More than eight in 10 Florida voters say the United States is heading in the wrong direction according to a new survey commissioned by the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
The poll, conducted by Cherry Communications, didn't find broad optimism about the state's trajectory — just 47% said it was headed in the right direction — but they were decidedly more pessimistic about the country, with 77% saying they were down on the U.S.
One culprit identified by the poll: President Joe Biden's economic policies.
More than half (55%) of respondents said Biden administration policies have done more harm than good compared to 31% who say the first-term President has improved the national economy.
At 91%, the anti-Biden sentiment was strongest among Florida Republicans. A third 34% of NPAs and a quarter of Hispanic voters agree. Additionally, about half of Florida voters (46%) say their financial situation is worse today than last year, while only 19% say they're better off than last year.
Given the financial and economic gloom, it's unsurprising that most Florida voters (65%) say Biden doesn't deserve a second term. That includes nearly three-quarters (73%) of Hispanic voters, 60% of no-party voters, and even 34% of Democrats.
"Florida voters remain concerned about the direction of our country along with poor federal economic policies out of the Biden White House while being far more optimistic about Florida's track," Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson said.
The Chamber did tout some positive stats on the Florida economy: the state has created 19,600 jobs in the last month and 241,200 jobs in the past year; Florida's 2.8% unemployment is better than other large states; and the Sunshine State's rolling annual growth rate of 2.5% is also tops among large states.
Wilson added, "The fact is Florida remains a growth leader nationally in job creation and population migration, and as we conclude our annual 'Future of Florida Forum,' I remain convinced Florida is a stock worth buying with the Florida 2030 Blueprint serving as the map for continuing that momentum."
The survey also asked voters about their top issues heading into the 2024 Election cycle. Republicans said immigration is their top concern, while men put property insurance at No. 1. Women and Democrats said education was their priority.
The polling comes as Republicans continue building a voter registration lead over Democrats — heading into October, the GOP's advantage stood at 626,518, or 4%.
"Florida is changing. Our economics, our demographics, and as we see, our politics are changing as well," said Florida Chamber Executive Vice President of Government and Political Relations Frank Walker. "What we have seen over the last two years with voter registration represents a tidal shift in Florida politics as we head into a consequential election year in 2024."
The Florida Chamber poll was conducted Oct. 13-20 using live telephone interviews. The sample size included 236 Democrats, 266 Republicans, and 99 Others for a total of 601 respondents statewide. It has a margin of error of +/- 4%.
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