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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poll Coverage
Floridians are not exactly down with DOGE. They are slightly more open to a state equivalent.
Floridians say hurricanes are worsening due to climate change. That includes many Republicans who voted for Trump in November.
