The idea of the American Dream is still alive in Florida, but for many, it’s looking more like a high-priced subscription than a birthright. According to the latest survey from Florida Atlantic University’s Business and Economic Polling Initiative, 53% of Floridians still believe the American Dream holds true. Another 54% believe their kids will probably or definitely have a better life than they did. But that optimism is being tested, and in many cases, it’s starting to crack under the weight of housing costs, inflation, and day-to-day financial pressure.
Nearly half of Floridians say they’ve thought about leaving the state because of how expensive it’s become. Housing affordability is top of mind: 80% are worried about it, and 77% still consider owning a home part of the American Dream, but only 51% believe they could realistically buy one today. Between home prices, interest rates, and down payment hurdles, buying a home has gone from a milestone to a moonshot for many middle-income households. Nearly 8 in 10 respondents said it’s harder to buy a home now than just five years ago.
That pressure isn’t just about homeownership. It’s affecting everyday survival. About 70% of Floridians say they live paycheck to paycheck at least some of the time, and only 48% have enough saved to cover three months of expenses. While some might assume the issue is overspending or low income, the most common reason for lack of savings wasn’t either of those. It was simply the high cost of living. Food, gas, insurance, housing… it all adds up, and fast.
Still, Floridians aren’t throwing in the towel. Despite the financial strain, 79% are at least somewhat confident their situation will improve within the next few years. That mix of realism and resilience may be the best definition of today’s American Dream, especially in a place like Florida, where the sun still shines but the price of that sunshine keeps rising.