The James Madison Institute has conducted a poll that yields a fascinating and informative survey of how Florida voters think about key policy and political issues affecting the state’s future. And that includes the 2026 elections.
While Floridians are feeling the affordability crunch, there appear to be areas of broad agreement on issues such as property tax reform, the originalist relevance of the U.S. Constitution as an enduring document, and expanding educational opportunity.
Nine out of ten respondents reported increases in living expenses, including housing costs. The factors contributing to the rise in housing costs include insurance, taxes, housing supply, and local building regulations.
Over half of homeowners reported paying more in property taxes. One in five registered voters pays no property taxes at all. Voters aged 65+ are the strongest supporters of eliminating such taxes; voters aged 18-34 are the most comfortable with the status quo. Overall, there is a strong consensus in favor of change in property taxes: 77% of respondents favor moderate reforms or complete elimination. Only 7% prefer the status quo, and 17% are unsure.
Looking at the 2026 Gubernatorial election, Byron Donalds (R) is the leader of the pack, strengthened by President Trump’s support. In the Republican primary, the numbers break down as follows: Byron Donalds-33%; Jay Collins-15%, Paul Renner-9%, James Fishback-3%, and 40% undecided. President Trump’s influence is noteworthy; when Floridians are asked which candidate the President probably endorsed, only 29% said he endorsed Donalds; 48% are unaware. 63% believe Trump’s endorsement would make them more likely to support his candidate, with 28% not affected and 4% less likely. The polling results show Donald’s as the current frontrunner, with the Trump endorsement being a big boost.
In the Democratic matchup for Governor, David Jolly got 31% support, Jerry Demings 23%, 44% were unsure, and 2% said they would not vote.
Likely voters are those who are very or somewhat likely to participate. And when likely voters were asked about the general election, it stacked up like this: Donalds earns 41%, Jolly 36%, Jason Pizzo (NPA) 6%, and 17% other/undecided. This produced a +5% margin for Donald’s.
As for the national political climate, the James Madison Institute reports that a majority of respondents maintain the country is divided: 71% say we are “extremely” or “very” divided, 21% somewhat, 6% not divided, and 2% unsure. Obviously, this results in societal tension.
Our Constitution has broad support: 73% say it is still essential, 23% have doubts, and 4% are unsure. Among 18-34 year-olds, support drops to 40%, and 26% state it is probably or definitely not relevant. It’s a troubling revelation about youth, but supportive overall.
Voters prefer balanced civic education for America: 53% emphasize strength without sugar-coating problems, 19% acknowledge flaws without ignoring successes, and 14% prefer an exclusive focus on strengths. 66% agree that voter identification laws would boost election confidence, while 16% disagree.
There is strong support for electoral integrity.
Artificial Intelligence in classrooms is regarded more positively than negatively, with 54% voting positive and 30% negative, but students must be taught how to use AI safely.
We have a highly migratory population in Florida. 31% of registered voters are first-generation, 28% second-generation, 16% third-generation, 6% fourth-generation, 4% fifth-generation, and 17% unsure. This reveals Florida’s migratory nature.
There is a wide range in religious attendance: 27% attend weekly, 11% a few times a month, 15% yearly, and 46% rarely or never, with 1% unsure.
Other stories you may want to read:
John R. Smith: Florida’s Property Insurance Gains Under Attack by Trial Lawyers
- John R. Smith: Florida Net Migration Trends Are On the Move - March 16, 2026
- John R. Smith: Diversity Has Two Faces, and a Downside - March 11, 2026
- John R. Smith: How Close Is Your Thinking to the Average Florida Voter? - March 2, 2026