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Faces of Florida

MediaLab@FAU, Florida Atlantic's PolCom Lab and Mainstreet Research conducted a poll on Florida's political pulse in Spring 2025. MediaLab reporters asked Florida voters similar questions. Meet them here:

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ALYSSA NAKONECHNY

Bartender, 29, Coral Springs

On leaving Florida: I would not consider it likely [to leave Florida] in the next five years, because I love being around my family and friends...If I were to ever leave, it would be because of the cost of living. I’m born and raised in Florida and can’t believe how much cheaper it is to live in some other states, like North Carolina.”

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BRIAN CUSHEN

Computer Science Major at UCF, 23, Orlando

On Florida's political pulse: I’m not satisfied with the current political climate in Florida because it feels very divided. It feels like you’re almost in a different country almost and it feels like a state that hasn’t unified themselves.

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CRAIG MALOBICKY

Sales Manager, 57, Orlando

On gun control: I think it should stay 21, I'm a gun owner...The person who owns a gun needs to be responsible, and I think a 21 age limit, same as you can drink alcohol is fine. I'm for a little bit longer wait period to own a gun.

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GABRIEL ALVES

Bartender, 30,  Boca Raton 

On leaving Florida: It’s unlikely that I’ll leave Florida within the next five years. The state offers so much that resonates with me: its beautiful beaches and year-round warm weather, and its vibrant cultural scene. As a Latino, I feel a strong sense of community here...If I were ever to consider leaving Florida, it would likely be due to the rising cost of living, especially rent prices in the cities where I’d ideally like to live. The affordability issue is becoming increasingly challenging.

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JACQUELINE ROMANO

Student, 24, Engelwood 

On abortion: Being raised Catholic, I'd say yes [I agree with the abortion law], but as a woman, I don't think I can agree with it being a law. Six weeks is just too soon, some women wouldn't even know by that time. I think there should be a little more room allowing for decision-making. A child is a big deal, a lot of responsibility.

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JOEL LAMPE

Retired Bible Teacher, 54, Clearwater

On DOGE: I cautiously support it and agree. But I am also concerned that good programs might be being slashed that I am not aware about, I cant be knowledgeable about all things." "I 100% make America first and then focus on the rest, I 90% support it, 10% I'm just not smart enough to know if it would cause damage or gain for some of these programs.

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KELVIN HGUYEN

UCF Graduate, 23, Orlando

On the amendment threshold: Yes, [the 60% threshold to pass an amendment] is appropriate because it protects minority interests. If people want to get stuff changed they got to really have majority vote. I think 60% is a good number.

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MALIK BOOTHE

Retail Manager, 29, Boynton Beach

On gun control: Lowering the age to purchase firearms to 18 in my eyes would be extremely detrimental and pose a significant risk to the state. Allowing those who lack the emotional and mental maturity to own deadly weapons would create unsafe public, living and learning environments where reckless use of these weapons could result in devastating consequences.

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MALIQUE CAMPBELL

Mechanic, 23, Delray Beach

On gun control: At the end of the day, I'd say no, keep the age the same. At 18, you're just becoming an adult. At least by the time you're 21, you've been an adult for some time and have matured.

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MATTHEW MERHEFKA

CEO of Glades Talent, 41, Boca Raton

On leaving Florida: I love the state of Florida, my kids love the state of Florida. As a migrant from Massachusetts and now as an owner of a Florida business, I feel like the opportunity for the American dream exists in Florida as much or more than it does in any other state. I was paying significantly more taxes, including a 5% state income tax and excise taxes on my cars. I’m not leaving Florida anytime soon.

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NATALI VELASQUEZ

Preschool Teacher, 25, Coral Springs

On leaving Florida: Climate change is an increasingly pressing concern, particularly in regions like South Florida. Summers are becoming hotter and lasting longer. These shifts not only affect daily life but also contribute to a more intense hurricane season... One reason I'd consider leaving Florida is increasing temperatures. The summer heat has become unbearable the last few years.

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NICK JOSEPH

FSU Graduate, 23, Delray Beach

On abortion: I do not support the current Florida abortion law, but it is better than straight up banning it in total. I just believe that the decision of abortion should be left to the woman and not the government.

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SANAY NEWTON

Student, 18, Fort Lauderdale 

On Florida's political pulse: I'm not satisfied with the political climate in Florida [but] I love Florida, it's where I grew up and it's a nice environment.

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TIOTNE BOOTHE

Human Resource Manager, 31, Boynton Beach

On abortion: I believe everyone should have a choice, and sometimes you don’t know at six weeks, sometimes you find out at eight weeks.

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VICTOR MENDOZA

Film Teacher, 28, Parkland

On leaving Florida: The state of Florida’s cost of living is the primary reason why I would personally consider leaving the state.

As Featured In

Our poll-related stories reached approximately 265 million readers when measured in possible total exposure, according to the Florida Atlantic's Media Relations department.  Even more exciting, our work traveled across the country and was picked up in nine states, including New York, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. 

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Poll Coverage

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Eighty Percent of Floridians Oppose Reverting to Pre-Parkland Gun Laws, Poll Finds

Image by Lance Asper

Forty Percent of Florida voters Say Cost of Living May Drive them from the Sunshine State

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Floridians are not exactly down with DOGE. They are slightly more open to a state equivalent.

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Floridians say hurricanes are worsening due to climate change. That includes many Republicans who voted for Trump in November.

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Poll: Floridians Oppose Six-Week Abortion Law, Despite Backing Trump in 2024

MediaLab@FAU

For information about our stories or partnering with us, email Mya Guarnieri, MediaLab's Managing Editor

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