A recent survey by Florida Atlantic University shows that concerns over hurricanes and other climate-related threats are prompting many Floridians to consider relocating. The survey, conducted by the FAU Center for Environmental Studies, found that 36% of respondents across the state have moved or are considering moving due to weather hazards.
Regional differences emerged in the data. In North Florida, 24% said weather factors influenced a previous move within the state. From Tampa to Cape Canaveral and further south, about 20% reported that such hazards play a role in their considerations to move.
“About 1 in 5 Floridians from about the I-4 corridor to Key West are considering a move due to weather hazards,” said Colin Polsky, Ph.D., associate vice president of Broward campuses for FAU and professor of geosciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “Some of these people may wish to move but cannot afford the expenses. This shows a possibly large number of residents struggling with weather hazards.”
The survey was conducted in late September, nearly one year after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, followed two weeks later by Hurricane Milton and related tornadoes.
Concerns about hurricanes becoming stronger or more frequent were cited by 63% of respondents as moderate or extreme worries. The same proportion expressed concern about heavier rainfall and increased flooding from storm surges along coastal areas.
“Despite a major shift in the national weather and climate conversation in 2025, people’s lived experiences in Florida appear to have kept these hazards top of mind, influencing where people think it is safe to live,” Polsky said.
While most Floridians believe climate change is occurring (85%), this percentage marks the lowest level since FAU began its surveys on climate resilience issues six years ago. Only slightly more than half (52%) attribute climate change mainly to human activity. By political affiliation, 71% of Democrats, 50% of Independents and 39% of Republicans hold this view.
Homeowner’s insurance costs remain a significant concern for nearly half (49%) who worry about affordability linked to climate change impacts. More than 60% want federal or state governments to do more regarding climate action; however, this support is at its lowest since March 2023 when such questions were first included.
“While public support for climate action may swing wildly from one presidential election to another, a substantial share of Floridians face an abiding weather risk,” Polsky said.
The online survey was conducted from September 24-30 among 1,400 adults living in Florida. Responses were weighted according to age, income, education, gender and region based on U.S. Census Bureau data from 2023. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.53%. Further details can be found at www.ces.fau.edu/ces-bepi/.
