USF-Nielsen Sunshine State Survey DATA RELEASE 2. The Economy Biggest Threat to Florida s Economy Fiscal Stress Level on Individual Households NEW

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1 USF-Nielsen Sunshine State Survey DATA RELEASE 2 The Economy Biggest Threat to Florida s Economy Fiscal Stress Level on Individual Households NEW Economic Development Attracting and Keeping Businesses Opening Relations with Cuba NEW Where to Permit Casino Gambling NEW Transportation Regulating Uber and Lyft NEW Condition of Bridges and Roads NEW State and Local Government Finances: The Budget, Taxing, Spending, and Services Received Best Approach to State Budget Least Fair State Revenue Sources State Taxes Relative to State Services Quality Local Taxes Relative to Local Services Quality State Govt. Spending Relative to Services Provided: Efficient or Wasteful? Local Govt. Spending Relative to Services Provided: Efficient or Wasteful? Oct. 12, 2015

2 QUICK FACTS Data Release Summary No. 2 Oct. 12, 2015 Economy Economic Development Transportation State and Local Finance Major Results and Trends Florida s biggest threats to economy identified as loss of jobs, government waste and inefficiency, and undocumented residents and workers The notion that the economy has not yet recovered fully from the Great Recession was identified in Data Release 1 with the economy/jobs cited as the most important issue facing Florida. Opinions about what remain the biggest threats to the state s economy are wide-ranging, although nearly half identify loss of jobs, government waste and inefficiency, and undocumented residents and workers. There is strong support for economic development efforts aimed at keeping and expanding businesses and opening up diplomatic relations with Cuba, although less consensus on the best way to do it. Opinions are divided as to: The economic benefits of casino gambling Whether the state should increase taxing and/or spending in its annual budget Opposition is highest to raising revenue via the communications services tax, property taxes and road tolls. A majority rates their taxes at the state and local level to be about right relative to the quality of services received, spending levels are perceived as wasteful, not efficient. Economic issues are taking a toll on Floridians with 70 percent surveyed noting at least some fiscal stress in individual households. The USF-Sunshine State Survey is in collaboration with The Economy Single Biggest Threat to Florida s Economy? Job Loss, Government and the Undocumented Nearly half (49 percent) of all respondents cite one of three threats: loss of jobs/unemployment (19 percent), government waste & inefficiency (18 percent), and undocumented residents and workers (12 percent). Another 21 percent identify either industry leaving the state (7 percent), rules and regulations hampering business start-ups (7 percent), or damage to the environment (7 percent) as the biggest threat to the state s economy. Biggest Changes : Reflective of a recovering economy, the percent citing loss of jobs/unemployment fell from 24 percent to 19 percent. Reflecting greater animosity toward public officials (see Data Release 1), the percent citing government waste and inefficiency rose from 14 percent to 18 percent. Flood Insurance costs (4 percent) appeared for the first time in (Floridians in many parts of the state were experiencing record rainfalls at the time the survey was conducted.) Longer Term Trend: There has been a steady downward trend in the percent citing loss of jobs/ unemployment since the question was first asked in 2012 and 41 percent cited it as the top threat. A similar pattern appears in citation of home foreclosures 17 percent in 2012, 6 percent in 2012, and 5 percent in NEW Amount of Financial Stress on Household Today? Just 23% Say No Stress In response to the question: How much financial stress is your household facing today? 24% say a lot, 21 percent some, 26 percent a little, and just 23 percent none. The remainder 6 percent gave no answer. The figures reflect those in national polls showing that many people still are unconvinced that the Great Recession is over.

