Paul Renner talks rising costs in multimarket ‘Affordability Now’ tour beginning Wednesday in Miami

Former House Speaker Paul Renner will be traveling the state this month to meet with Floridians about what his campaign calls the state’s “growing affordability crisis.”

Renner, a Palm Coast Republican currently running for Governor, will hold roundtables predicated around “kitchen-table issues,” including property taxes and utility, health care and insurance costs. He is set to meet with business owners, homeowners and seniors to present policy proposals addressing these issues.

“Floridians are working harder than ever, but falling further behind, and the Legislature has failed to take bold action on the affordability crisis facing our state,” Renner said.

Renner’s first event will be Wednesday in Miami with a follow-up in Tampa Thursday.

Four stops are scheduled for next week.

Renner will be in Crawfordville on Apr. 13, Orlando on Apr. 14, Jacksonville on Apr. 15 and Pensacola on Apr. 17.

“It’s time to listen to the people and discuss real solutions that will lower costs and make Florida more affordable for everyone,” Renner added.

Renner’s messaging on this issue may resonate, if recent polling from The James Madison Institute is accurate.

The poll, which was taken in February before the beginning of the armed conflict with Iran, found 92% of Florida voters say their living costs have ticked up.

Insurance (24%) and taxes (22%) top the list of housing affordability challenges. Housing supply trailed at 19%.

Property taxes, in particular, are emerging as a flashpoint.

More than half of respondents (54%) say they are paying and handing over more to the county tax collector than they used to.

A broad majority of voters (77%) say they would support some form of reform, including 42% who support moderate changes and 35% who back full elimination.

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Drew Wilson of Florida Politics contributed to this report.