The Florida Council of 100, chaired by Gunster's George S. LeMieux, has published results from the Q1 2026 CEO Economic Outlook Index, which tracks executive expectations for sales, capital spending, and employment in Florida across the next six months.
The latest research shows that Florida's overall index of 98 remains well above the national index score of 89. Additionally, one of the most notable findings for this quarter is the continued strength in capital investment. Florida's capital expenditure subindex is the highest level recorded since the Council began tracking the index. The subindex rose from 88 to 91, signaling that companies are continuing to invest in infrastructure, innovation, and expansion.
“Florida CEOs are betting on the state’s future through continued investment and expansion,” said George LeMieux, Chair of the Florida Council of 100. “That confidence reflects the strength of Florida’s business environment and long-term economic outlook.”
As Florida continues to outpace national trends in executive confidence and capital investment, Gunster remains committed to helping businesses navigate the legal landscape and seize the opportunities that make Florida a leading destination for growth and expansion.
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For more than twenty-five years, George S. LeMieux has been lead trial counsel in federal and state courts, in civil and regulatory matters, before juries, judges and arbitrators. His clients include financial institutions (Wells Fargo, TD Bank), telecommunications companies (AT&T), healthcare providers (Cleveland Clinic, Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare, Elevance Health), real estate developers (Ram Realty Services, Falcone Group), and during his career prominent individuals including President-elect George W. Bush, Governor Jeb Bush, and Raymond Perelman. He has argued cases before the United States Supreme Court, the Supreme Court of Florida, and Florida’s intermediate appellate courts. His practice includes defending clients in enforcement matters brought by state attorneys general, defending clients in defamation cases, advocating for clients in administrative law proceedings, and counseling governmental bodies on public records and public meeting requirements. He has successfully litigated business disputes and intellectual property cases to verdict; his practice also includes professional liability defense.
