Florida voters approve 59 - 17 percent of the job newly-elected Gov. Ron DeSantis is doing, the highest approval rating for a Sunshine State governor in 10 years, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. Even Democrats approve of Gov. DeSantis, 42 - 28 percent. 

A total of 67 percent of Florida voters are "very satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied" with the way things are going in the state today, tying the highest satisfaction rate since the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University Poll first asked this question in 2004. Another 30 percent are "somewhat dissatisfied" or "very dissatisfied." 

In addition, 71 percent of voters say Florida's economy is "excellent" or "good," the highest level ever for this measure, while 27 percent say the economy is "not so good" or "poor." Florida's economy is getting better, 37 percent of voters say, as 12 percent say it is getting worse and 49 percent say it's staying about the same. 

A total of 72 percent of Florida voters are "very concerned" or "somewhat concerned" about climate change and 66 percent are "very concerned" or "somewhat concerned" that they or a member of their family "will be personally affected by climate change." 

Climate change is going to have a "significant negative effect on Florida" in their lifetime, 45 percent of voters say, as 48 percent say it will not. 

"Ron DeSantis won the governorship by the slimmest of margins, yet in his first two-plus months in office he has gotten off to a strong start. His 59 percent job approval today is better than most of his counterparts around the country," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. "Part of Gov. DeSantis' success is his taking on issues such as the environment on which Republicans often don't focus. 

"Gov. DeSantis and the state's politicians are benefitting from an overall sunny mood among Floridians who are happy about the economy and life in general." 

Florida voters oppose 64 - 29 percent offshore drilling in the ocean off the coast. Republicans support offshore drilling 54 - 38 percent, the only listed party, gender, education, age or racial group to support drilling. 

Immigration 
Florida voters support 61 - 27 percent Gov. DeSantis' proposal to require local law enforcement to work with federal immigration authorities. Support is 68 - 21 percent among white voters, 51 - 39 percent among black voters and 48 - 39 percent among Hispanic voters. Democrats are opposed 50 - 37 percent, the only listed group in opposition. 

Voters support 57 - 35 percent a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. 

Undocumented immigrants are provided too much protection in Florida, 34 percent of voters say, as 25 percent say they are not provided enough protection and 26 percent say undocumented immigrants get the right amount of protection. 

Gun Control 
With a wide gender gap, Florida voters oppose 57 - 40 percent allowing trained teachers and school officials to carry guns on school grounds. Women oppose arming teachers 63 - 33 percent. Men are divided as 47 percent support the idea, with 50 percent opposed. 

Stricter gun laws would do more to reduce gun violence in schools, 58 percent of voters say, as 32 percent say armed teachers would do more to reduce gun violence in schools. Florida voters support stricter gun laws 59 - 37 percent. 

If more people carried guns, Florida would be less safe, 55 percent of voters say, while 35 percent of voters say the state would be safer. 

Approval Ratings for Sen. Rubio, Sen. Scott 

Florida voters approve 50 - 34 percent of the job U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is doing. 

Voters give U.S. Sen. Rick Scott a mixed 42 - 38 percent job approval rating. 

From March 6 - 11, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,058 Florida voters with a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points, including the design effect. 

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts gold standard surveys using random digit dialing with live interviewers calling landlines and cell phones. The Quinnipiac University Poll conducts nationwide surveys and polls in more than a dozen states on national and statewide elections, as well as public policy issues. 

See the full results here.