Florida consumers feeling better about economy

By TBO.COM | Staff
Published: September 29, 2009

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TAMPA --

Floridians appear to feel the worst of the recession is over, according to a new consumer confidence survey from the University of Florida.

The monthly survey from the university's Bureau of Economic and Business Research showed Floridians' consumer confidence rose to a level of 74 this month on the bureau's index, up from 71 last month. Chris McCarty, the survey director, called the results "higher than expected" and suggested Floridians are feeling better about the economy's long-term prospects.

Among the survey's various measurements, people were especially positive about purchasing major household items and the expected national economic conditions over the next five years. They were less confident in their expected personal financial situations a year from now. The survey's sample size was 412 people.

Reporter Michael Sasso can be reached at (813) 259-7865.