3 QUICK FACTS Data Release Summary No. 2 Oct. 12, 2015 Economy Economic Development Transportation State and Local Finance Economic Development Best Way for State to Attract New Economic Development? Better Infrastructure (Transportation), Tax Breaks to Job-Creating Businesses, More Education/Training More than two-thirds (68 percent) see either improving the state s infrastructure, especially transportation (23 percent), offering tax breaks or cash payments tied to job creation promises (23 percent), or investing more in education and training (22 percent) as the single best way to spark economic development Another 15 percent favors approaches that are primarily aimed at helping businesses expand either by cutting or limiting taxes and regulations (15 percent). Aggressive outreach strategies are the preference of 12 percent who either prefer advertising in other states and overseas to attract more tourists (7 percent) or going on trade missions to other states or countries to promote Florida as pro-business (5 percent). Biggest Changes : Support for improving the state s infrastructure, especially transportation, increased from 17 percent in 2014 (first year question asked) to 23 percent in Support for cutting or limiting taxes and regulations dropped from 21 percent in 2014 to 15 percent in Along with population growth comes more congestion and longer commutes which is at least a partial explanation for growing support for infrastructure improvements. Focus on Keeping Existing Businesses/Jobs? Or on Attracting New Businesses/Jobs? Divided Opinions about whether Florida s state economic development agencies should put a greater emphasis on keeping existing businesses and jobs that are already here or attracting new businesses and jobs to move into the state are nearly evenly-divided: 45 percent favor giving a higher priority to keeping existing businesses while 43 percent prefer more The USF-Sunshine State Survey is in collaboration with efforts to attract new businesses and jobs into Florida. Another 8 percent volunteered that both approaches should be used, while 3 percent had no opinion. Biggest Changes : A slight increase in the percent favoring helping existing businesses (41 percent in 2014 to 45 percent in 2015) and a dip in those preferring efforts to attract new businesses (47 percent to 43 percent). Longer Term Trend: Since 2010, there has been a slight downward trend in the attracting new businesses preference and an uptick in support for efforts to keep existing businesses/jobs. Incentives to Businesses: Job Creators/Tax Enhancers or Corporate Welfare? Job Creators A long debated subject is whether offering incentives to businesses to encourage them to expand or re-locate to Florida actually creates more jobs and tax revenue or is simply a form of corporate welfare. By 2-1, Floridians see them as job creators/tax enhancers (60 percent) rather than corporate welfare (31 percent). Another 9 percent expressed no opinion. Biggest Change : Nothing significant. Longer Term Trend: Since 2010, there has been a downward trend in the belief that incentives are job creators/tax enhancers (69 percent in 2010 to 60 percent in 2015). There has been a more erratic rise in those seeing them as corporate welfare (21 percent in 2008 to 31 percent in 2015). NEW Freeing Up Diplomatic Relations with Cuba? Majority Say Yes More than half (56 percent) of Floridians favor freeing up diplomatic relations with Cuba, 26 percent oppose it, 18 percent have no opinion one way or the other or gave no answer. NOTE: Some actions related to this question occurred while the survey was in the field (July 30, 2015 through Aug. 16, 2015). On July 1, 2015, President Obama announced that the U.S. and Cuba would re-establish diplomatic relations; it was effective July 30, The U.S. flag was raised at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba on Aug. 14, Media coverage of the opening up of Cuba generally reported that supporters saw economic (including tourism) benefits to Floridians, while opponents saw economic gains as largely accruing to the repressive regime in Cuba.

4 QUICK FACTS Data Release Summary No. 2 Oct. 12, 2015 Economy Economic Development Transportation State and Local Finance NEW Casino Gambling Limited to Seminole Tribe Facilities or Expanded? Floridians Divided The question asked was: Do you believe the State of Florida should allow casino gambling only at Seminole Tribe facilities or allow Nevada-style casinos to be built, or allow no gambling at all? The results show a conflicted populace: 34 percent favor expansion to Nevada-style casinos, 33 percent want it restricted to Seminole Tribe facilities, and 20 percent want no gambling at all. Another 13 percent did not express an opinion. (The public s dividedness on casino gambling also was evident in the right direction v. wrong direction question discussed in Release 1 allow more casino gambling? 42 percent wrong, 30 percent right direction.) Transportation Regulating Uber and Lyft: Majority (But Less) Support for Requiring Regulated Prices Than Liability Insurance or Licenses NEW: Ride-Sharing Companies Like Uber and Lyft Should Have Liability Insurance There is a high level of consensus that ridesharing companies should be required to have liability insurance 89 percent yes, 4 percent no, and the rest did not express an opinion. NEW: Ride-Sharing Companies Like Uber and Lyft Should Have Regulated Prices A majority believes that ride-sharing companies should be required to have regulated prices 56 percent yes, 31 percent no, and the rest with no opinion. NEW: Ride-Sharing Companies Like Uber and Lyft Should Be Licensed Like Taxis More than two-thirds (68 percent) of the respondents favor requiring ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft to be licensed, just like taxis, while 19 percent oppose, and the remainder have no opinion. Infrastructure In Own Community NEW: General Condition of Bridges and Roads in Own Community: Mid-Range Ratings ( Good, Fair ) The two most common ratings are good (38 percent) and fair (33 percent), followed by poor (16 percent) and excellent (11 percent). Analyzed somewhat differently, 49 percent say the general condition of bridges and roads in their own community are either excellent or good while another 49 percent describe them as either fair or poor. State and Local Government Finances Best Approach to State Budget: Split Verdict Some (49 percent) v. No (47 percent) Increases in Taxes/Spending The top two choices for how the Florida Legislature should proceed when drawing up its annual state budget are (1) create a new revenue source earmarked to a specific service/project (30 percent) some increase in taxing and spending, and (2) keep taxes and services the same (28 percent) no taxing or spending increase. A similar pattern is evident among the other two choices raise taxes slightly to improve critical services and infrastructure (19 percent) some increase, and cut taxes and reduce less critical services (19 percent) no increase. Five percent expressed no opinion. Biggest Change : Increased support for creating a new earmarked revenue source (22 percent to 30 percent) and for keeping taxes and services the same (24 percent to 28 percent). Drop in preferences for cutting taxes and spending (25 percent to 19 percent) and raising taxes slightly for critical services and infrastructure (24 percent to 19 percent). The shifts reflect less of a crisis -driven environment. Longer Term Trend: Question was first asked in Fairness and Efficiency in Taxing and Spending: State and Local Governments Least Fair Revenue Source: Communications Tax, Property Taxes, Road Tolls, Gas Tax By far the Florida government revenue source seen as the least fair is the Communications Services taxcited by 31 percent of the survey respondents, followed by property taxes (18 percent), road tolls (13 percent), and the gas tax (9 percent). Far fewer identify user fees (2 percent), state sales tax (3 percent), hotel/tourist taxes (3 percent), the lottery (4 percent), corporate taxes (4 percent), or liquor/cigarette excise taxes (5 percent). Property taxes always rank among the least fair revenue sources. The two relatively new entries are the communications services tax and road tolls each of which has gotten a lot of attention during the past year communications tax at the state level, road tolls at the local (metropolitan) level. The USF-Sunshine State Survey is in collaboration with

