Fla. consumer confidence remains near 5-yr high

TALLAHASSEE, Fla - Consumer confidence remains near a five-year, post-recession high in Florida. The state's employers also are feeling more optimistic.

University of Florida researchers said Tuesday that their monthly survey shows consumers remain relatively upbeat heading into the general election.

A separate national survey indicates Florida employers expect to more than double their hiring rates in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the same period last year.

Florida's consumer confidence index of 79 in October is down just a point from its five-year high the previous month. The index is scaled from 2 to 150. Its benchmark was 100 points in 1966.

The consumer survey shows that Floridians' confidence in the nation's economic health rose while confidence in their personal finances has fallen from a year ago.