State & National

Florida consumer confidence falls for second straight month, UF index shows

A University of Florida survey found that Floridians’ confidence in the economy dropped 3.5 points in April to 74.6, matching a simultaneous national decline. A UF economist cited a global energy shock linked to the Middle East conflict, rising gasoline prices, and the largest monthly inflation acceleration since 2022 as key drivers. Florida’s unemployment rate has also climbed above the national average for the first time since 2020, adding to household financial strain.

Sources: UF News