Consumer sentiment among Floridians dropped in May for the second month in a row, falling 2.4 points to 93.3 from a revised April reading of 95.7.
Among the five components that make up the index, one increased and four decreased.
“Most of the pessimism in May stems from perceptions about the current economic conditions,” said Hector H. Sandoval, director of the Economic Analysis Program at UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
Perceptions of one’s personal financial situation now compared with a year ago showed the biggest drop, falling 5.9 points from 91 to 85.1. May’s less-positive outlook was shared by all Floridians across age, gender and income groups.
Opinions as to whether now is a good time to buy a major household item such as an appliance declined two points, from 101.7 to 99.7. However, there were increases among those 60 and older and those with income under $50,000.
Expectations of personal finances a year from now dropped 5.2 points from 105.1 to 99.9. Expectations for the U.S. economy were mixed: Anticipated conditions over the next year decreased one-tenth of a point, from 92.8 to 92.7 while expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next five years increased nine-tenths of a point, from 88.1 to 89.
These three components represent expectations about what lies ahead economically speaking.
“Readings about future economic conditions have shown important signs of deterioration for the past two months. However, in contrast to April, this month’s unfavorable expectations are accompanied by a significant decline in perceptions of present conditions. It seems unlikely that consumers are delaying the purchase of big household items, as they hold unfavorable future expectations as well,” Sandoval said.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Florida’s gross domestic product growth rate ranked fifth of all states in 2016, with an annual growth rate of 3 percent. The sector contributing the most to the Florida economy in 2016 was the professional, scientific and technical services sector, followed by the construction and information sectors.
Florida’s unemployment rate declined again in April by three-tenths of a percentage point to 4.5 percent. Compared with April of last year, the number of jobs added statewide was 215,400, a 2.6 percent increase. The industries gaining the most jobs were professional and business services, followed by trade, transportation and utilities.
“Florida’s economy keeps growing, and the labor market conditions continue to be favorable in general, with more jobs added every month for the past six years. However, consumer sentiment seems to be slowly decreasing after surging in March to its highest level in the last 15 years. If this pessimism persists in the following months, this might indicate a significant change in the trend of consumer sentiment,” Sandoval said.
Conducted May 1-24, the UF study reflects the responses of 415 individuals who were reached on cellphones, representing a demographic cross section of Florida.
The index used by UF 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.
Details of this month’s survey can be found at http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/csi-data.
Writer: Colleen Porter, [email protected]
Florida
Governor Scott Appoints Judge Norma S. Lindsey to Third District Court of Appeal
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Norma S. Lindsey to the Third District Court of Appeal.
Lindsey, 52, of Miami, is currently a Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, and previously served as a County Judge for Miami-Dade County. She received a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and a law degree from the University of Miami. Lindsey fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Linda Ann Wells.
Appointments by Gov. Rick Scott for Thursday, May 25, 2017
Governor Rick Scott Reappoints 11
Governor Rick Scott today announced 11 reappointments to various boards and commissions throughout the state following the Florida Senate’s failure to consider them for confirmation by adjournment sine die of the 2017 regular legislative session:
Florida Prepaid College Board
Ambassador John Rood, 62, of Jacksonville, is the chairman of the Vestcor Companies, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending June 30, 2017.
Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District
Samuel “Bo” Spring, 41, of Port Saint Joe, is the managing member of Big Fish Construction LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Jonathan Costello, 36, of Tallahassee, is a governmental consultant with Rutledge Ecenia P.A. and an adjunct professor at Florida State University. Costello is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District
Daniel O’Keefe, 49, of Windermere, is an attorney with Shutts and Bowan LLP. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Federico Fernandez, 41, of Coral Gables, is an attorney with DiFalco and Fernandez LLLP. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District
Michelle Williamson, 54, of Dover, is a manager at G & F Farms. She is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Bryan Beswick, 50, of Arcadia, is a grove manager with Premier Citrus Management LLC. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Mark C. Taylor, 58, of Brooksville, is the president of TTG Properties Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District
Douglas Bournique, 65, of Indian River, is the executive vice president of the Indian River Citrus League. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending March 1, 2020.
State Retirement Commission
Thomas Napier, 82, of Tallahassee, was a former special projects manager for the Clerk of Circuit Court of Leon County. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending December 31, 2020.
Board of Orthotists and Prosthetists
Paul Weott, 56, of Bradenton, is the owner of Orthotic and Prosthetic Centers, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County
Governor Rick Scott today announced two appointments to the Children’s Services Council of Saint Lucie County.
Richard Del Toro, Jr, 40, of Port St. Lucie, currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Police at the City of Port St. Lucie Police Department. He received his bachelor’s degree from Barry University and his master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. Del Toro fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending November 13, 2017.
Carmine Izzo, Jr, 46, of Port St. Lucie, currently serves as a Lieutenant at the City of Port St. Lucie Police Department. He received his bachelor’s degree from Warner University and his master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. Izzo succeeds Candice Loupe and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending November 13, 2019.
