This week Forida Daily will be posting a series of polling data that was conducted by the (JMI) James Madison Institute.
Today’s polling story covers Forida voters’ top priorities including taxes, education choice, economic pressures, and the 2026 elections.
Key Findings
JMI says the people they surveyed are are feeling the affordability crunch, and they want Tallahassee to act.
“Housing affordability is being driven, in voters’ minds, by “fixed” costs such as insurance and taxes, not just by supply. A majority of respondents point to insurance and property taxes as key drivers of housing costs and are broadly open to property tax reform,” said JMI.
A strong majority of poll respondents also say the country is highly divided, and only about half feel safe sharing their political views.
There is robust backing for flexibility in education, such as access to public school a la carte courses by students in private or homeschools and an easing of regulations for new schools, alongside strong endorsement of cursive writing instruction.
Economic and Affordability Concerns.
Cost of living is the dominant pressure point: A substantial 92% of respondents reported increases in living costs. Four percent reported no change, 3% noted decreases, and 1% unsure. This widespread perception underscores the pervasive impact of inflation on daily life. While the rate of inflation growth has slowed, voters still want to see a reset of the cost of living in the state and country.
Insurance and taxes top the blame list for housing costs: When asked about the factors contributing to housing affordability challenges, respondents cite insurance (24%), taxes (22%), and housing supply (19%) most frequently. Smaller shares cite state (6%) and local (5%) building regulations. Fifteen percent are unsure.
Property taxes seem to be rising for most homeowners.
The poll found more than half (54%) reported paying more in property taxes, while 19% saw no change and 3% paid less. 21% of registered voters do not pay property taxes, and 3% were unsure.
Floridians 65 and older are the most likely to say they’re paying more in property taxes (61%) and are the strongest supporters of complete elimination (33%). Younger voters aged 18-34, meanwhile, are the most comfortable with the status quo at 11%.
Property tax reform is a consensus issue: There’s a strong consensus for change in property taxes, with 42% favoring moderate reforms and 35% supporting complete elimination (totaling 77% of respondents in favor of reform). Only 7% prefer the status quo and 17% are unsure, indicating a broad appetite for restructuring property taxes in the state.
Levy Caps On Property Taxes
JMI’s results show with a “persuadable” policy putting caps on property taxes has strong support but familiarity is split:
Half (50%) are familiar with how levy caps work, matched by 50% unfamiliar. Education on this concept could influence public support. Positive views dominate at 58%, against 25% unfavorable, with 17% unsure. This approach, tying property tax increases to inflation or growth, appeals as a balanced restraint on government revenue and spending.
