Executive Summary

While Trump is doing well in Florida, voters there don’t think he’s doing enough to address climate change. They do think climate change is real and that it needs to be addressed – responsibly. Even 61% of Republicans think we need a balanced approach to climate change that protects both the economy and the environment. There’s widespread agreement among Florida voters that extreme weather is increasing and that it’s due to climate change, that human activity is playing a role in climate change, and that it’s impacting (or will in the future) the Everglades and people personally. Because of this, Floridians overwhelmingly prefer a candidate who acknowledges and works to address climate change. The best approach is widespread with an emphasis on regulations and taxing polluters.

Voters – including the GOP – are ready for action on climate change.

When it comes to climate change, more than half of respondents believe we need a balanced approach that protects both the economy and the environment. 61% of Republicans chose this option. More than half of every group chose this option except 18-24 year olds, Democrats, people in Tampa, and low-propensity voters, who all leaned toward taking immediate action no matter the consequences. In fact, less than 1 in 5 think climate change isn’t real or have no opinion.

And it’s no wonder they want to take action – 68% believe extreme weather events are increasing and more than half blame climate change (56%), including a quarter of Republicans (the only group that was below 46% agree). Interestingly, 42% of Republicans think human activity plays a role in climate change. More than 2/3 of respondents share this view, and it’s especially popular with young people, non-whites, and in Miami/Ft Lauderdale.