Date: July 19, 2010
Contact: Gary Appelson
Phone: (352) 373-6441

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – On the eve of a special legislative session on oil drilling, a new poll shows Floridians overwhelmingly support being given a chance to vote on allowing oil drilling in state waters. A statewide poll of 1,143 registered voters conducted July 15-17 shows that not only do a majority Floridians oppose oil drilling in state waters, but also that 71% support being given a chance to vote on the issue.

The new poll also shows that Floridians want their state legislators to vote in favor of placing a constitutional amendment that would permanently ban oil drilling within 10 miles of our coast, on this November’s statewide ballot. Results showed 36% of voters said they would be more likely to re-elect their state legislator if they voted in favor of placing a constitutional amendment that banned oil drilling within 10 miles of Florida’s coast on the November ballot, with 30% less likely and 33% unsure. The poll has a 2.8% margin of error.

Poll results:
Do you support oil drilling within 10 miles of Florida’s coast? Yes 28% No 50% Unsure 21%

Do you believe Floridians should be allowed to vote on whether or not to ban oil drilling within 10 miles of the state’s coast? Yes 71% No 17% Unsure 10%

Now, how would you react if your state legislator voted to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot for voters to decide whether or not to ban oil drilling within 10 miles of Florida’s coast? More likely 36% Less likely 30% Unsure 33%

How do you describe your political views? Conservative 40% Moderate 40% Liberal 19%

“To protect Florida’s beaches now and for our children and grandchildren, we need to give the people a chance to vote on an amendment banning near shore drilling on November’s ballot,” said Eric Draper, Director of Audubon of Florida. “Floridians deserve a chance to amend our constitution to protect our way of life and this poll shows voters want that chance.”

“This is not a partisan issue,” said Manley Fuller, director of the Florida Wildlife Federation. “All Floridians, regardless of political affiliation, are harmed by oil spills.”

“Floridians get it! They understand that the citizens should decide the fate of our most important natural resources and not outside special interests,” said Gary Appleson, policy coordinator for the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

The poll was commissioned by Progress Florida, Sea Turtle Conservancy, Defenders of Wildlife, Florida Wildlife Federation, Hands Across the Sand and Audubon of Florida. The statewide poll of 1,143 registered Florida voters was conducted July 15-17 by Washington, DC based ISSI and has a margin of error of 2.8%.