A new statewide poll shows Florida voters broadly support property tax relief, health care price transparency and expanded education choices, while expressing concerns about the growth of data centers.
The survey of 1,400 registered Florida voters was conducted July 20-26 by Targoz Market Research for the James Madison Institute. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.62 percentage points.
The poll found that 74 percent of voters support significantly reducing or eliminating property taxes on homesteaded residences, including 44 percent who strongly support the proposal. Seventeen percent oppose it.
Support crossed party lines, including 89 percent of Republicans, 64 percent of independents and 59 percent of Democrats.
Fifty-five percent said the tax cuts would be worthwhile even if local governments were required to reduce spending or find other sources of revenue.
Voters were divided over how broadly the relief should apply. Forty-six percent favored focusing on homesteaded residences, while 38 percent supported extending relief to rental, commercial and second-home properties.
The poll also found widespread concern about Florida’s cost of living. Ninety-four percent said living costs increased during the previous year, including 62 percent who said they increased “a lot.”
“Cost of living is the issue on every Floridian’s mind right now, and the new JMI Poll shows just how deeply it is shaping their views,” said Robert McClure, president and CEO of the James Madison Institute.
Donalds and Jolly Lead Governor Primary Fields
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds led the Republican gubernatorial primary field with 49 percent support among likely GOP primary voters.
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins received 18 percent, followed by former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner with 8 percent.
Former U.S. Rep. David Jolly led the Democratic primary with 47 percent. No other Democratic candidate received more than 5 percent.
In hypothetical general election matchups, Donalds led Jolly 45 percent to 38 percent. Collins led Jolly 44 percent to 39 percent.
Roughly one in six voters remained undecided in each matchup.
Health Care Price Disclosure Draws Overwhelming Support
Ninety-one percent of voters supported requiring hospitals, health care providers and pharmacies to disclose clear prices before providing non-emergency treatments or prescriptions.
Support included 91 percent of Republicans, 88 percent of Democrats and 92 percent of independents.
Sixty-five percent said knowing prices in advance could affect their health care decisions.
Florida Voters Wary of Data Centers
Although 79 percent of respondents said they had heard at least some information about artificial intelligence, voters were skeptical of data center development.
Forty-nine percent opposed state efforts to attract data center investment, compared with 40 percent who supported them.
Asked about a proposed data center in their own community, 48 percent said their county commission should reject it. Thirty percent favored approval.
Higher electricity costs were the leading concern, cited by 60 percent of voters. Forty-four percent cited increased water use.
Education Proposals Receive Broad Support
The poll found that 85 percent supported additional college-credit opportunities for high school students beyond Advanced Placement courses.
Seventy-seven percent supported converting underused shopping malls or retail spaces into K-12 learning centers.
Sixty-six percent supported larger school choice scholarships for students in low-income neighborhoods, while 64 percent supported allowing public schools to offer individual courses to part-time students.
The survey also found that 64 percent of voters were aware Florida had redrawn its congressional districts ahead of the 2026 elections. Fifty-one percent said the new districts would not affect their decision to vote.
Additional results, cross-tabulations and polling graphics are available at JMIPoll.com
