JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A recent poll from the University of North Florida shows housing costs and property taxes are among the biggest worries for Floridians heading into 2026.
“Affordability, affordability, affordability. That is the dominant theme of this poll,” said government law attorney Chris Hand.
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He noted that housing prices have soared across the state, making Florida less of a value market than in the past.
Property insurance remains a challenge as well.
“Many Floridians struggle to afford property insurance or must rely on Citizens Property Insurance Company, the state’s insurer of last resort,” Hand explained.
The poll also reflects ongoing debates over property taxes.
“Republicans in Tallahassee are exploring ways to reduce or eliminate property taxes for homestead properties,” Hand said. However, he cautioned about the impact on local budgets. “In Jacksonville, property taxes fund about $1.2 billion of the city’s $1.7 billion budget, supporting essential services like police, fire, and parks.”
While 49% of poll respondents support eliminating property taxes, 43% oppose it, signaling a divided public.
As Florida’s 2026 legislative session approaches, housing affordability and property tax reforms are expected to be key topics of debate.
Watch the full interview with Chris Hand about housing costs, property taxes, and the government shutdown on This Week in Jacksonville.