Poll: Majority of Floridians oppose overturning Roe v. Wade, support gun safety bill

Zac Anderson, Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read
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A majority of Floridians oppose the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the Roe v. Wade decision protecting abortion rights, according to a new poll that also shows strong support in Florida for the gun violence prevention law recently signed by President Joe Biden.

However, Floridians give Biden lower marks than Gov. Ron DeSantis on everything from his handling of the economy to COVID-19 and race relations.

Just 34% of Floridians approve of Biden's economic stewardship, according to the survey by the University of South Florida and Florida International University, compared with 50% who think DeSantis is doing a good job with the economy.

More: DeSantis promises more ‘pro-life protections.’ What will he do next on abortion?

And: Florida abortion funds see influx of ‘rage donations’ as their mission grows harder

The survey provides a snapshot of how Floridians view the abortion issue in the wake of last month's blockbuster ruling striking down Roe, with 57% saying they oppose the decision.

There are a wide range of opinions on what Florida policymakers should do next on abortion, but little interest in banning the procedure in most or all cases, according to the survey. Just 9% of Floridians said they want a complete abortion ban, while 21% said they want a ban with exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest, or when the mother's life is at risk.

Hundreds of pro-abortion rights protesters showed up recently outside the Moore Justice Center in Viera for a Bans off Our Bodies protest. A new poll finds that a majority of Floridians oppose the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the Roe v. Wade decision protecting abortion rights.
Hundreds of pro-abortion rights protesters showed up recently outside the Moore Justice Center in Viera for a Bans off Our Bodies protest. A new poll finds that a majority of Floridians oppose the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the Roe v. Wade decision protecting abortion rights.

DeSantis celebrated Roe being overturned and promised to "expand pro-life protections" but has not elaborated on what his next steps will be on the issue.

Gun policy also has received considerable attention recently after high-profile mass shootings across the country, including the massacre of 19 children and two teachers at a Texas school.

Biden signed legislation last month that enhances background checks for younger gun buyers, prohibits more domestic-violence offenders from purchasing guns and provides funding for states to enact "red flag" laws that allow guns to be seized from troubled individuals. The legislation also increases funding for mental health programs.

The bill is supported by 59% of Floridians, according to the survey. Only one Florida Republican, U.S. Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Miami, backed the legislation.

The USF/FIU survey of 600 adult Floridians was conducted between July 2 and July 10. It has a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

Follow Herald-Tribune Political Editor Zac Anderson on Twitter at @zacjanderson. He can be reached at zac.anderson@heraldtribune.com

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida poll looks at guns, abortion, Joe Biden and Ron DeSantis