Florida Homeowners Prioritize Insurance Costs Over Taxes

A new poll reveals that residents are more concerned about rising insurance premiums than property tax burdens.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Insurance

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a Florida coastal home as a geometric shape, representing the weight of rising insurance costs. — A new University of North Florida poll indicates that 63% of homeowners rank rising property insurance premiums as their top financial concern, surpassing property taxes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you find property insurance costs more burdensome than property taxes for your household budget?

Data from the University of North Florida shows 63% of homeowners identify property insurance as their primary financial worry. This sentiment holds across party lines, outpacing concerns regarding property taxes.

Why it matters

Rising insurance costs remain a central issue for Florida households ahead of upcoming tax reform decisions. Understanding these priorities is key to gauging public sentiment regarding state fiscal policy.

A survey of Florida homeowners found 63% prioritize property insurance costs over taxes. Support for this view includes 70% of Democrats, 62% of NPA voters, and 57% of Republicans.

The players

Byron Donalds

Byron Donalds is a Republican gubernatorial candidate who has been discussing fiscal policies and legal enforcement with Florida voters.

University of North Florida

The University of North Florida is an academic institution that maintains a Public Opinion Research Lab to track political and social trends.

The details

Byron Donalds addressed these voter concerns during a town hall meeting in Kissimmee, pledging to limit his enforcement to existing U.S. and Florida laws. The poll was conducted in collaboration with the Orlando Sentinel and the South Florida Sun Sentinel to capture resident sentiment.

September 28, 2026: Byron Donalds held a town hall in Kissimmee.
November 2026: Voters will decide on property tax reform.

Market Dynamics

This polling data reflects a broader shift in Florida's fiscal climate where insurance volatility has overtaken historical tax concerns as the primary household economic stressor. The findings underscore the urgency facing policymakers as they approach the state's upcoming property tax reform vote.

The public's intense focus on insurance premiums suggests that homeowners may be reducing discretionary spending to maintain coverage. This trend could influence both state legislative priorities and the long-term financial planning of Florida residents.

The takeaway

Floridians are currently more focused on the escalating cost of property insurance than on property tax rates. Residents should prepare for ongoing legislative debates as these financial pressures shape the upcoming election cycle.