5 QUICK FACTS Data Release Summary No. 2 Oct. 12, 2015 Economy Economic Development Transportation State and Local Finance Biggest Changes : No major changes; slight increase in percent citing communication tax and road tolls; slight decline in mention of property taxes, user fees, and the gas tax. Longer Term Trend: Continued decline in percent identifying property taxes as the least fair (34% in 2008 to 18% in 2015) reflecting lower assessments; gas taxes (26% in 2011 to 9% in 2015) reflecting the gradual decline in gas prices; and user fees (11% in 2011 to 2% in 2015). State Taxes Relative to State Services Received: About Right A majority (59 percent) judges their state taxes are about right relative to the overall quality of state services provided in Florida. Among the rest, 29 percent believe their taxes relative to services are a little too high (20 percent) or much too high (9 percent) and 7 percent see their taxes as either a little too low (6 percent) or much too low (1 percent). In other words, four times as many regard their state taxes relative to service quality as too high than as too low. Biggest Changes : Slight increase in percent judging state taxes relative to state services as about right (56 percent to 59 percent); slight decline in those saying taxes-to-services are a little too high (23 percent to 20 percent). Longer Term Trend: Since 2012, upward trend in percent judging state taxes to be about right (47 percent in 2012 to 59 percent in 2015). Steady decline in much too high between 2011 and 2015 (18 percent to 9 percent). An improving economy is likely to explain both of these trends. Local Taxes (in County of Residence) Relative to Local Services Received About Right But Rising Paralleling Floridians judgements of state taxes relative to state service quality, a majority (55 percent) feels the same toward local taxes and local service quality. However, a slightly higher percent see their local taxes as too high (38 percent), while just 4 percent see them as too low (and none as much too low. ) Biggest Changes : The biggest changes were in the too high ratings much too high ratings increased (9 percent to 14 percent) while a little too high ratings fell (29 percent to 24 percent). Longer Term Trend: The rise in much too high tax level ratings in 2015 reversed a downward trend from 2011 to Beginning in 2012, about right tax ratings have continued to increase (47 percent to 59 percent). Low ratings have remained somewhat stable. State Govt. Spending Relative to Services Provided: Efficient or Wasteful? Relatively Wasteful A majority (58 percent) sees Florida state government as spending tax revenue in a relatively wasteful manner in its provision of public services, while 33 percent see the state s spending as relatively efficient. (Nine percent did not express an opinion.) Biggest Changes : No major changes. Longer Term Trend: Since the sharp drop in the relatively wasteful rating following the high of 65 percent in 2011 to 55 percent in 2012, the percent judging state spending that way has been relatively stable, although still hovering in the high 50s. Local County Govt. Spending Relative to Services Provided: Efficient or Wasteful? Relatively Wasteful but More Divided Opinions are a little more mixed toward spending by a respondent s county government relative to services provided than toward the state s; 50 percent rate county spending as relatively wasteful while 33 percent believe it is relatively efficient. (Nine percent expressed no opinion.) Biggest Changes : No major changes. Longer Term Trend: Since 2012, the sharpest change has been the increase in the relatively wasteful rating (45 percent to 58% in 2015) and the accompanying drop-off in relatively efficient ratings (48 percent to 33 percent in 2015). This trend parallels worsening state performance ratings (Release 1). The USF-Sunshine State Survey is in collaboration with

6 Primary Focus: Economy Biggest Threat to Florida s Economy What do you think is the single biggest threat to Florida's economy? Loss of jobs/unemployment Government waste and inefficiency 19% 18% Undocumented residents and workers 12% Industry leaving the state Rules and regulakons hampering business start- ups Damage to the environment, such as water, air Home foreclosures Taxes/fees Foreign compekkon/unfair trade rules/regulakons Lack of preparedness of today's college graduates Flood insurance costs 7% 7% 7% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% Cikzens leaving the state Other 1% 1% DK/NA 4% Percent of Respondents Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. 7

7 Biggest Threat to Florida s Economy, cont. Trend: Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy, Loss of Jobs/Unemployment Government Waste and Inefficiency Undocumented Residents and Workers Damage to the Environment, such as water, air Rules and Regulakons Hampering Business Start- ups Industry Leaving the State 19% 24% 18% 14% 16% 12% 7% 6% 3% 7% 8% 7% 8% 6% 41% Taxes/Fees Foreign Compekkon/Unfair Trade Rules and Regulakons Home Foreclosures 5% 4% 5% 6% 5% 6% 17% Flood Insurance Costs 4% Lack of Preparedness of Today's College Graduates 4% 2% Other Cikzens Leaving the State 1% 3% 2% 1% 2% DK/Not Sure/Refuse 4% 3% Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. Overview of Results: Loss of jobs and unemployment and government waste and inefficiency, both garnering close to 20% of responses, are the top two perceived threats to the economy among Floridians. 8

