Big Tech as tax relief? Florida voters say yes

Two controversial ideas. One unexpectedly warm reception.

A new poll commissioned by the Associated Industries of Florida Center for Political Strategy suggests Florida voters may be more receptive to data centers and homestead property tax abolishment if the two issues are fused.

The McLaughlin & Associates survey found 64% of likely 2026 voters would support building a data center in their community if it lowered local property taxes, boosted local jobs, and kept foreign adversaries’ hands off Americans’ “critical data.”

Just 23% said they oppose the proposal.

The Franken-question blends two issues that have generated separate — and often cautious — conversations in Tallahassee while invoking doom and gloom in city halls across the state.

Property tax reform remains politically sensitive.

Voters are on board with a lower tax bill, but they are wary of sweeping changes that could disrupt local government funding and, by and large, they would rather lawmakers direct their focus toward a different line-item on their monthly housing bill: property insurance.

Large-scale data centers, meanwhile, have surfaced in policy discussions primarily in the context of energy demand and infrastructure strain, not tax relief. The conversation has centered on creating a framework to ensure “large load customers” (read: data centers) wouldn’t shunt the cost of grid improvements onto everyday ratepayers.

By tying the two together, the AIF poll may signal a method for lawmakers to craft palatable policy. That has been the struggle on the property tax front — so far, neither chamber has produced a standalone ballot question that threads the needle. The Governor’s office, meanwhile, hasn’t made a proposal at all.

As for the AIF poll, it found support strongest among Republicans, 77% of whom say they’d support a server farm subsidizing their housing statement. Support registers at 62% among Independents while just 46% of Democrats back the idea.

“Florida voters want smart economic growth that lowers their property tax burden, creates high-paying jobs here at home, and secures our state’s most sensitive information from hostile foreign actors overseas,” said AIF Vice President of Politcal Operations Jeremy Sheftel.

“… At a time when cost and affordability are squeezing Florida families who are working record hours trying to make an honest living, Florida lawmakers have a real opportunity to deliver tangible relief to voters by welcoming data center investments that lower taxes and boost local economies while keeping our data out of the hands of our adversaries.”

Whether lawmakers embrace that linkage remains to be seen. But, at least rhetorically, voters are more open to the combo than the a la carte.

AIF’s poll was conducted Jan. 5-7 and has a sample size of 800 likely General Election voters. The margin of error is +/- 3.5% at a 95% confidence level.