Survey shows Orlando businesses prioritized talent, efficiency, and revenue strategies in Q1.
ORLANDO, Fla. – As national economic confidence dips sharply, Orlando-area businesses are doubling down on local opportunity and talent strategies to fuel growth in 2025, according to the latest Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey. Released today by the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), the survey reveals that while national outlooks are clouded by political and policy uncertainty, 76% of local businesses remain confident in their own performance and are investing in cost efficiency, innovation, and top-tier talent to stay ahead.
The Q1 2025 Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey reveals that while national confidence has faltered, local businesses are finding resilience and opportunity within the region.
The quarterly survey, conducted in partnership with Stetson University’s Center for Public Opinion Research, captured insights from 107 businesses across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties. These businesses collectively employ more than 125,000 people and span 14 different industries.
The latest Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey shows a mixed outlook for Q1 2025, with businesses expressing concern over national instability while finding strength and opportunity in the local market. As policy uncertainty casts a shadow over the national economy, many companies in the Orlando region are pivoting inward, focusing on what they can control, like talent, innovation, and cost efficiency. The survey highlights how businesses are adapting their strategies to maintain momentum despite broader headwinds.
While confidence in the broader U.S. economy has taken a hit, Orlando-area companies are staying focused on investing in people, sharpening operations, and tapping into the region’s organic growth.
Key highlights from Q1 2025 include:
- The share of businesses confident in the national economy dropped to 36%, down from 61% in Q4 2024, reflecting heightened political and trade policy uncertainty.
- 76% of local businesses remain confident in their own performance, citing strong recent results and opportunities in the regional market.
- 64% of businesses reported increased revenue, with many noting a boost from previously delayed client spending.
At the same time, hiring and investment activity declined, reflecting a cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Cost pressures remained the top challenge for more than half of respondents, while concern over political and economic unpredictability rose sharply.
To stay competitive, companies are prioritizing revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and cost efficiency. Talent acquisition and retention emerged as a top strategic focus, with 76% of businesses planning to revamp their approach—many looking to attract top-tier talent and adopt AI to streamline operations and boost productivity.
“Businesses in the Orlando region appeared to re-enter a holding pattern in the first quarter of 2025.
Neil Hamilton,
Vice President,
Research & Strategy at the OEP
While national uncertainty has many companies pausing bold moves, Orlando’s organic growth and strong business fundamentals continue to provide a solid foundation for resilience.”
The Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey, powered by Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC—The Reliable One), is a vital tool for understanding local business sentiment and guiding strategies that promote broad-based prosperity throughout Central Florida.
To explore the full results and add your voice to future surveys, visit: www.orlando.org/survey
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Media Contact: Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio | jennifer.marcial@orlando.org | 407-902-0221