8 Biggest Threat to Florida s Economy, cont. After big drops between 2012 and 2014, two lingering threats associated with the Great Recession decreased again in The first is loss of jobs and unemployment, which fell from a high of 41% in 2012 to 24% in 2014 and to just 19% this year. Similarly, home foreclosures was 17% of responses in 2012, 6% in 2014 and only 5% this year. The combined drop of 6% in these two threats was largely offset by increases in government waste and inefficiency (14% in 2014 and 18% this year), as well as a new threat flood insurance costs at 4% this year. Also, damage to the environment at 7%, and lack of preparedness of today s college graduates at 4%, have both risen slightly this year. Those most likely to think that loss of jobs are the greatest threat to the Florida economy tend to be female (23%), African- American (33%), in part- time work (28%), have incomes less than $35,000 (25%) and unmarried (22%). Responses vary by each issue; common variables are age, race, employment status, household income, marital status and education. Fiscal Stress Level on Individual Households NEW How much financial stress is your household facing today? 6% 24% 23% A lot of stress Some stress A liole stress No stress DK/NA 21% 26% Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. 9

9 Fiscal Stress Level on Individual Households NEW, cont. Overview of Results: Fully 71% of Florida households are experiencing some degree of financial stress, while 23% are not experiencing any kind of financial stress on their household finances. Relatively high proportions experiencing a lot of stress are found among residents under 55 (25%), the unemployed (39%), households with incomes below $35,000 (43%), the unmarried (30%) and residents of Southwest Florida (33%). Groups with the highest levels of no financial stress include those over 65 (36-37%), retired (32%), college graduates (27%), regular Internet access (29%) and newcomers to the state (less than five years)(28%). Responses vary by age, if the respondent has a child at home, race, employment status, household income, education, marital status, Internet access, length of residency and region. Best Way to Attract New Economic Development to the State Which of the following do you think is the best way to amract new economic development in Florida? Percent of Respondents % <1% 5% 7% 15% 22% 23% 23% Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. Full text of the options is as follows: Go on trade missions to other states and countries to promote Florida as pro- business, advertise in other states and overseas to attract more tourists, Provide specific tax breaks or cash payments to businesses that promise to create jobs and improve the state s infrastructure, especially transportation. The full text of all other responses is as the chart shows. 10

10 Best Way to Attract New Economic Development to the State, cont. Which of the following do you think is the best way to amract new economic development to Florida? Percent of Respondents % 7% 4% 5% <1% 5% 21% 21% 22% 23% 23% 15% 17% Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. Full text of the options is as follows: Go on trade missions to other states and countries to promote Florida as pro- business, advertise in other states and overseas to attract more tourists, Provide specific tax breaks or cash payments to businesses that promise to create jobs and improve the state s infrastructure, especially transportation. The full text of all other responses is as the chart shows. Overview of Results: Floridians showed roughly equal support for three separate strategies to promote economic development in the state: investing in education and training, providing specific tax breaks to businesses and improving the state s infrastructure. This widely dispersed support suggests that there is not much consensus in the state about the best way to attract economic development. Compared to last year s results, cutting taxes and regulations has less support (21% last year to 15% this year) and improving the state s infrastructure is more popular (23% this year to 17% last year). Young respondents (under 35) are most likely to think that education and training is the best way to boost the economy while college grads tend to favor providing tax breaks to job creators. Responses vary most by age, education, if there is a child in the home and by Internet access. 11

11 Focus on Existing Businesses or Attract New Businesses? Do you feel Florida's state economic development agencies should put a greater emphasis on keeping exisnng businesses and jobs that are already here, or amracnng new businesses and jobs to move into the state? 3% 8% 45% DK/NA Both Aoract New Business/Jobs 43% Keep Exiskng Business/Jobs Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. Trend: Keep Exisitng Businesses/Jobs or Amract New Businesses/Jobs, Percent of Respondnets % 49% 47% 47% 45% 43% 38% 38% 43% 41% 41% 31% 19% 11% 11% 9% 10% 8% 7% 1% 1% 2% 2% 3% Year DK/Not Sure/Refuse Both Aoract New Business/Jobs Keep Exiskng Business/Jobs Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. 12

12 Focus on Existing Businesses or Attract New Businesses? Cont. Overview of Results: Floridians are nearly evenly divided as to whether the state should focus on keeping existing businesses and jobs or attracting new ones. 45% of Floridians prefer the state to focus on keeping existing businesses and jobs while 43% prefer to attract new businesses and jobs to the state. 8% of the state wants the state to do both, while 3% remains undecided. This year marked the first time since 2008 that more Floridians preferred that the state focus on maintaining existing businesses and jobs instead of attracting new businesses and jobs to the state. Responses varied by gender, age, race, employment status and household income. Males are more likely than females to want to focus on attracting new businesses (49% to 37%) while females are more likely to prefer maintaining existing jobs and businesses (50% to 39%). Full- time workers are more likely to want the state to focus on maintaining jobs (48%) while part- time workers are more likely to want the state to attract new jobs (47%). Business Incentives: Job Creators or Corporate Welfare? Some people favor offering incennves to businesses to encourage them to expand or relocate to Florida thereby creanng more jobs and tax revenue. Others oppose such incennves and see them as a form of corporate welfare. Which view comes closest to your 9% 31% Favor incenkves to create more jobs and tax revenue Oppose incenkves as a form of corporate welfare 60% DK/NA 13

