• 83% polled think requiring companies to alert consumers when their data may have been impacted in a data breach is very important
• Another 73% of Floridians believe that a free market generates more innovation than a tightly-regulated market and that Corporate America generates more innovation than the government
• Only 9% of respondents believe that regulating big tech companies should be a top priority for Congress right now – coming in dead last on issues of priority for voters

Florida voters are overwhelmingly concerned about the rising costs of consumer goods, according to a new poll.

The poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies on behalf of the James Madison Institute, found that 42% of Floridians view inflation is the most important issue plaguing Floridians, trumping other issues such as immigration (9%) and gun control (8%). Florida voters also said, by an 83%-9% margin, controlling inflation should be the top regulatory priority of Congress and the federal government rather than focusing on regulating America’s largest technology companies.  

 “Voters in Florida are very clear; they’re concerned about the economy and inflation and believe acting on policies to break up American technology companies is not only unfair, but will also increase prices on consumer goods,” said Robert Blizzard, a partner at Public Opinion Strategies. “Pursuing policies in Washington like antitrust is a lose-lose situation. Focusing on these policies could actually be detrimental for lawmakers seeking reelection.”

The findings come on the heels of a handful of federal lawmakers pushing to increase regulatory action by Congress and the Federal Trade Commission. Additionally, the new poll revealed that Floridians believe pursuing federal antitrust laws by Congress will actually increase, not decrease, inflation and prices on consumer goods, which could result in voters taking action at the ballot box for candidates who are pursuing policies that will raise prices.

Voters were also clear that if any tech policies were advanced, Congress should prioritize legislation to prevent cyberattacks (25%), increase security measures to better protect children online (18%), and alert customers involved in data breaches (18%).

 “The poll confirms that Florida voters don’t want heavy-handed government regulations that will increase prices and stifle innovation,” said Sal Nuzzo, Vice President of Policy, The James Madison Institute. “As inflation continues to stifle the economy, voters are right to demand their elected officials focus on the kind of free-market principles that will lead to lower costs on everyday goods.” 

 On behalf of The James Madison Institute, Public Opinion Strategies completed a survey of 600 registered voters in Florida via an online sample. The survey was conducted from August 29 to September 1, 2022, and has a credibility interval of +4.56%.

To view the full poll, click here.