Gov. Scott Appoints Randolph Cash to Collier County Housing Authority
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Randolph Cash to the Collier County Housing Authority.
Cash, 62, of Naples, is the president of Flamingo Air Management, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami. Cash fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 17, 2018.
Gov. Scott Appoints Two to Board of Professional Engineers
Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Babu Varghese and the appointment of Pankaj Shah to the Board of Professional Engineers.
Varghese, 58, of Davie, is the president of Abtech Engineering, Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
Shah, 72, of Clearwater, is the former chief executive officer of Cumbey and Fair, Inc. He succeeds John Pepper and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending October 31, 2020.
These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
Gov. Scott Appoints Representative Rene Plasencia
to Board of Control for Southern Regional Education
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Representative Rene Plasencia to the Board of Control for Southern Regional Education.
Rep. Plasencia, 44, of Orlando, is a district relations manager with Florida Virtual School and previously served as a classroom instructor for 17 years. He currently represents district 49 in the Florida House of Representatives. Plasencia succeeds Nancy Detert and is appointed for a term beginning May 25, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018.
Gov. Scott Signs Business Rent Tax Cut
Statement on Gov. Scott’s signing of the tax package HB 7109 today by Bill Herrle, National Federation of Independent Business/Florida’s Executive Director:
“Today’s signing of HB 7109 shows that small business comes first.
“The business rent tax reduction accounts for two-thirds of the overall cut in the package – that’s a significant show of support for small business and an indication that the Florida Legislature is serious about working toward fully repealing this burdensome tax.
“Gov. Scott has long been a proponent of reducing the unfair business rent tax, and we applaud him for his work to push this over the finish line and put money back into the hands of business owners and their employees.”
Gov. Scott Signs Legislation to Cut $180 Million in Taxes for Floridians
Governor Rick Scott signed HB 7109, which cuts taxes by $180 million for Florida families and businesses. This brings the total amount of taxes cut since Governor Scott has been in office to more than $6.7 billion.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to sign this legislation today that cuts more than $180 million in taxes for Florida families and businesses. Since I’ve been in office, I’ve fought to cut taxes and reduce burdensome regulations to help boost Florida’s economy and ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to succeed in our great state. Every time we cut taxes, we are encouraging businesses of all sizes to create opportunities for families across the state and more money is put back in taxpayers’ pockets.”
The $180 million tax cut package includes:
Decreasing the Tax on Business Rents by $61 Million – Florida is the only state that has a tax on commercial leases which unfairly targets small businesses. This legislation reduces the tax on commercial leases by 0.2 percent in 2018, savingFlorida businesses $61 million a year.
- Sales Tax Holidays to Save Families $37.9 Million – The tax cut package includes two sales tax holidays, which will save Florida families an estimated $37.9 million in the upcoming fiscal year. These sales tax holiday savings include:
- $33.4 million from a 3-day back-to-school sales tax holiday (August 4-6, 2017).
- $4.5 million from a 3-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday (June 2-4, 2017). For more information visit www.floridarevenue.com.
- Cutting Taxes for Low-Income Floridians and Florida Seniors: $32.7 million.
- $6.9 million by expanding the property tax exemption for Assisted Living Facilities beginning in 2017.
- $25.8 million by providing a 50 percent discount in property taxes to certain multifamily, low-income housing projects.
To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.
To see the full bill, which includes the additional tax cuts, click HERE.
Gov. Scott Appoints John Tupps as Communications Director
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of John Tupps as Communications Director in the Governor’s Office beginning June 5th.
Governor Scott said, “John has demonstrated an incredible commitment to supporting our mission of making Florida the top destination for businesses, families and visitors. He has been a part of my administration since my first year in office and over the past six years, he has worked tirelessly to serve our state. I know John will use this experience and dedication each day to lead my communications efforts as we continue to fight for Florida jobs.”
Tupps is currently the Vice President of Government Relations for VISIT FLORIDA and previously served as deputy chief of staff at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission where he focused on conveying those organizations’ priorities to both the public and news media. Tupps previously worked in various roles in the Governor’s Press Office from 2011 to 2016, including deputy press secretary, press secretary and then deputy director of communications. Tupps also previously worked as a radio producer for South Central Radio Group in Knoxville, Tennessee. He received his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee.
ICYMI: WEAR: VISIT FLORIDA Budget Cuts Could Lead to Job Loss in Florida
“VISIT FLORIDA Budget Cuts Could Lead to Job Loss in Florida”
WEAR (ABC) – Mobile, AL
May 24, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
More than $30 Million Settlement Reached with Johnson & Johnson
Attorney General Pam Bondi and 42 other attorneys general today announced a multimillion dollar settlement with Johnson & Johnson and Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. resolving allegations that the company unlawfully promoted over-the-counter drugs. According to the complaint filed simultaneously with the states’ consent judgment today, the defendants misled consumers into believing they were purchasing drugs manufactured in an FDA compliant facility. As part of the settlement, Florida will receive more than $1.6 million.
