About Us

BUREAU OF ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS RESEARCH

BEBR’s MISSION

At the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), our mission is driven by a commitment to provide individuals, businesses, and policymakers with the knowledge they need to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the economy and demographics. Since 1929, BEBR has stood as a beacon of data-driven excellence, forging a path of understanding and foresight in the Sunshine State. Our dedication to data analysis, research, and service reflects not just our institutional values but also our commitment to Florida’s growth and prosperity. As we journey into the future together, BEBR seeks to continue providing reliable data, which allows Florida and BEBR clients to be better equipped for the economic landscape ahead.

Data-Driven Excellence

We prioritize data accuracy and analysis, providing reliable information to support informed decision-making.

Florida-Centric Focus

Our mission centers on understanding Florida’s unique economic and demographic landscape.

Empowerment

We provide individuals, organizations, and policymakers with actionable insights from our research.

Longstanding Legacy

With over 50 years of experience, BEBR is a trusted source for economic and demographic data.

Interdisciplinary Approach

We provide collaboration among students, faculty, and staff to address complex economic and demographic challenges.

Innovation

We continually adopt cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance our research capabilities.

Service to Communities

Our work extends beyond academia, serving as a valuable resource for businesses and communities state and nationwide.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making

Reliable data is the key to guiding decisions that impact Florida’s economic and demographic future.

Proactive Vision

Our mission includes forecasting and anticipating trends to help Florida stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

Impactful Partnerships

We actively collaborate with entities across Florida and nationwide, enhancing our ability to make meaningful contributions to the state and country growth.

Our Story

BEBR was founded in 1929 and is currently part of the University of Florida’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).

BEBR produces Florida’s official State and Local Population Estimates and Projections, which are utilized for budgeting, planning, policy analysis, and state revenue-sharing for cities and counties in Florida. This pivotal information is available to state and local government agencies, businesses, researchers, the media, and members of the general public.

BEBR is also well-known for publishing the annual Florida Statistical Abstract, which was a hard-copy publication from 1967 to 2011 before it was switched to digital format and is now available as a free download to the public. This award-winning research volume of statistical data is the leading source on Florida, along with its cities and counties. The abstract provides information on population, housing, employment, income, education, health, tourism, elections, and much more.

BEBR conducts Florida’s monthly Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) Survey and surveys for returning clients, such as the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), the Kaiser Family Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the RAND Corporation, and academic researchers at UF and other universities. The monthly CSI Survey monitors changes in the Consumer Sentiment of Florida residents, providing an important indicator of the state’s economic outlook, which offers foresight into Floridians’ buying patterns and potential market trends.

Annually, BEBR offers employment & training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, making it possible for them to financially support themselves while enhancing their real-world job skills.