The James Madison Institute’s latest poll of 1,200 registered Florida voters offers crucial insights as Florida heads toward the 2026 gubernatorial election.
- The governor’s is far from being a cakewalk for Rep. Byron Donalds, despite having President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Nearly a third of registered voters describe themselves as “politically homeless,” feeling unrepresented by either major party. This disaffection, combined with the fact that 24% of registered voters identify as independent
s, suggests that candidates who can speak to moderate concerns about fiscal responsibility may have an advantage.
- Among announced Republican primary candidates, U.S. Representative Byron Donalds currently leads with 29% support, though 62% remain undecided. In an expanded field that includes First Lady Casey DeSantis, she tops the field at 26%, with Donalds close behind at 23%. General election matchups show razor-thin margins, with Donalds edging Democrat David Jolly by just four points.
This survey also reveals a state grappling with economic pressures.
Economic Anxiety Dominates the Conversation
Cost-of-living concerns tower over all other issues, with 41% of Floridians citing it as their top priority. The anxiety is particularly acute when it comes to housing, where 66% of voters worry about affording their homes due to soaring property taxes and housing costs.
- The message to lawmakers couldn’t be clearer: Floridians want relief, and they want it now.
Property tax reform has significant support, though only 33% of voters want property taxes eliminated entirely.
- A hypothetical constitutional amendment to substantially reduce property taxes would pass with a commanding 65% margin, while the complete elimination only had a 15% margin.
For candidates in the 2026 race, advocating for full elimination could be a winning strategy, with 45% of voters more likely to support such a candidate.
- Estimated margin of error: +/- 2.77%; Fieldwork: September 16-18
Background: The James Madison Institute (JMI) is a conservative think tank based in Tallahassee, dedicated to promoting free-market capitalism, limited government, economic liberty, and the rule of law, especially through research and education on policy issues relevant to the state of Florida.