13 Business Incentives: Job Creators or Corporate Welfare? Cont. Trend: Business Incennves as Job Creator vs Corporate Welfare, Title % 68% 68% 63% 61% 60% 25% 27% 33% 24% 31% 21% 16% 7% 5% 8% 7% 9% Title DK/Not Sure/Refuse Oppose Incenkves as a form of corporate welfare Favor incenkves to create more jobs and tax revenue Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. Overview of Results: Similar to 2014 results, a sizable majority (60% in this year s survey) sees business incentives as job creators, while slightly less than a third (31%) views them as corporate welfare; 9% of the public did not express an opinion. Higher- than- average perception of business incentives as job creators is found among year olds (64%), full- time employees (64%), households with $75,000 or higher incomes (66%), and college graduates (62%). Higher- than- average opposition to incentives occurs among those ages (36%), not in the work force (35%) and in households that earn between $35,000 and $74,999 (36%). Responses vary by gender, age, employment status, household income, education, marital status and Internet access. 14

14 Opening Relations with Cuba NEW Do you favor freeing up diplomanc relanons with Cuba? 2% 16% DK/NA Have no opinion 56% 26% No Yes Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding Overview of Results: In response to one of this year s new questions, a majority of Floridians, 56%, favor opening diplomatic relations with Cuba compared to 26% that actively oppose it; 18% did not express an opinion. Groups with the highest support for opening relations with Cuba include males (63%), residents younger than 65 (58%), full- time workers (62%), households with an income of $75,000 or greater (63%) and long- time residents of the state (20+ years)(57%). Residents of the I- 4 Corridor and Miami/Palm Beach, both areas with large concentrations of Hispanics, are more likely than the state average to support normalizing relations, while residents of the North and Southwest regions are less likely than the state average to support normalization. 15

15 Where to Permit Casino Gambling NEW Do you believe the State of Florida should allow casino gambling only at Seminole Tribe faculines, or allow Nevada- style casinos to be built, or allow no gambling at all? Percent of Respondents % DK/NA 11% 20% Have no opinion Allow no gambling at all 33% 34% Only at Seminole Tribe facilikes Allow Nevada- style casinos to be built Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. Overview of Results: This is a new question to this year s survey. Two- thirds of Floridians (67%) support the state having casino gambling. These proponents are almost equally divided between those who want casino gambling only in Seminole Tribe facilities and those who would allow Nevada- style casinos. One- fifth, 20%, of the public does not want to see any casino gambling in Florida, and 14% did not express an opinion. While 37% of females think that gambling should only take place in Seminole facilities, 39% of men think that Nevada- style casinos should be permitted. Residents of Miami/Palm Beach are slightly more likely than the state average (37% to 34%) to support Nevada- style casinos. Opposition to any casino gambling at all increases with age, and is highest among couples (23%), those without Internet access (32%) and residents of North Florida (32%). 16

16 Transportation Regulating Uber and Lyft NEW Thinking of ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyp, do you believe they should be required to have liability insurance? 2% 5% 4% DK/NA Have no opinion No Yes 89% Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. Thinking of ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyp, do you believe they should be required to have licenses like those of taxis? 5% 7% 19% DK/NA Have no opinion No 68% Yes Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. 17

17 Regulating Uber and Lyft NEW, cont. Thinking of ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyp, do you believe they should be required to have regulated prices? 4% 9% DK/NA Have no opinion 56% 31% No Yes Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. Overview of Results This is a new question in this year s survey. There is majority support for imposing regulations on the operations of Uber and Lyft, with the highest support for requiring liability insurance (89%) and for requiring licensure like taxis (68%). A smaller majority is in favor of requiring regulated pricing (56%). Support for liability insurance is highest among the unemployed (94%) and retirees (92%). Support for licenses like taxis is higher- than- average among females (74%), ages (65%), the unemployed (76%), households with income under $75,000 (74%) and those with a high school education (78%). Opposition to licensure is greatest among the full time employed (28%). Support for regulated pricing is highest among females (60%), African- Americans (68%), the unemployed (62%), households with incomes under $75,000 (62%), the high school educated (69%), and those without Internet access (67%). Opposition is highest among males (35%), ages (37%), the full time employed (37%), households with incomes over $75,000 (44%), and college graduates (40%). 18

18 Condition of Bridges and Roads NEW Judging the bridges and roads in your own community, would you say in general they are in excellent, good, fair or poor condinon? Percent of Respondents % 33% 16% 11% 1% DK/NA/No Opinion Poor Fair Good Excellent Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. Overview of Results This is a new question in this year s survey. Most Florida residents say that the condition of local bridges and roads in their community is good (38%) or fair (33%), while over one- fourth (27%) judge them to be excellent (11%) or poor (16%). Residents with the highest tendency to report excellent or good roads include households with incomes over $75,000 (58%), college graduates (33%), couples (54%) and residents who have moved to the state within the past 5 years (76%). Residents who are most likely to report fair or poor local bridges and roads include those with household incomes under $35,000, some college education (53%), singles (53%), no Internet access (59%), and long- time residents over 20 years (54%). Responses vary by household income, education, marital status, internet access and length of residency. 19

