods.

  • The Florida Consumer Sentiment Index rose 2.3 points in January 2026 compared to December 2025.
  • The national consumer sentiment index improved in January 2026, rising 3.5 points from December 2025.

The players

Lana Byer

A resident of the Latitude Margaritaville "55-and-better" community in Daytona Beach, who says she continues to eat out frequently despite rising prices.

Hector H. Sandoval

Director of the economic analysis program at the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research, who commented on the survey findings.

Robert Marra

A resident of Port Orange, Florida, who says rising prices are "making it difficult to shop" but remains optimistic about the economy improving.

Eddy Cotton

A resident of Jacksonville, Florida, who says he and his wife are feeling less confident about the economy and are shopping more carefully, especially for groceries.

Scott Zucker

A resident of Englewood in Charlotte County, Florida, who says he and his wife have noticed higher prices but it hasn't dramatically changed their daily lives.

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What they’re saying

“I do see prices going up, but I still eat out fairly frequently — two or three times a week and sometimes more. That's the primary thing my friends and I do: we eat out.”

— Lana Byer (tcpalm.com)

“The increase in consumer sentiment at the start of the year reflects more optimistic views of current economic conditions among Floridians, driving primarily by improved assessments of personal finances and spending intentions.”

— Hector H. Sandoval, Director of the economic analysis program at UF's Bureau of Economic and Business Research (tcpalm.com)

“The entire country is still feeling the high prices on goods and services. Inflation hit the country extremely hard during the last administration and the public expects that the current administration is going to work miracles and restore prices (to what they were before). ... It will not happen overnight.”

— Robert Marra (tcpalm.com)

“We choose where we shop more carefully now. Groceries are crazy. I retired so we're on a fixed income. We're going to (discount grocer) Aldi instead of going to Publix. Aldi tends to be cheaper, but they don't have all the brands to choose from. We're empty nesters now, but if we were trying to feed our five kids, I don't know how we'd do it.”

— Eddy Cotton (tcpalm.com)

“Has it dramatically changed our daily lives? No. Fortunately, we have savings and investments. We eat out usually on the weekends and eat-in during the week.”

— Scott Zucker (tcpalm.com)

The takeaway

Despite ongoing inflation concerns, Florida consumers are demonstrating resilience and optimism about the state's economic outlook. While some have adjusted their spending habits, many Floridians are maintaining their lifestyles, continuing to dine out and travel frequently. This suggests the state's economy may be weathering current challenges better than other parts of the country.