Blog
15 Most Liberal Cities in Florida (2023 guide!)
Sep
Ever considered moving to Florida but anxious you may not slot in with the politics? Don’t worry, not all of Florida is deep red.
The Sunshine State actually has some very liberal cities that may make any left-leaning person feel right at home. From north to south, listed below are essentially the most liberal cities in Florida where the locals are likely to vote blue.
Tallahassee
Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, can also be one of the crucial progressive cities within the state. Home to Florida State University and Florida A&M University, Tallahassee has a youthful, open-minded spirit.
You’ll discover a vibrant arts and music scene, historic theaters, independent bookstores, and cafes perfect for chatting or doing a crossword. On weekends, browse the Downtown Marketplace farmers’ market or catch an indie film on the All Saints Cinema.
Politically, Leon County, which encompasses Tallahassee, votes overwhelmingly Democratic. Town has passed progressive policies like banning single-use plastic bags, protecting LGBT rights, and decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.
With its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and forward-thinking mindset, Tallahassee offers a breath of fresh air for liberals living in or visiting the Sunshine State. No wonder locals lovingly call it “Tally.”
You Might Be Interested In:
10 Pros And Cons Of Living In Miami, FL
10 Pros and Cons of Living in Tampa, FL
12 Pros And Cons Of Living In Pensacola, FL
Gainesville
Gainesville is a liberal oasis in a sea of red. Home to the University of Florida, with over 50,000 students, Gainesville has a youthful, progressive vibe. Voters here strongly supported Democrats within the 2020 election, with Biden receiving over 70% of the vote.
Gainesville was also an early adopter of LGBTQ rights, banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in 1992. Town has a thriving gay community and hosts an annual Pride festival. Politically, the Alachua County Commission is dominated by Democrats.
Town has a booming farm-to-table food scene, with many vegan and organic options. Environmentalism can also be vital here, with the town pledging to transition to 100% renewable energy.
While much of northern Florida is sort of conservative, Gainesville marches to the beat of its own drummer.
With an informed, youthful populace and a culture that values diversity and sustainability, Gainesville epitomizes the fashionable progressive city. For liberals trying to relocate to Florida, Gainesville ought to be at the highest of your list.
Orlando
Known for being the house of Walt Disney World, Orlando can also be considered one of the crucial liberal cities in Florida.
Town attracts young, progressive residents and has a reasonably high education level, with over 40% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Orlando also has a reasonably diverse population, with large Hispanic, Asian, and African-American communities.
Politically, Orlando leans heavily Democratic. Within the 2020 election, Joe Biden won over 60% of the vote in Orange County where Orlando is positioned. Town council can also be majority Democrat. A few of the most liberal and secure neighborhoods in Orlando include College Park, Thornton Park, and Downtown Orlando.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is a well-liked city amongst liberals in Florida. Positioned in Pinellas County, St. Petersburg has been a Democratic stronghold for many years. Town has a thriving arts and culture scene, beaches along the Gulf Coast and an overall progressive vibe.
St. Pete, as locals call it, consistently votes for Democratic candidates and progressive issues. Town has banned plastic bags, straws, and certain pesticides, showing its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. St. Petersburg also has a big LGBTQ population and hosts certainly one of the biggest Pride festivals within the state.
With miles of beaches, museums, craft breweries, and an expanding food scene, St. Petersburg attracts young liberals and families alike. Rent and residential prices in St. Pete are rising attributable to its popularity, but the town stays more cost-effective than Miami or Fort Lauderdale for a lot of.
St. Petersburg’s liberal and laid-back lifestyle continues to attract recent residents who value inclusion, culture, and outdoor activities.
MORE: Safest Neighborhoods In St Petersburg, FL
Key West
The southernmost city within the continental U.S., Key West has long been a refuge totally free thinkers and nonconformists. With its tropical, laid-back vibe, Key West attracts many liberal-minded residents and visitors.
Town has a well-established gay community and was an early adopter of LGBTQ protections and rights. Key West was also on the forefront of the movement to legalize medical marijuana in Florida. And with no constructing restrictions, the town’s eclectic architecture reflects its anything-goes philosophy.
For those who’re trying to escape the restrictions of mainstream society, the liberal utopia of Key West welcomes you with open arms.