19 Secondary Focus: State & Local Finance Best Approach to State Budget Which of the following approaches would you like to see the Florida Legislature take when drawing up its annual state budget? Percent of Respondents % DK/NA 19% 19% Raise taxes slightly to improve crikcal services and infrastructure Cut taxes and reduce less crikcal services 28% 30% Keep taxes and services the same Create a new revenue source and earmark it to a specific service/ project Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. Trend: Preferred State Budget Approach, Percent of Respondents % 5% DK/NA 24% 25% 28% 30% 24% 19% 19% 22% Raise taxes slightly to improve crikcal services and infrastructure Cut taxes and reduce less crikcal services Keep taxes and services the same Create a new revenue source and earmark it to a specific service/project Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. 20

20 Best Approach to State Budget, cont. Overview of Results: 49% of Floridians are at least somewhat receptive to the introduction of a new tax while 47% are opposed to new taxes in any form. The wide degree of variation and lack of any clear opinion suggests that the public is quite divided on what the best approach to drawing up the state budget is. Creating a new earmarked revenue source and keeping taxes the same are both more popular in this year s survey than last year s while raising taxes to improve services and cutting taxes and reducing services are less popular this year than last. Responses vary most by age, race, employment status, household income and education. Highest levels of support for each position Create a new earmarked revenue source : year olds (35%), households with income below $75,000 (33%), residents of the state for 5-9 years (49%). Keep taxes and services the same : No significant differences. Cut taxes and reduce less critical services : African- Americans (24%). Raise taxes slightly to improve services : year olds (23%), retired residents (22%), households with an income of $75,000 or above (22%) and college graduates (21%). 21

21 Least Fair State Revenue Source Which of the following Florida Government revenue sources do you feel is the least fair? Communicakon services tax on cable, mobile devices (cellphones), satellite 32% Property taxes Road tolls Gas tax Liquor/cigareoe excise taxes Looery Corporate taxes State sales tax Hotel/tourist taxes User fees DK/NA 18% 13% 9% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 2% 7% Percent of Respondents Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. 22

22 Least Fair State Revenue Source, cont. Trend: Least Fair State Revenue Source, Communicanon Services tax on cable, mobile devices, satellite Property taxes Road tolls Gas tax Corporate taxes User fees Hotel/Tourist taxes Liquor/Cigareme Excise taxes State sales tax Lomery DK/Not Sure/Refuse Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. The option for Road Tolls was added in 2012, the option for the Communications Services Tax in Overview of Results: For the second year in a row, the communications services tax is perceived by Floridians as the least- fair state revenue source (32%), followed by property taxes (18%) and road tolls (13%). The least- cited revenue sources are user fees (2%), hotel/tourist taxes (3%) and the state sales tax (3%). 23

23 Least Fair State Revenue Source, cont. Several trends are evident. The proportion of Floridians seeing property taxes as the state s least fair revenue source continues to fall from a high of 34% in 2008 to just 18% this year. Gas taxes, after peaking at 26% in 2011, have fallen by nearly two- thirds, to 9%, this year, likely reflecting falling gas prices. User fees follow a similar pattern: after peaking at 11% in 2011, user fees are now down to 2% citing them as the state s least fair revenue source. Responses vary most by gender, age, household income, education, employment status and region. Highest levels of support for each response Communications Services Tax: females (37%), year olds (44%), households with income of $75,000 or more (36%), college graduates (38%) and married Floridians (35%). Property Taxes: Males (20%), Floridians 80 and older (22%) Road Tolls: year olds (16%), full- time employees (16%), college graduates (15%) and residents of Miami/Palm Beach (17%). Gas Tax: Households earning an income between $35,000 and $74,999 (13%) and those with a high school education or less (12%). Corporate Taxes: Households with an income of $75,000 or higher (8%). User Fees: Whites (3%). African- Americans are less likely than other groups (>1%) to think that user fees are the state government s least fair revenue source. Hotel/Tourist Tax: No significant differences. Liquor/Cigarette Excise Taxes: Households with incomes less than $35,000 and residents with a high school education or less (7%). State Sales Tax: No significant differences. Lottery: No significant differences. 24

24 State Taxes Relative to State Services Quality In terms of the overall quality of state services provided in Florida, do you feel your state taxes are...? Percent of Respondnets % 20% 9% 4% 6% 1% DK/NA Much too low A liole too low About Right A liole too high Much too high Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding Trend: State Taxes Relanve to State Service Quality, Percent of Respondents % 56% 59% 48% 48% 47% 43% 42% 41% 33% 29% Dk/Not Sure/Refuse Much/A Liole too Low About Right Much/A Liole too High % 7% 5% 6% 7% 7% 4% 4% Year Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. For a more detailed breakdown of previous results, please reference each respective year s data releases. 25

