Consumer sentiment among Floridians fell again in May, according to the University of Florida's latest consumer survey. The May sentiment rating, 89.4, is lower than the previous 12-month average, trending downward for the third month in a row. Perceptions of one’s personal financial situation now compared with a year ago show the greatest increase, from 80.4 to 85.2, while expectations of personal finances a year from now rose 1.9 points to 103.1. But opinions as to whether now is a good time to buy a big-ticket item such as an appliance or automobile plummeted, from 101.4 to 92.8.

To compile the data, approximately 500 adult Florida residents are surveyed each month by telephone.