Prices

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer confidence among Floridians surged in January, up seven points to 77 from a revised December reading of 70, marking a steady rise in optimism, according to a University of Florida survey.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer confidence among Floridians rose three points to 69 in December, reflecting a cautious optimism in the economy, according to a recent University of Florida survey. Though the latest figure is only one point below the level set in December 2010, it also marks the highest rank in the past nine months.

The index used by UF researchers in the survey is benchmarked to 1966, which means a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2; the highest is 150.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The consumer confidence index among Floridians remained at 65 in November, a ranking that matches a revised mark set in October and is only two points higher than the record low of 59 set in June 2008.

The index used by University of Florida researchers is benchmarked to 1966, which means a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2; the highest is 150.

The November survey reveals a mixture of positive and negative perceptions.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After a modest gain in September, consumer confidence among Floridians fell a point in October to 63, four points above the record low of 59 set in June 2008, according to a new University of Florida study.

The index used by UF researchers is benchmarked to 1966, so a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2; the highest is 150.

Something’s rotten in the state of-er Florida.

A public hearing is slated for 6 p.m. Tuesday on plans by the Florida Department of Transportation to raise tolls at all state toll roads and bridges, including Florida’s Turnpike, about 11.7 percent by next June 30.

Under the plan, the cost of a car ride on Florida’s Turnpike from West Palm Beach to Miami’s Golden Glades Interchange, for example, would rise to $4.60 from $3.80. SunPass holders pay $1 less. Reason cited for the toll hike: Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s consumer confidence index rose this month to 64, up three points from a revised mark of 61 in August, which was only two points higher than the record low of 59 set in June 2008, according to a new University of Florida survey.

“The increase in confidence this month was mostly a rebound from very low levels in August,” said Chris McCarty, director of UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research and Survey Research Center, which conducted the survey.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Increased optimism about making major purchases played a significant role in consumer confidence rising two points in July to 68, according to a new University of Florida survey.

Four of the five components that make up the index increased or remained unchanged. The biggest improvement was in confidence to purchase big-ticket items such as cars and appliances which rose five points to 77.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer confidence among Floridians dropped for a third consecutive month — falling to 68 in April — as the economy struggles because of domestic budget woes, soaring gas prices and international unrest, according to a new University of Florida survey.

Local travelers are consolidating road trips and booking flights early as a result of higher gas prices that have economists worried about the affects on the economic recovery if recent spikes continue.

Further increases would lead consumers to cut discretionary spending even as businesses are faced with higher delivery costs. The political turmoil in Libya is getting the blame for the 23-cents-a-gallon hike in gasoline prices nationwide over the past week.