25 State Taxes Relative to State Services Quality, cont. Overview of Results: A majority of Floridians (59%) thinks that their state taxes are about right compared to the state government services they receive; 29% think that their taxes are too high and 7% see their taxes are too low. This is the second straight year there has been a drop in the proportion of Floridians saying that state taxes are too high, down 12% to only 29% today compared to 41% in The same period has seen a 12% increase in the proportion of people thinking state taxes are about right, from 47% in 2012 to 59% this year. Highest levels of support for each response State taxes are too high: Age under 55 (34%), African- American or Hispanic (37%, 38%), unemployed (40%), in households with income below $35,000 (38%), high school education or less (42%). State taxes about right: years old (63%), White (63%), not in the work force (72%), household income $75,000 and over (67%), married (63%), live in Southwest Florida (69%). State taxes are too low: age (11%), retired (10%), household income $75,000 and over (10%). Responses vary most by age, race, employment status, household income, education, marital status, Internet access and region. Local Taxes Relative to Local Service Quality In terms of the overall quality of local services provided in your county, do you feel your local taxes are...? Percecnt of Respodents % DK/NA <1% 4% Much too low A liole too low 55% About Right 24% A liole too high 14% Much too high Note: Total may not add to 100% due to rounding. 26

26 Local Taxes Relative to Local Service Quality, cont. Trend: Local Taxes Relanve to Local Service Quality, Percent of Respondents % 48% 48% 47% 55% 42% 38% 43% 42% 41% 38% 12% 6% 7% 6% 5% 4% 4% 3% Year Dk/Not Sure/Refuse Much/A Liole too Low About Right Much/A Liole too High Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. For a more detailed breakdown of previous results, please reference each respective year s data releases. Overview of Results: A majority of Floridians (55%) judges their local tax levels to be about right given the level of services provided by their local governments; 38% think that local tax levels are too high, compared to just 4% which think that local taxes are too low. Compared to the results for the state government, Floridians are more likely to think that their local taxes are too high and less likely to think that their local taxes are too low. This year s results are very similar to 2014 results, but with a 2% decrease in the percentage of citizens who say their local taxes are too low. Highest levels of support for each response Local taxes are too high: Age (46%), African- American (43%), unemployed (44%), in households with income below $35,000 (46%), high school education or less (46%) and no Internet access (45%). Local taxes about right: 80 and older 65%), white (63%), not in the work force (63%), household income $75,000 and over (60%), married (58%). Local taxes are too low: age (6%), retired (6%), household income $75,000 and over (6%), college graduates (6%). Responses vary most by age, race, employment status, household income, education, marital status and Internet access. 27

27 State Government Spending Relative to Services Provided: Efficient or Wasteful? In terms of providing public services, do you feel Florida state government...? 9% 33% DK/NA Spends tax revenue in a relakvely wasteful manner Spends tax revenue in a relakvely efficient manner 58% In terms of providing public services, do you feel Florida state government...? Percent of Respondents % 65% 55% 59% 58% 45% 40% 35% 38% 33% 29% 33% 17% 6% 5% 10% 9% 9% Year Spends tax revenue in a relakvely efficient manner Spends tax revenue in a relakvely wasteful manner DK/Not Sure/Refuse Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. 28

28 State Government Spending Relative to Services Provided: Efficient or Wasteful? Cont. Overview of Results: A majority of Floridians, (58%) believes that the state government spends tax revenue in a relatively wasteful manner compared to only 33% who sees the state as spending its tax revenues efficiently. This year s results are almost exactly the same as for 2014, with only a 1% decrease in the proportion of citizens that say state government spends its tax revenue wastefully. Highest levels of support for each response State spends wastefully: Females (59%), years old (64%), full- time or unemployed workers (62%, 63%), household incomes between $35,000 and $74,999 (64%), residents of state more than 20 years (61%), and residents of Miami/Palm Beach (64%). State spends efficiently: Males (35%), years old (37%), not in the work force (42%), in households that earn $75,000 or more (40%), less than 5 year residents of the state (48%) and residents of Southwest Florida (45%). Responses vary most by gender, age group, employment status, household income, length of residency and region. Local Government Spending Relative to Services Provided: Efficient or Wasteful? In terms of providing public services, do you feel your local county government...? 6% DK/NA 44% Spends tax revenue in a relakvely wasteful manner 50% Spends tax revenue in a relakvely efficient manner 29

29 Local Government Spending Relative to Services Provided: Efficient or Wasteful? Cont. In terms of providing public services, do you feel your local county government...? Percent of Respondnets % 50% 48% 49% 50% 47% 37% 46% 41% 45% 45% 44% 16% 4% 4% 8% 6% 6% Year Spends tax reveue in a relakvely efficient manner Spends tax revenue in a relakvely wasteful manner DK/Not Sure/Refuse Note: Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. Overview of Results: Similar to the state- level question, a majority of Floridians (50%), thinks their local county government spends tax revenue relatively wastefully while 44% see it spending tax money efficiently. There is no significant difference between 2015 and 2014 results. Highest levels of support for each response Local County spends wastefully: years old (55%), unemployed workers (57%), household incomes below $75,000 (53-54%), have some college education (55%) and residents of Miami/Palm Beach (58%). Local County spends efficiently: Age 80 and older (51%), not in the work force (53%), in a household with an income of $75,000 or more (55%), college educated (48%), lived in Florida less than 5 years (58%) and residents of Southwest Florida (56%). Responses vary most by age, employment status, household income, education, marital status, Internet access, length of residency and region. 30

