This week, Forida Daily will be publishing data from a series of polls conducted by the (JMI) James Madison Institute.
Today’s poll articles cover the top priorities of Forida voters, including taxes, education choices, economic pressures, and the 2026 election.
Main findings
JMI says those surveyed feel an affordability crisis and want Tallahassee to take action.
“In the minds of voters, housing affordability is determined not only by supply but also by ‘fixed’ costs such as insurance and taxes. A majority of respondents indicated that insurance and property taxes are the main drivers of housing costs, and they were broadly positive about property tax reform,” JMI said.
A majority of poll respondents also said the country is deeply divided, with only about half feeling safe sharing their political views.
There is strong support for cursive instruction, as well as strong support for educational flexibility, including access for private or home-schooled students to public school a la carte courses and relaxed regulations for new schools.
Economics and affordability concerns.
The cost of living is the biggest pressure point. Virtually 92% of respondents reported an increase in the cost of living. 4% reported no change, 3% reported a decrease, and 1% were unsure. This widespread recognition highlights the far-reaching effects of inflation on everyday life. Although the rate of inflation has slowed, voters still want to reset the cost of living in their states and countries.
Topping the list of causes of housing costs are insurance and taxes. When asked about factors contributing to housing affordability challenges, respondents most commonly cited insurance (24%), taxes (22%), and housing supply (19%). A smaller share cited state (6%) and local (5%) building regulations. 15% are not confident.
Property taxes appear to be rising for most homeowners.
The poll found more than half (54%) reported their property tax payments increased, while 19% saw no change and 3% saw their payments decrease. 21% of registered voters did not pay property taxes and 3% were unsure.
Floridians 65 and older are the most likely to say they pay more in property taxes (61%) and are the most likely to support complete repeal (33%). However, young voters aged 18 to 34 were the most satisfied with the current situation at 11%.
Property tax reform is a consensus issue: There is a strong consensus on changing property taxes, with 42% supporting modest reform and 35% supporting complete repeal (77% of respondents total support reform). Only 7% prefer to maintain the status quo and 17% are unsure, indicating widespread appetite for restructuring the state’s property taxes.
Fixed asset tax tax upper limit
JMI’s results show that while a “compelling” policy to cap property taxes has strong support, awareness is divided.
Half (50%) are well aware of how the levy cap works, while 50% are not. Education about this concept can influence public support. 58% had an overwhelmingly positive opinion, 25% had a negative opinion, and 17% were unsure. This approach, which links property tax increases to inflation or growth, is attractive as a balanced restraint on government revenue and spending.