“When a consumer purchases over-the-counter drugs, they should be able to trust that the medication is produced in a safe facility,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Thanks to collaborative multistate efforts, this settlement will help us better protect consumers buying OTC drugs across the country.”
The consent judgment requires McNeil-PPC, Inc., a division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. that manufactures and distributes OTC drugs, to ensure that its marketing and promotional practices do not unlawfully promote OTC drug products. According to the multistate investigation, the defendants acted through McNeil to promote OTC drugs as compliant with federally mandated current Good Manufacturing Practices. The Food and Drug Administration, however, found that, between 2009 and 2011, some McNeil manufacturing facilities did not comply with the mandated practices. McNeil has changed from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson to a division of Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc.
As part of the settlement, the defendants are required to conform to the following terms:
- Provide information to participating attorneys general within 60 days of a written request regarding the identity of wholesalers or warehouses where any recalled OTC drugs were distributed in their state;
- Ensure not to represent on its websites that McNeil’s OTC Drug Product facilities meet cGMP as outlined by the FDA if McNeil has had a Class I or Class II Recall of OTC drug products within the prior 12 months; and
- Follow internal standard operating polices regarding whether to open a Corrective Action and Preventive Action plan during the manufacture of an OTC drug.
To view a copy of the consent judgment, click here.
To view a copy of the complaint, click here.
Florida served on the executive committee investigating the defendants’ practices. The following also participated in the settlement: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
This settlement is pending judicial approval.
Governor Scott Signs 16 Bills Into Law
Governor Rick Scott today signed the following bills into law:
CS/CS/SB 18 – Relief of ‘Survivor’ and the Estate of ‘Victim’ – This bill directs the Florida Department of Children and Families to provide a total of $3.75 million in compensation relief to Victor Barahona and the estate of Nubia Barahona.
CS/CS/SB 80 – Public Records – This bill specifies the conditions under which a court may award attorney fees in public record disputes.
CS/SB 818 – Timeshares – This bill revises definitions and requirements for termination of timeshare plans and creates a new section related to the extension of the terms of timeshares.
CS/CS/SB 852 – Human Trafficking – This bill strengthens the oversight for victims of Human Trafficking by creating guidelines for Florida Department of Children and Families to better coordinate services.
CS/CS/SB 884 – Shark Fins – This bill increases penalties for shark finning and codifies a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rule prohibiting this practice.
CS/CS/SB 886 – Public Records – This bill creates a public records exemption for individuals with substance abuse impairment under the Florida Marchman Act.
SB 1020 – Collective Bargaining Impasses – This bill amends the timeline for portions of the Legislature’s process to resolve collective bargaining issues at impasse.
CS/CS/CS/HB 185 – State Park Fees – This bill provides free annual state park entrance passes and a 50 percent discount on campsite fees to foster families, and a free annual state park entrance pass to families who adopt children with special needs.
CS/HB 711 – “Boater Safety Bill”– This bill further reduces registration fees for boats equipped with a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
HB 741 – Department of Business and Professional Regulation Fees – This bill reduces the building permit surcharge assessed on applicable building permits to 1 percent and limits the delinquent license fees to a flat rate of $25.00 for professions under Ch. 455, F.S.
CS/CS/HB 927 – Real Estate Appraisers – This bill updates the types of instruction methods real estate schools may use, amends appraisal management company statutes to comply with changes to federal rules, and eliminates the post-licensure education requirement for trainee real estate appraisers.
CS/CS/HB 1201 – Department of Corrections –This bill changes provisions within the department to help enhance the efficiency, operations, and security of the state prison system.
HB 1233 – Cottage Food Operations – This bill increases the annual gross sales threshold from $15,000 to $50,000, to qualify as a cottage food operation and allows cottage food operations to sell products over the internet.
HB 7045 – OGSR/ Reports of Unclaimed Property – This bill prevents the scheduled repeal of the public records exemption for social security numbers and property identifiers contained in reports of unclaimed property held by the Department of Financial Services.
HB 7067 – OGSR/ Title Insurance Agencies or Insurers/ Office of Insurance Regulation – This bill continues the existing public records exemption for proprietary business information of a title insurance agency or title insurer.
HB 7107 – Homestead Exemption Implementation – This bill would implement a proposed third homestead property tax exemption constitutional amendment if voted into law.
To view the transmittal letters, click HERE.
Gov. Scott Signs Legislation for Boater Safety in Florida
Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 711, which further reduces registration fees for boats equipped with safety features, such as an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). This legislation is an extension of a boater safety bill signed into law by Governor Scott last year.
Governor Scott said, “Just two years ago, we suffered the heartbreaking loss of two teenagers after sailing from the Jupiter Inlet. This important legislation encourages the use of safety measures to ensure this kind of tragedy never happens again. I’m proud to continue our efforts to keep Florida’s families and visitors safe by signing HB 711 today.”
To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.