30 Significant Factors This section reports the detailed results of cross- tabulation analysis for each of the questions asked. The level of statistical significance is reported next to the variable name according to the following convention: *.05, **.01, ***.000. Results less than 1% when rounded are denoted with <1, while true zero is denoted with. Biggest Threat to Florida s Economy Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy: Loss of Jobs/Unemployment Loss of Jobs/Unemployment Weighted Total Gender ** Male Female Race/Ethnicity *** White African- American Hispanic Other DK/NA/Refused 4 96 Employment Status * Full Time Part Time Not in Work Force Unemployed Retired DK/NA/Refused Household Income * <$35, $35,000- $74, $75, DK/NA/Refused Marital Status ** Couple Single DK/NA/Refused

31 Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy: Government Waste and Inefficiency Government Waste and Inefficiency Weighted Total Age Group * and older Race/Ethnicity ** White African- American 8 92 Hispanic Other DK/NA/Refused Education * High School or less Some College College Grad DK/NA/Refused <1 100 Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy: Undocumented Residents and Workers Undocumented Residents and Workers Weighted Total Race/Ethnicity ** White African- American 8 92 Hispanic 6 94 Other 5 95 DK/NA/Refused Industry Leaving the State: No Significant Factors 32

32 Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy: Rules/Regulations Hampering Business Start- Ups Rules/Regulations Hampering Business Start- ups Weighted Total 7 93 Race/Ethnicity * White 8 92 African- American 3 97 Hispanic 7 93 Other 8 92 DK/NA/Refused Household Income * <$35, $35,000- $74, $75, DK/NA/Refused 7 93 Marital Status ** Couple 9 91 Single 5 95 DK/NA/Refused Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy: Damage to the Environment Damage to the Environment Weighted Total 7 93 Age Group *** and older 2 98 Internet Access * Yes 7 93 No 3 97 DK/NA/Refused <1 100 Home Foreclosures: No Significant Factors 33

33 Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy: Taxes/Fees Taxes/Fees Weighted Total 5 95 Employment Status * Full Time 6 94 Part Time 7 93 Not in Work Force 3 97 Unemployed 8 92 Retired 3 97 DK/NA/Refused 8 92 Marital Status * Couple 7 93 Single 3 97 DK/NA/Refused <1 100 Foreign Competition/Unfair Trade Rules/Regulations: No Significant Factors Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy: Lack of Preparedness of Today s College Graduates Lack of Preparedness of Today's College Graduates Weighted Total 4 96 Age Group * and older 8 92 Employment Status * Full Time 2 98 Part Time 9 91 Not in Work Force 3 97 Unemployed 5 95 Retired 4 96 DK/NA/Refused

34 Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy: Flood Insurance Costs Flood Insurance Costs Weighted Total 4 96 Employment Status * Full Time 7 93 Part Time 2 98 Not in Work Force 1 99 Unemployed 1 99 Retired 3 97 DK/NA/Refused 1 99 Single Biggest Threat to Florida's Economy: Don t Know/Not Sure Don't Know/Not Sure Weighted Total 4 96 Age Group *** and older Household Income ** <$35, $35,000- $74, $75, DK/NA/Refused Internet Access *** Yes 3 97 No DK/NA/Refused

35 Fiscal Stress Level on Individual Households Significant Factor: How Much Financial Stress in Households A lot of stress Some stress A little stress No Stress Don t Know/Not Sure % Weighted Total Age Group *** and older Child at Home * Yes No DK/NA/Refused <1 <1 < Race/Ethnicity White *** African- American Hispanic Other DK/NA/Refused Employment Status *** Household Income *** Education *** Marital Status *** Full Time Part Time Not in Work Force Unemployed Retired DK/NA/Refused <$35, $35,000- $74, $75, DK/NA/Refused High School or less Some College College Grad DK/NA/Refused 41 <1 < Couple Single DK/NA/Refused <1 36

36 Significant Factor: How Much Financial Stress in Households, cont. A lot of stress Some stress A little stress No Stress Don t Know/Not Sure % Weighted Total Internet Access Yes * No DK/NA/Refused <1 8 < Length of <5 years Residency * 5-9 years years years Region * I- 4 Corridor Miami/Palm Beach North Florida SW Florida(Naples) Best Way to Attract New Economic Development to the State Improve Infrastructure/Transportation: No Significant Factors Significant Factor: Best Way to Attract New Economic Development Tax Breaks/Cash Payments for Job Creators Weighted Total Education * High School or less Some College College Grad DK/NA/Refused <1 100 Internet Access * Yes No DK/NA/Refused <

37 Significant Factor: Best Way to Attract New Economic Development Education and Training Weighted Total Age Group ** and older Child at Home * Yes No DK/NA/Refused <1 100 Significant Factor: Best Way to Attract New Economic Development Cut/Limit Taxes and Regulations Weighted Total Gender * Male Female Marital Status ** Couple Single DK/NA/Refused 8 92 Significant Factor: Best Way to Attract New Economic Development Advertise in Other States/Overseas to Attract Tourists Weighted Total 7 93 Internet Access * Yes 6 94 No DK/NA/Refused Trade Missions to Promote Business: No Significant Factors 38