Consumer confidence among Floridians rose in July, according to new data released by the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research. The rating increased by 1.5 points between June and July, to 97.7, the survey's second-highest reading since March 2002. Perceptions of one’s personal financial situation now compared with a year ago showed the greatest drop in this month’s reading, while expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next year and over the next five years both rose. The results are based on the responses of 461 individuals who were reached on cell phones.