Economic concerns dominate Florida voters over inflation and housing costs

Florida voters are most concerned about economic issues, with inflation and housing costs being their biggest worries, according to a new poll from the James Madison Institute.

Voters in Florida are particularly concerned about economic issues. Inflation and housing costs are seen as the biggest challenges, according to a poll published on Thursday by the James Madison Institute.

The poll shows that 48 percent of respondents consider inflation a “very big problem,” while 25 percent see it as a “big problem.” Overall, 73 percent of voters are concerned about the rising cost of living. Housing affordability is another important issue for voters, with 75 percent describing housing costs in their area as unaffordable. Eighty-three percent of respondents in Southwest Florida find housing costs unaffordable, compared to 74 percent in Southeast Florida and 73 percent in Central Florida.

The poll also shows that spending habits have changed due to economic pressures. 70 percent of likely voters have cut non-essential spending, 44 percent have postponed major purchases and 23 percent have taken on extra work to cope with rising costs. The highest percentage of additional employment is among voters aged 35-49, at 28 percent.

“Almost half of respondents see inflation as a very big problem. There is therefore a clear need for effective measures to curb rising prices,” the survey summary states.

Home insurance and taxes are also areas of concern. Sixty-two percent of voters report significant increases in their home insurance premiums and 56 percent report higher property taxes. The survey also shows that there is a generational divide when it comes to economic concerns. While 48 percent of voters ages 65 and older see inflation as a “very big problem,” 39 percent of voters ages 18 to 34 share that view. Younger voters are also more focused on housing affordability and health care costs.

“The inflation problem extends to a number of areas, including significant increases in property taxes, home insurance, car insurance and health insurance,” said the poll publisher. “These far-reaching effects on basic services and the cost of living are exacerbating the financial burden on households and will be a factor in voting decisions.”

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