A recent statewide poll commissioned by the Florida Chamber of Commerce shows that local businesses in Florida continue to enjoy strong support among voters, and trust in business remains high. The survey, conducted by Cherry Communications between August 13 and 24, 2025, polled 600 likely voters across the state with a margin of error of +/- 4 percent.
Support for lawsuit abuse reform passed in 2023 remains steady among Floridians. Only 11% of those surveyed believe the reforms went too far, while more than three times as many respondents favor additional efforts to address frivolous litigation. Support for further reform is consistent across race, ethnicity, gender, and party affiliation. The Chamber notes that this comes at a time when the state’s homeowners and auto insurance markets are showing signs of stabilization as more private sector competition enters Florida.
Voters also expressed skepticism toward personal injury trial lawyers who advertise on billboards and television. According to the poll, only 11% believe these lawyers are primarily interested in protecting people’s rights, while 74% say they are more focused on making money. This view is shared by majorities across political affiliations.
On the issue of recreational marijuana legalization, support continues to fall short of the required threshold for passage. The poll found that 55% of Florida voters support legalizing recreational marijuana, compared to 56% during a similar ballot effort in November. This marks the seventh consecutive poll from the Chamber indicating support below the necessary 60%. Despite over $150 million spent on advocacy during the 2024 election—most from Florida’s largest medicinal marijuana provider—momentum has not increased.
Healthcare policy was also addressed in the survey. When asked about extending enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at year’s end, likely voters indicated strong bipartisan support for lawmakers who back such an extension. Support spans all demographics and party affiliations.
Floridians remain divided on artificial intelligence (AI). The poll reports that 37% have a favorable impression of AI while 38% hold an unfavorable view; this split is seen across party lines.
Looking ahead to future elections, Republicans maintain a lead among likely voters for the upcoming 2026 general election. Forty-eight percent indicated they would vote Republican compared to forty-one percent for Democrats—a trend consistent with previous election cycles and voter registration patterns.
Republican voter registration continues to outpace Democrats in Florida. As of July 31, 2025, there were nearly 1.33 million more registered Republicans than Democrats statewide—5,499,419 Republicans versus 4,172,174 Democrats—with Republicans increasing their share in all counties since the last general election.
The Florida Chamber plans to continue its voter education and candidate recruitment initiatives through organizations such as the Florida Free Enterprise Fund and Florida Institute for Political Leadership as preparations begin for the next election cycle.
“Greater support for doing more to rein in frivolous litigation versus returning to the previous legal climate that saw Florida rated a ‘judicial hellhole’ proved universal, as every race/ethnicity, gender, and party affiliation surveyed expressed stronger support for further lawsuit abuse reform,” according to findings released by the Chamber.
For additional information about these initiatives or details from this poll, interested parties can contact Frank Walker at fwalker@flchamber.com.
