Floridians are more satisfied with the state's economy than America's current direction, poll finds

Voters Florida are more optimistic about their states trajectory than the nations's future, according to a new Florida Chamber statewide poll.

The poll showed that Floridians are tightly split 47 to 45 percent in believing their state is headed in the right direction. This is under Governor Ron DeSantis' leadership, who currently has a 55 percent approval rating among voters. In contrast, close to 2 in 3 of the participants believe "the United States is currently on the wrong track."

The results echoed the dissatisfaction of voters polled in the survey towards the current administration, where presidential race would be tilted in favor of Trump by 52 percent against Vice President Kamala Harris' 45 percent, if the elections would take place today.

"This new poll shows likely Florida voters are much more confident in Florida than in the nation as we begin the 2024 General Election, which is not surprising considering Florida created 1 in every 11 new jobs nationally over the last year and 1 in 6 new jobs nationally in the month of July alone," said Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.

For instance, in terms of the economy, half the Latinos in Florida, 50 percent to be exact, believe that the policies enacted by the Biden-Harris administration had a negative effect on the country's economy, compared to 54 percent of all voters. Only 37 percent of people answering the poll believed the current administration improved America's economy.

Property Insurance was the top issue among Florida voters surveyed, with 16 percent of Floridians believing this to be the main issue for the state in this election. This was also the top issue for Hispanic communities. Other key issues in the state include job creation and the economy as well as illegal immigration, both with 12 percent of respondents.

The report highlighted that, as of July 31, 2024, Republicans continue to dominate the majority of the state's political association by a million voters, with 5,325,279 registrations compared to 4,329,205 registered Democrats. There were also 3,913,071 people registered as "no party affiliation" NPA or members of minor parties.

Democrats polled in the state pointed to abortion as the top issue, whereas Republicans respondents said that illegal immigration was the most important matter in their agenda.

Other issues mentioned in the poll included Floridian voters' opinion on Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana. A mere 59 percent of respondents support the amendment, falling short of the 60 percent required to pass the motion.

DeSantis has shown strong opposition to the legalization of marijuana for recreational. If enacted, Florida's legislature and DeSantis' office estimated last year that Amendment 3 would generate between $195.6 million and $431.3 million in new sales tax revenue annually.

Cherry Communications surveyed 600 potential voters over the phone; 217 Democrats, 254 Republicans and 129 "others' in Florida between August 15 and August 26, 2024.