Nearly half of Florida residents have considered moving out of the state due to the cost of living, with 26% “seriously considering it,” according to a new poll by Florida Atlantic University’s Business and Economic Polling Initiative.

The survey of 1,000 Floridians examined economic concerns, household budgets, and whether the “American Dream” still feels attainable. The poll found that 53% of Floridians still believe in the “American Dream,” while 42% no longer do.

The high cost of living emerged as a “pressure point” for the state, with 90% of respondents at least somewhat concerned about inflation and 80% concerned with housing affordability. More than half of those surveyed were not confident in their ability to buy a home in the current market, and more than eight in 10 said it was more difficult to buy a home today than five years ago.

Financial pressures are evident, with 43% of respondents saying they live paycheck to paycheck and only 48% having an emergency fund covering at least three months of expenses.

Among political affiliations, 19% of Republicans said they’re seriously considering moving out of Florida, compared to 24% of independents.

Monica Escaleras, chair of FAU’s economics department and director of the polling initiative, said in a statement: “Floridians believe in the ‘American Dream,’ but they are paying dearly for it. The Florida promise of sun, growth, and upward mobility remains alive, but it is getting expensive to hold on to.”

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Google Maps)

St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com