A recent survey conducted by the Puerto Rico Hub at the University of Central Florida (UCF) reveals growing economic anxieties among Puerto Ricans in Florida, coupled with a decrease in support for statehood for the island. The findings, released on March 10, 2026, paint a picture of a community grappling with economic realities nearly nine months into President Donald Trump’s second administration. Concerns about the economy are the top priority for Floridian Puerto Ricans, according to the study.
The UCF Puerto Rico Hub’s research indicates that seven in ten Puerto Ricans residing in Florida do not believe their economic situation has improved during the first nine months of President Trump’s current term. This sentiment underscores a growing disconnect between the promises of economic improvement and the lived experiences of this significant voting bloc. The survey also highlights a shift in political preferences, with diminishing enthusiasm for Puerto Rico becoming a U.S. State.
Economic Worries Dominate Concerns
The economic anxieties expressed by Florida’s Puerto Rican population are particularly noteworthy. The survey doesn’t specify the nature of these economic concerns, but it does establish them as the primary issue facing the community. This finding aligns with broader national trends, as reported by the Pew Research Center, which shows approximately 61% of Americans believe Trump’s policies have worsened economic conditions [Pew Research Center]. For Puerto Ricans in Florida, yet, the issue appears particularly acute.
Declining Support for Statehood
Alongside economic concerns, the UCF survey reveals a decline in support for statehood for Puerto Rico. The extent of this decline is not detailed in the available information, but the finding suggests a potential shift in the political landscape. This shift could have significant implications for future political discussions surrounding the island’s status. The Puerto Rico Hub at UCF has been actively tracking the views of Puerto Ricans in Florida, including observing a spike in poll responses following a joke made at a Trump rally in 2024 [YouTube].
The UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub has been actively engaged in understanding the perspectives of the Puerto Rican diaspora in Central Florida. A recent moderated dialogue hosted by the hub focused on Puerto Rican political views [Instagram], following the 2024 election. This ongoing research underscores the importance of understanding the evolving political and economic realities of this community.
Trump’s Approval Rating Among Puerto Ricans in Florida
The study also found that only 29% of Puerto Ricans in Florida approve of Donald Trump’s performance [El Nuevo Dia]. This relatively low approval rating suggests a potential vulnerability for the former president within this demographic, particularly as the midterm elections approach. A separate report from January 24, 2026, in the Orlando Sentinel noted that Hispanic voters in Central Florida, including Puerto Ricans, were conflicted on Trump’s performance one year into his presidency [Orlando Sentinel].
Fernando Rivera, director of the Puerto Rico Research Hub at UCF, noted in the Orlando Sentinel report that immigration is “not really a concern” for Puerto Ricans, differentiating their priorities from other Hispanic groups. This distinction is vital when considering the broader political landscape and the varying concerns within the Hispanic community.
Looking Ahead
The UCF Puerto Rico Hub’s findings offer a valuable snapshot of the concerns and shifting political attitudes within the Puerto Rican community in Florida. As the midterm elections draw closer, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for both political campaigns and policymakers. Further research will be needed to determine the long-term implications of these trends and how they might shape the future political landscape of Florida and Puerto Rico.
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