States Florida Governor
Governor
Governor, Florida
November 3, 2026 · 12 statements · 2026.09.30-9eaca471
Candidates
Also on the ballot
Dean Abrams Independent Not researched: below our published threshold Charles Burkett Independent Not researched: below our published threshold Jeffrey Peter "Dr. Jeff" Datto Independent Not researched: below our published threshold Moliere "Moe" Dimanche Independent Not researched: below our published threshold Scott Eckhard Jewett Libertarian Not researched: below our published threshold Frank J. Russo Independent Not researched: below our published threshold
We research every Democratic or Republican nominee, every incumbent, and anyone who raised at least $50,000 (per the FEC) or reached 5 percent in a public poll. Methodology
Statements and positions
Agree Disagree No clear position Select a position to see the evidence behind it.
Byron Donalds Republican David Jolly Democratic
State statements
Taxes No. 01/12
Florida should eliminate property taxes on primary homes.
Background Florida has no state income tax, and local governments and school districts rely heavily on property taxes. Eliminating the tax on homesteaded homes would require a constitutional change and other revenue or spending cuts to replace it.
still setting a goal for repealing homestead property taxes in Florida overall
Press quote · Sep 1, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
wlrn.org
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
This is going to create a crisis and possibly bankrupt some of our rural counties.
Press quote · Sep 23, 2026 · retrieved Sep 30, 2026
wusf.org No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.50)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Health care No. 02/12
Florida should expand Medicaid to cover more low-income adults.
Background Florida is one of the states that has not adopted the Medicaid expansion for adults earning up to 138 percent of the poverty line. Expansion would extend coverage to many uninsured adults, with the federal government paying most of the cost.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Expanding Medicaid is part of the solution. It would provide coverage to hundreds of thousands of Floridians who are currently left without access to care.
Campaign or official site · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
davidjolly.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Education No. 03/12
Florida should limit its private school scholarship program to lower- and middle-income families.
Background Since 2023, every Florida student can receive a state-funded scholarship for private school or home education regardless of family income. Income limits would restore eligibility rules similar to those in place before that change.
We want an economy of education where parents have the purchasing power and the ability to find the academic environment that best suits their child.
Interview or debate · Jul 30, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
floridatrib.org
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.55)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
The voucher program should be means-tested to ensure funding is provided for families with demonstrated economic need.
Campaign or official site · Sep 29, 2026 · retrieved Sep 30, 2026
davidjolly.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Abortion No. 04/12
Florida should repeal its ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
Background Florida law bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, with limited exceptions. Repeal would make abortion legal later in pregnancy unless the legislature set a different limit.
I do understand where people will say, 'Well, let's move to the next legislative step.' But what my view is, is that you have a legislative step, you implement that step.
Press quote · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
miamitimesonline.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Through a Florida statute replicating the Roe framework: abortion legal until fetal viability (around 23 to 24 weeks), with state regulation thereafter only where necessary to protect maternal life or health.
Campaign or official site · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
davidjolly.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Immigration No. 05/12
Florida should keep requiring local police and jails to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Background Florida law requires local agencies to honor federal immigration detainers and bans local policies that limit cooperation. Many sheriffs also have agreements that let deputies perform some immigration enforcement duties.
If you're a local official and you are not going to cooperate with federal law enforcement, then yes, you need to be removed from office
Press quote · Aug 31, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
yahoo.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
When local police are turned into deportation agents, victims and witnesses stop coming forward
Campaign or official site · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
davidjolly.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Energy and climate No. 06/12
Florida should pause approval of new large data centers.
Background Large data centers use large amounts of electricity and water, and several have been proposed in Florida. A pause would stop new approvals while the state studies effects on power rates, water and land use.
when you start doing stuff like what New York just did, that's a signal to the business community that this is not a place to invest capital
Press quote · Jul 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
wusf.org
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Housing No. 07/12
Florida should create a state-backed reinsurance fund to lower homeowners insurance premiums.
Background Florida homeowners pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country, and the state-run Citizens insurer covers many homes. A state reinsurance fund would use public money to cover part of insurers' storm losses.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Florida creates one strong, state-backed hurricane fund. One fund, for the whole state, carrying hurricane and wind risk for Florida homes.
Campaign or official site · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
davidjolly.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Public safety No. 08/12
Florida should legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older.
Background Florida allows marijuana only for medical use, and a 2024 ballot measure for adult use won about 56 percent, short of the 60 percent needed. Legalization would allow adults to buy marijuana from licensed sellers.
I'm opposed to it. I think if you're going to do something like this, this is something that the legislature should weigh in on, similar to what happened with medical marijuana about a decade ago.
Press quote · Oct 28, 2024 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
marijuanamoment.net
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
I think the governor's role is to represent the majority of the state, and the majority of the state asked for it, and I think that we should do it,
Press quote · May 7, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
wlrn.org
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Guns No. 09/12
Florida should lower the minimum age to buy rifles and shotguns from 21 to 18.
Background After the 2018 Parkland school shooting, Florida raised the minimum age to buy any firearm to 21. This would let adults aged 18 to 20 buy rifles and shotguns again.
I also felt that there should not be a two-tier system for adults between the ages of 18 and 21. I felt that was wrong then, and I still feel that way
Press quote · May 22, 2025 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
yahoo.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
The Parkland gun safety law was bipartisan, it's supported by law enforcement, and it should stay in place.
Press quote · Aug 27, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
yahoo.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Guns No. 10/12
Florida should keep its law letting courts temporarily remove guns from people found to be a threat.
Background A 2018 Florida law lets police ask a court for a risk protection order that temporarily removes guns from a person judged a threat to themselves or others. Repealing it would end that court process.
I opposed that legislation. And I opposed it because I thought that red flag laws really did take away your Fifth Amendment rights as a citizen
Press quote · May 22, 2025 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
yahoo.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Education No. 11/12
Florida should raise average public school teacher pay to at least the national average.
Background Florida's average teacher salary ranks near the bottom of the states in national surveys, even after state raises. Reaching the national average would require large increases in state education spending.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Florida's average teacher salary ranks 50th of 51 states nationally (only Mississippi is worse)
Campaign or official site · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
davidjolly.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.50)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Economy No. 12/12
Florida should pass its own laws protecting consumers from harms caused by artificial intelligence.
Background Florida has few laws aimed specifically at artificial intelligence, and federal officials have pushed for one national standard instead of state rules. State laws could set rules on things like AI chatbots, deepfakes and use of personal data.
I think that the states do need to lead when it comes to setting a regulatory framework.
Press quote · Jun 2, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
latintimes.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Byron Donalds's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.55)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
David Jolly's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked