TALLAHASSEE, Florida (AP) - University of Florida researchers say the state's consumer confidence is at a five-year high.

They said Tuesday that the November election is a likely factor. That's because President Barack Obama's supporters are more optimistic than those backing challenger Mitt Romney.

The monthly index is up three points in September to 79 on a scale of 2 to 150. It's benchmarked at 100 points in 1966.

September's index is the highest since October 2007 prior to the Great Recession.

The Bureau of Economic and Business Research on the Gainesville campus surveyed 419 peoples representing a demographic cross-section of Florida from Sept. 12 through Sept. 20.

The survey showed increases in all five components used to compile the index. That includes whether Floridians think they are better off than a year ago.