As Jobless Rate Creeps Up, Consumer Confidence Slides

Still feeling pessimistic about the economy? Holding off on buying that shiny new Audi or much needed home appliance? In Florida, you're not alone.

The state's consumer confidence took another dip this month, with residents reporting skepticism on their ability to buy big-ticket items as well as on the economy's long-term outlook. A new University of Florida survey shows confidence fell by three points in March to 70, just as recent unemployment figures reveal Florida's jobless rate last month stood at 12.2 percent.

That bleak number represents Florida's highest unemployment rate since the state began keeping track. The drop in consumer confidence is "almost certainly related to persistent elevated levels of unemployment in Florida and the perception that jobs are neither secure nor widely available," said Chris McCarty, survey director of UF's Bureau of Economic and Business Research, in a news release.

The news isn't all bad: Floridians' views on their personal finances appear to be stabilizing. Still, the survey showed a significant fall in assurance about purchasing items such as a new car or refrigerator.

This area represented the biggest change in the index, with confidence about making major household investments diving 10 points to 72. Floridians are also wary about the national economy's prospects over the next five years, with confidence there falling four points to 72.