FORT LAUDERDALE — Florida’s gubernatorial contenders, Democrat David Jolly and Republican U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, shared a stage on September 23 at the WLRN Sunshine Economy Summit hosted at the Broward County Convention Center. Moderated by WLRN Public Media CEO Tom Hudson, the conversation centered heavily on affordability, housing, property insurance, and tax proposals.
However, this event may remain the only time the two candidates appear side by side this election cycle. Following Jolly’s announcement on September 20 that he would decline future debates due to what he termed repeated falsehoods from Donalds, Florida is on track to skip a gubernatorial debate for the first time in 50 years.
As the race heats up ahead of the November 3 election, here is a look at the facts behind several claims made by both candidates during the summit.
David Jolly on data centers: “75% of the state is saying ‘please don’t do this right now. Give us more time. Let’s study it. We don’t want data centers.’”
Verdict: Mostly True.
While researchers note that public sentiment on rapidly evolving technology can shift, recent polling indicates widespread apprehension across Florida regarding the rapid expansion of data centers. A University of North Florida poll conducted in July revealed that 68% of surveyed residents opposed establishing data centers in their local communities, with broader state polls showing opposition levels anywhere from 49% to 79%. These local figures align closely with national sentiment.
Proponents argue these facilities generate local jobs and tax revenue, but residents frequently cite concerns over heavy electricity and water consumption, alongside quality-of-life issues like noise pollution. Jolly has pledged a one-year moratorium on new facilities if elected, whereas Donalds remains open to development provided adequate consumer protections are enforced.
David Jolly on his proposed state fund: Removing wind coverage from the private market “cuts insurance by 60 to 70%.”
Verdict: Experts say the projected savings are likely overstated.
Jolly’s campaign figures show that removing windstorm coverage for a $300,000 home—dropping annual premiums from roughly $7,136 to $2,556—would yield a 64% reduction. While Jolly has not yet released full implementation details, he suggested that a state-backed fund could utilize private carriers for underwriting and claims processing while eliminating private profit margins.
Industry experts agree that removing wind coverage from standard private policies would initially lower consumer bills. However, catastrophe risk modeler Karen Clark pointed out that Florida’s unique geography accounts for 60% of U.S. hurricane risk, a reality no funding mechanism can alter. Furthermore, Gabriel Carrillo of the University of Central Florida warned that transferring total risk to a state fund could introduce hidden costs, potentially leaving all Florida policyholders—including auto and business owners—on the hook for emergency assessments following a severe storm.
Byron Donalds on population growth: There are more Americans moving to Florida “than any other state in the country.”
Verdict: Mostly False.
While Florida remains a top destination, it is no longer the nation’s leader in net in-migration. That title now belongs to Texas, with Florida sliding to second place as its post-pandemic migration boom levels off. A June report from the University of Florida’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies showed that new arrivals dipped to about 201,000 in 2025 (roughly 551 people daily), a sharp decline from the 2022 peak of nearly 599,000. Growth has notably shifted toward mid-sized counties like Polk, Pasco, and Marion, while major metro areas such as Miami-Dade and Broward experienced population losses.
Byron Donalds on the economy: “We have already seen that tax refunds are at the highest level they’ve ever been in the history of the United States,” and the average Floridian is paying $3,200 less in taxes now.
Verdict: Accurate, though it stems from temporary withholding dynamics.
Internal Revenue Service records confirm that direct deposit refunds averaged $3,034 in 2025 and climbed nearly 8% to $3,273 in 2026. Adjusted for inflation, Florida residents recorded some of the highest average refunds nationwide this year, hitting roughly $4,433. The surge followed the enactment of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025, which permanently reduced individual tax rates and expanded the standard deduction.
Because the law went into effect after employers had already set their annual withholding rates—and because the IRS updated payroll tables late—employers continued withholding excess funds from paychecks, driving up 2026 refunds. Whether these elevated refunds persist depends on future adjustments made by employers and employees to their withholding elections.
Reporting contributed by PolitiFact Chief Correspondent Louis Jacobson.