We can expect some changes in confidence as the payroll tax holiday expires.
Florida's overall consumer confidence level is little changed in January from the previous month.
But University of Florida researchers said Tuesday that it's increased by five points for low-income residents while dropping by seven points among wealthier Floridians.
Overall consumer confidence dropped just a point to 75 in January. That's on a scale of 2 to 150 benchmarked to 1966 at a value of 100.
Chris McCarty, who directs the monthly survey, said low-income and wealthy individuals likely are reacting differently to the actions that Congress took to avoid the so-called ``fiscal cliff.''
While Congress put off major action on spending cuts, it did raise taxes on incomes exceeding $400,000.
Congress also repealed a payroll tax cut, but MCarty said it may take consumers longer to notice that change.
(Associated Press)