Fort Lauderdale
Known for its beachy vibes and LGBTQ-friendly attitude, Fort Lauderdale is a liberal oasis in South Florida.
Town has a protracted history of progressive values and was certainly one of the primary to pass anti-discrimination laws protecting the LGBTQ community. Today, Fort Lauderdale continues to champion progressive causes like environmental protection, immigration reform, and gun control.
You’ll find that the general mindset in Fort Lauderdale is laid-back and open-minded. Residents here embrace diversity and individuality. So whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ community, an environmentalist, or simply an open-minded person, you’ll feel right at home on this little liberal haven.
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is one of the crucial liberal cities in Florida. Positioned in Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach has a hip, creative vibe and is home to many progressive thinkers. You’ll find art galleries, indie music venues, and a vigorous food scene. West Palm Beach tends to vote overwhelmingly Democratic in elections.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach is a well-liked beach city in southern Florida that’s known for its vigorous nightlife, Art Deco architecture, and gay-friendly attitude.
Given its diversity and liberal social values, Miami Beach consistently votes Democratic in elections. Residents are likely to support progressive policies around immigration, healthcare, education, and the environment.
Wilton Manors
Wilton Manors is a city in Broward County, Florida with a really liberal and progressive repute. It has a big LGBT population and was once nicknamed “The Island City”.
Within the Nineties, Wilton Manors began revitalizing its downtown area and promoting arts and culture. Town passed an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Sarasota
Known for its stunning beaches and unmatched arts scene, Sarasota is a cultural mecca for liberals.
With a walkable downtown, locally-owned businesses, and environmental preservation efforts, Sarasota has a progressive vibe.
Boca Raton
Boca Raton is a coastal city in Palm Beach County, known for its affluent and liberal-leaning population. With miles of beaches, luxury resorts, and an exquisite downtown, Boca attracts left-leaning retirees and young professionals alike.
Delray Beach
Delray Beach is thought for its liberal and progressive atmosphere. Town has an, eclectic vibe that pulls open-minded residents and visitors.
Delray Beach was certainly one of the primary cities in Florida to pass anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ rights. Town also goals to advertise environmental sustainability and has won awards for its green initiatives.
Winter Park
Welcome to one of the crucial progressive cities within the Sunshine State. Winter Park is thought for its lush parks, prime quality of life, and liberal mindset. Around 70% of residents here vote blue, and the town commission recently passed an ordinance banning conversion therapy. You’ll find most locals are open-minded and welcoming of individuals from all walks of life.
With its upscale downtown, welcoming food and humanities scene, and nearby Rollins College, Winter Park has a cultured and educated vibe. Town celebrates diversity and individuality, as evidenced by the numerous indie boutiques, cafes, and galleries along Park Avenue. For those who’re trying to escape the conservative politics elsewhere in Florida, Winter Park might be a perfect refuge.
Coral Gables
Known for its stringent zoning laws and Mediterranean-style architecture, Coral Gables is one of the crucial affluent cities in Florida. Home to the University of Miami, “The City Beautiful” has a comparatively young, educated population and voted overwhelmingly Democratic within the 2020 election.
Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is a city positioned in St. Lucie County, Florida. It’s essentially the most populous municipality within the county with over 185,000 residents. Town has an area of 120 square miles, positioned about 120 miles southeast of Orlando and about 120 miles northwest of Miami.
Port St. Lucie has a generally liberal and Democratic voting population. Within the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton won the town with over 56% of the vote. Town also has a comparatively high percentage of registered Democrats at around 41% of registered voters.
Town ranks highly in quality of life and safety. It has a low crime rate and value of living, in addition to outdoor recreational activities with over 20 miles of beaches and the St. Lucie River. Town’s public K-12 schools are also highly rated. These aspects likely contribute to the town’s liberal and progressive values.
Final Thoughts
While much of Florida stays traditionally conservative, these cities offer a refuge for those trying to surround themselves with like-minded individuals.
The culture, diversity, and community values in cities like Gainesville, Orlando, and St. Petersburg attract younger, well-educated, and open-minded residents.
For those who’re trying to relocate to Florida but need to stay true to your liberal ideals, consider adding certainly one of these cities to your shortlist. You’ll find your political and social views are welcomed and also you’ll be in good company.
More From Dollar Sanity:
Orlando vs. Miami: Which is Higher?
