University survey finds Floridians are confident about the state's real estate market

In the sunshine state's real estate market, it appears everything is coming up roses. At least that's what survey respondents believe.

According to a new survey released by the University of Florida, there appears to be a lot of optimism in the state. Among several key factors relating to the health and vitality of the state's economy, like the outlook for sales in single-family homes, condominiums and office spaces, respondents believe Florida will perform well in 2011.

Timothy Becker, director of the University of Florida's Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies, believes Floridians' confidence is tied to the installment of the state's new governor.

"The state welcomed a new governor who has promised to make Florida a more business-friendly state," Becker said. "If he can succeed on his goals, respondents believe it will have a positive impact on the real estate market."

The survey questioned approximately 275 men and women, representing 13 regions and 15 property types.

Becker said that while respondents feel confident about the real estate market, Florida homebuilders are more pessimistic. This mirrors what the Associated General Contractors of America found among homebuilders last month, that despite the confidence of firms, contractors aren't as bullish about their homebuilding prospects.