Publication date: November 1, 2021
Written by: Dan Reynolds
The Center for Excellence in Polling (CEP) recently surveyed Florida voters on various important issues facing the Sunshine State, including health care, property taxes, and education policy. The poll is encouraging from a policy standpoint because many of the issues surveyed have broad support across the political spectrum.
Floridians want affordable, innovative health care solutions
It seems that most Floridian voters have favorable opinions toward fostering innovative, affordable health care solutions. A vast majority of all voters support making it easier for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and others to band together to provide more affordable health care insurance for their employees and families (84%). Support is high across the political spectrum: 89% of Republicans, 84% of Democrats, and 78% of Independent respondents say they would support this measure.
Floridians support property tax reform
74%
Florida voters support increasing the state property tax discount for those who pay early up to eight percent. Currently, those who pay their property taxes early receive up to a four percent discount.
59%
Similarly, Florida voters say they want to expand the homestead property tax exemption. Currently, those using the exemption receive it according to the first $50,000 of the assessed value of their home or primary residence. Floridians support increasing this $50,000 cap if or when the home value increases. Notably, a majority of Independents also support this reform (69%).
When it comes to education, voters want more options
Whether it’s educational requirements for government jobs, work-study programs, or a school’s curriculum, Floridians want more choice when it comes to education. And, they show a certain openness to alternative pathways to success other than the typical four-year degree.
83%
An overwhelming majority of Florida voters want to expand work-study programs, which reduce tuition for working students. This is a decidedly nonpartisan issue, with a majority of Democrat voters (85%) and Independent voters (85%) supporting it.
68%
Florida voters support accepting on-the-job experience instead of college degree requirements for jobs in local and state government.
58%
Florida voters also would support giving parents the right to choose a different school—private or public—if a child’s parent has a moral or religious objection to the curriculum being taught in the school to which their child is zoned.
Voters want integrity in media
Florida voters want a level playing field when it comes to the media and politics. Currently, it is a misdemeanor in Florida for someone to attempt to pay any print or online media outlet in exchange for their support of or opposition to a political candidate. A majority of Florida voters, including a majority of Republican, Democrat, and Independent voters, support increasing this crime from a misdemeanor to a felony (57%).