In the aftermath of the devastating 2024 hurricane season, Floridians are increasingly alarmed by the growing intensity and frequency of tropical storms impacting their state. Recent research conducted by Florida Atlantic University (FAU) reveals that over two-thirds of the population express moderate to extreme concern about these climatic disruptions, underscoring an urgent awareness linking climate change directly to worsening weather phenomena. This heightened apprehension is epitomized by the passage of two major hurricanes in 2024: Category 4 Hurricane Helene and the more destructive Category 5 Hurricane Milton. Both cyclones were fueled by unprecedented oceanic temperatures, a stark indication of the compounding effects of global warming on regional meteorology.
The escalating concern is not limited merely to the storms themselves but extends to the socio-economic repercussions, particularly related to the skyrocketing costs of homeowners insurance. The FAU survey, conducted under The Invading Sea initiative, found that 54% of Floridians worry about their ability to afford and maintain adequate insurance coverage in the face of these climate-driven hazards. Data from a 2023 LexisNexis Risk Solutions report corroborates these fears, showing a nearly 60% surge in average insurance premiums in Florida between 2015 and 2023—the steepest increase nationwide. This financial strain adds a pressing dimension to climate resilience discussions, emphasizing the intersection of environmental and economic stressors.
Colin Polsky, Ph.D., associate vice president for the Broward campuses at FAU and professor of geosciences, articulates the collective realization among Floridians: they now "connect the dots" between climate change, intensifying hurricanes, and surging insurance premiums. Polsky highlights that the populace is increasingly recognizing the systemic nature of these challenges, driven by empirical patterns rather than abstract forecasts. The survey conducted by FAU’s Center for Environmental Studies represents the twelfth installment tracking public opinion on climate resilience since 2019, with the 2024 iteration rebranded under The Invading Sea—an environmental news platform aiming to enhance climate discourse.
The survey quantifies concern on a granular level: 38% of respondents expressed being “extremely concerned” about hurricanes becoming more powerful and frequent, marking the highest level of such concern since tracking began. Further, 29% are moderately concerned, while a smaller portion reports slight or no concern. These attitudes emerge in the context of tangible experiences during the 2024 hurricane season, which was unprecedented not only in storm intensity but also in its correlation with sea surface temperatures—an essential driver of hurricane development. This relationship demands closer scientific scrutiny of how anthropogenic climate factors are dynamically altering hurricane genesis and strength, particularly in vulnerable regions like Florida.
Governmental response to climate change remains a divisive issue, yet the survey indicates a substantial majority of Floridians (65%) feel that both state and federal authorities must intensify efforts to mitigate climate impacts. Interestingly, political affiliation informs these views: 83% of Democrats endorse increased governmental climate action, with more than half of Republicans and approximately 60% of independents aligning with this perspective. This cross-partisan support challenges narratives suggesting partisan impasses prevent substantial climate policymaking and could signal shifting political landscapes fostered by climate-related local impacts.
Despite the mixed political environment, progress at the state level on climate adaptation is ongoing. Polsky points out that public opinion plays a crucial role in sustaining these efforts, even amid resistance from executive and legislative branches in Florida. This reveals a complex interplay between grassroots awareness, political will, and policy implementation. Florida’s unique exposure to climate risks compels a proactive stance on adaptation strategies, which may include investing in infrastructure resilience, enhancing disaster preparedness, and addressing insurance market instabilities.
Another pivotal aspect emerging from the survey is public support for transitioning Florida’s energy portfolio towards renewable sources. A significant 72% of respondents favor diversifying electricity generation to include more renewables, signaling popular demand for sustainable energy policies. This shift resonates with broader ecological and environmental management goals, as the energy sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change. Increasing reliance on renewables may help curb further ocean temperature rises, potentially damping hurricane intensification trends.
Educational dimensions also feature prominently, with nearly two-thirds of Floridians advocating for comprehensive climate science education within K-12 curricula. This emphasis on science literacy at formative stages underscores recognition of education as a critical lever for long-term societal adaptation and resilience. In an era where misinformation can hinder climate action, equipping young generations with robust scientific understanding is viewed as essential for fostering informed citizenry and future policy advocates.
The political implications of climate awareness extend to electoral behavior as well. The survey reveals that 52% of respondents are more inclined to support candidates with strong climate policies—though significant partisan disparities exist. Democratic voters show the greatest propensity (70%) to favor pro-climate candidates, while independents and Republicans demonstrate lower but notable levels of support (48% and 39%, respectively). However, Polsky notes a disconnect between expressed voting intentions and actual election outcomes, suggesting complexities in translating climate concern into tangible political influence at the ballot box.
Climate change belief is widespread in Florida, with 88% of surveyed residents affirming the reality of anthropogenic climate shifts. This figure surpasses the national average reported in Yale’s climate polling, where 73% of Americans acknowledge climate change. The strong consensus within Florida could be attributed to direct and repeated exposure to climate-driven hazards, enhancing the public’s empirically grounded apprehension of environmental transformations.
Methodologically, the 2024 survey included a representative sample of 1,400 Floridians aged 18 and older and was conducted in both English and Spanish to capture diverse demographic perspectives. The data collection employed an online panel managed by GreatBlue Research, with results weighted to reflect demographic variables including age, income, education, gender, and regional distribution. The margin of sampling error was reported at ±2.53%, underscoring the reliability and robustness of these findings as a credible barometer of public opinion.
This evolving climate discourse in Florida highlights the inextricable linkages between environmental changes, economic impacts, and socio-political responses. As sea surface temperatures continue to rise and hurricanes become more extreme, public demand for meaningful adaptation policies grows, challenging policymakers and stakeholders alike. Whether through advancing renewable energy adoption, improving climate education, or reforming insurance markets, Florida’s experience epitomizes the complex dynamics at the intersection of climate science and society in a warming world.
For those interested, Florida Atlantic University continues to provide comprehensive findings and further data analyses via the Center for Environmental Studies and The Invading Sea platform. These efforts contribute significantly to understanding public perspectives, informing adaptive governance, and fostering climate resilience amidst one of the United States’ most vulnerable regions.
Subject of Research:
Public perceptions of climate change impacts, hurricane intensity and frequency, homeowners insurance affordability, and climate policy support in Florida.
Article Title:
Most Floridians Worry About Homeowners Insurance, Stronger Hurricanes Amid Record-Breaking 2024 Season
News Publication Date:
22-Apr-2025
Web References:
https://www.ces.fau.edu/ces-bepi/
https://www.fau.edu/
https://www.theinvadingsea.com/
Image Credits:
Alex Dolce, Florida Atlantic University
Keywords:
Climate change, Hurricanes, Social surveys, Insurance, Renewable energy, Environmental methods, Environmental management, Public opinion, Climate policy, Energy policy, Ecological adaptation, Environmental issues, Environmental education
