TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Consumer confidence remains near a five-year, post-recession high in Florida.
    
Researchers at the University of Florida said Tuesday that the monthly survey shows consumers in the Sunshine State remain relatively optimistic heading into the general election.
    
The index, based on a survey, is down one point to 79 in October on a scale of 2 to 150. Its benchmark was 100 points in 1966.
    
The survey shows that Floridians confidence in the nation's economic health rose, while confidence in their personal finances has fallen from a year ago.
    
Chris McCarty is the director of UF's Survey Research Center in the Bureau of Economic and Business Research. He says the economy is clearly recovering in the state, noting an increase in new home sales and the median price of existing homes.

Associated Press