ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida’s economy looks good for 2026.
UCF Economist Sean Snaith released his annual forecast for Florida’s economy, which is expected to keep on growing in 2026, but at a slower rate than in previous years.
What You Need To Know
Economists do not see any major dips in Central Florida’s economy for 2026
Healthcare, tech jobs, simulation and advanced manufacturing could power our economy
Analysts say the Central Florida real estate market is stabilizing and could outperform the Miami and Tampa markets in 2026.
Here are some highlights.
· The forecast predicts Florida’s economy will grow 2.4 percent each year through 2028, outperforming the national economy.
· Florida’s economy is expected to exceed 2.1 trillion dollars by 2028.
· Personal income average growth will increase three percent each year through 2028.
Central Florida is expected to lead Florida’s economy again in the new year.
Christmas day brought holiday cheer at the Paris Banh Mi Asian Bakery in Orlando. Manager Khai Le says a steady stream of customers came in Thursday. “It was very busy, since we opened Christmas day.”
Le says during the holidays, local customers and tourists boost the bottom line here. He adds, “Most of my customers actually are from other states and other counties, cities. Most of them are from far away and they travel here.”
Professor Mark Johnston with Rollins College predicts another strong year for tourism in 2026 will help power Central Florida’s economy.
Professor Johnston explains, “The projections are that our region will probably lead the rest of the state in economic growth.”
Johnston points out the economy statewide is not expected to grow at the same pace in 2026 as it did in recent years.
He adds, “This is going to be a year of stability. We’re not going to see probably huge growth.”
Johnston says analysts do not see any major economic dips for our region in the year ahead.
He points out, “The housing market is stabilizing. We still have a pretty strong job market. We’ve got shortages in some job sectors like healthcare.”
Johnston says analysts predict the real estate market in metro Orlando will outperform the Miami and Tampa markets for 2026, and restaurants and other service sector businesses will remain relatively strong.
Economists say our region already has strong simulation, tech and advanced manufacturing sectors. Johnston thinks those areas will create new jobs in 2026 with a strong focus on artificial intelligence.
He adds, “We’ve got groups out at UCF working in artificial intelligence, and they’re out there doing things that are attractive to many tech companies around the country and around the world.”
Managers at the Asian bakery in Orlando hope the money toad on the countertop will bring prosperity for them and customers in 2026.
Le adds, “I think we might try to grow the business next year. Right now, we have a lot of franchises in other cities and other states as well.”
Professor Johnston says in a changing economy, it’s important for people to update their skills by taking some classes, getting extra training and learning how to use artificial intelligence at work.