Support for a minimum wage hike in Florida is strong in every party, gender, education, age and racial group, according to an independent Quinnipiac University Poll.
However, support is divided on choosing whether or not to make felons pay fines before they can regain voting rights.
The QU poll, conducted from June 12 -17, surveyed 1,279 Florida voters. The results show that Florida voters support an increase in the $8.46 minimum wage by a margin of 76 to 20 percent.
"Maybe it's because so many Floridians remember their first minimum wage job. Whatever the reason, three-quarters of Sunshine State voters think the minimum wage in the state needs to be higher. Many voters, however, aren't ready to go as high as $15 per hour," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.
That’s the level the minimum wage would hit in 2026 if Floridians approve a constitutional amendment prominent attorney John Morgan is trying to get on the ballot.
Responses to a separate question shows that nine percent of voters are in favor of a minimum wage over $15, 36 percent want the minimum wage to be $15, and 43 percent would like an increase of minimum wage that does not exceed $15.
"Anything is possible and sentiment could change, but the target of $15 per hour could jeopardize chances for raising the minimum wage if the question is on the ballot in November 2020," said Brown.
Voters are split on whether or not they support a law that would require felons who have completed their sentence to pay all fines, fees and restitution related to their case before they are allowed to vote.
45 percent of voters support the requirement to pay, with 47 percent opposing.
And Florida needs to put more initiative into eliminating gun violence according to 72 percent of those polled. 21 percent are satisfied with the state's effort, with 2 percent saying the state is doing too much.
55 percent of voters say that stricter gun laws would do more to reduce gun violence in schools than arming teachers, with 34 percent opposing.
Copyright 2019 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7