St. Pete-Clearwater Sun

Florida’s affordability challenges are drawing renewed attention from both parties ahead of the November midterm elections, though Republicans and Democrats differ on the best approach.

New labor data shows Florida’s unemployment rate has risen to 4.7 percent, up one percentage point from the same period last year, representing approximately 523,000 unemployed residents. Polling from Florida Atlantic University indicates affordability ranks among voters’ top concerns.

Republicans are centering their response on property tax relief. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled he is weighing multiple options and that negotiations are intensifying. State Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia called for an aggressive approach, citing what he described as significant government spending growth over the past six years. State leaders are aiming to place a property tax measure on the November ballot, with a special session to finalize details expected sometime this summer.

Democrats argue the Republican-led legislature is not doing enough. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried criticized a recent special session for failing to address what she called an affordability crisis. State Sen. Lori Berman said lawmakers should be focused on property insurance, housing costs, health care, and education rather than redistricting.

Sen. Rick Scott, Florida’s senior U.S. senator, acknowledged the economic data was cause for concern, noting that the state’s job numbers have continued to worsen.

The broader affordability picture in Florida is challenging. The cost of living has climbed across major metropolitan areas, with Orlando ranking among the nation’s least affordable housing markets according to multiple studies, and Tampa having experienced some of the fastest post-pandemic rent growth in the country. Local government budgets have also grown during the same period.

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