By Jim Carchidi
July 24, 2026
Job gains and local business optimism are among the findings of a second quarter report by Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP). The Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Business Conditions Survey collected responses from 127 businesses in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties between April 1 and June 30.
Confidence amid challenge
The survey assesses business confidence, recent and anticipated performance, challenges, and opportunities. The latest results show some year-over-year losses, but a generally higher degree of confidence in local prospects.
“Businesses across the Orlando region became more cautious in Q2 2026 as renewed inflation appeared to weigh on sentiment,” said OEP Research & Strategy Director Sara Reynolds in a prepared statement. “However, businesses continue to adapt and forecast growth even as the environment remains challenging.”
The results
According to the survey, confidence in the local and national economy fell to two-year lows. But respondents expressed more confidence in their own business outlook over the national outlook.
Images courtesy of Orlando Economic Partnership
Overall business performance dropped as a result of inflation and national pressures. Year-over-year drops were reported in revenue (-5%), profitability (-8%), employment (-3%), and investments (-2%). But more confidence was expressed in expected Q3 improvements than in 2025.
Jobs
OEP also touts Q2 information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which ranks Orlando among the nation’s top 5 metros for year-over-year job growth.
According to OEP, about 12,300 Orlando-area jobs have been added since January with 20,600 jobs added over the previous 12 months. The numbers mark a year-over-year increase of 11,000 new jobs.
Tourism and professional services accounted for the highest number of new jobs, but the need for AI skills is increasing. OEP finds that Orlando recorded 1,900 new AI-related job postings in June - twice the amount in 2025 and four times more than 2024. The numbers mirror an ongoing desire for efficiency with 45% of surveyed businesses looking to balance growth with internal improvements and operational efficiency.
The downtown view
About 75% of respondents see downtown Orlando as an economically safe business environment, but 85% believe improvements would attract more interest and investment. Surveyed businesses chose public safety and security as the highest priorities in improving the downtown business climate.
The findings come as city leaders are attempting to bolster downtown development and economic viability with two initiatives:
- The DTO Action Plan is transforming the urban model into an engaging lifestyle center to boost foot traffic and interest in downtown businesses.
- A controversial moratorium on historic preservation standards is meant to spur private investment in Church Street and underdeveloped buildings.
The Orlando MSA Business Conditions Survey is administered by Stetson University’s Center for Public Opinion Research (CPOR), with responses collected throughout the quarter. Each quarter, businesses are also asked a series of questions on a topical issue of regional significance.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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