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Rick Scott's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Rick Scott did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2024 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • "@Democrats claim that today’s vote is about codifying Roe. That’s a lie. @SenateDems are fighting to pass an extremist bill that legalizes abortion-on-demand until birth. Abortion even in the ninth month of pregnancy. It’s a disgusting assault on life & one we will defeat." (x.com)
  • "Every child deserves to be welcomed into this world with open and loving arms. As we commemorate the first anniversary of the Dobbs decision, we must remember the fight for life is only beginning. We have a responsibility to continue protecting innocent unborn lives by making adoption more accessible and affordable, and doing everything in our power to meet the needs of struggling women and their families so they can choose life." (x.com)
  • "I believe life begins at conception because I believe in science and place value in every life, born and unborn. When do Democrats believe life begins? They won’t say and it’s time they have an answer." (x.com)
  • "Today’s historic decision made by the court on #Dobbs correctly confirms that there is no constitutional right to take a child’s life. I firmly believe that life begins at conception and that every child deserves to be welcomed into this world with open arms." (x.com)
  • "I'm fighting like hell to protect critical programs like Social Security and Medicare, and that starts with balancing our budget and getting our fiscal house in order." (x.com)
  • "We must protect Social Security, pass my Protect Our Seniors Act & reject Biden’s do-nothing approach which would cut benefits by 23% in 2033. Today, I pressed the Social Security Administrator on why Biden has done nothing to protect this critical program" (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by the Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSM) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Alliance for Retired Americans (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSM) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "During my time as Governor of Florida, we cut taxes over 100 times to help businesses thrive and families keep more of their hard-earned dollars. It’s time we do that on the federal level with our No Tax on Tips Act." (x.com)
  • "With Biden at the helm, Democrats have made it clear that they want more government, more spending, more debt and higher taxes, and they don’t care one bit if that means less freedom and opportunity for you." (x.com)
  • Rated 86% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 88% by The Club for Growth (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • ""Fair share" & "level the playing field" ➡️ redistribution of wealth ➡️ socialism. Biden can use any words he wants, but he can’t mask his #systemicsocialism" (x.com)
  • "With Biden at the helm, Democrats have made it clear that they want more government, more spending, more debt and higher taxes, and they don’t care one bit if that means less freedom and opportunity for you." (x.com)
  • Rated 86% by National Taxpayers Union (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 88% by The Club for Growth (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 100% by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Clearly, there is a need for better training & better oversight in law enforcement. But I won’t let the radical Left use the crimes of a few bad actors to demonize good, hard-working police officers in FL. Don’t defund the police. Fund the police." (x.com)
  • "Law enforcement officers risk their lives to keep us safe. Defunding the police would only endanger our communities. I'm proud to sign @Heritage_Action’s #PolicePledge in support of our law enforcement officers." (x.com)
  • "The disrespect to our law enforcement officers is unacceptable. These officers risk their lives day after day to protect our communities & families. I will always #BacktheBlue!" (x.com)
  • "To combat adversaries like Russia & Communist China, we must invest in the Virginia Class Submarine Program, a critical asset for deterrence & military readiness." (x.com)
  • "The United States is at a critical moment where military strength is essential to preserving our national security and fending off the threats of tyranny and terrorism that are rising around the globe. This NDAA reflects what must be done to combat the threats posed by our enemies in Communist China, Iran and Russia, protect our allies and partners in Israel, the Philippines and across Europe, and protect and grow our military strength in Florida where we have massive defense assets that are critical to our national security." (x.com)
  • "There’s no room for political games when it comes to our national security & armed forces. The House should pass the Senate’s version of the #NDAA so that our men & women in uniform have the resources they need to protect our nation." (x.com)
  • "Biden’s bad economic policies are stretching Florida families’ budgets to the max, forcing them to tap into savings or rack up debt to make ends meet. It doesn’t have to be this way! We MUST stop the spending spree and get our fiscal house in order. It’s what Floridians, and every American, deserves." (x.com)
  • "I voted AGAINST the $1.7 TRILLION spending bill because I promised Florida families I'd fight every day to make Washington work for them. This reckless inflation bomb is a disaster for our economy and a slap in the face to Floridians struggling to make ends meet." (x.com)
  • "Why does the minibus fund a $500k grant to help a closed hospital in Maryland document its history? We are $34 TRILLION in debt. Washington can’t keep wasting your tax dollars on this stupid crap!" (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The HUD Healthy and Safety Accountability Act will ensure that residents in low-income & subsidized housing are living in healthy homes. I grew up in public housing & know how important these reforms are. I urge my colleagues to support this good bill." (x.com)
  • "Today, I sent a letter to @SecFudge outling my priorities for @HUDgov to expand access to affordable housing, support American jobs and ensure the best possible return on investment for every tax dollar spent" (x.com)
  • Voted against HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "CPI, PPI and PCE, all key inflation indicators, are on the rise, meaning every inflation metric we have is trending higher. Put simply, thanks to #Bidenomics, everyday goods continue to rise, and your paychecks are falling behind. It’s the sad consequence of Democrats’ tax and spending spree that’s wrecking our economy." (x.com)
  • "The $1.7 T Pelosi-Schumer Spending Bill dropped at 1AM. If you started reading it RIGHT NOW, you'd have to read 47+ pages/hour NONSTOP to finish before funding expires at 12AM Friday. It's a MASSIVE inflation bomb written in secret so no one can read it." (x.com)
  • "Inflation was never "transitory." It was a consequence of the admin’s bad #Bidenomics policies that failed hardworking Americans from the start. Even the IMF knows it! The reckless tax and spending spree must end. Our country’s future depends on it." (x.com)
  • "I think it's unfair to make YOU pay off the debts of a small percentage of Americans who chose to take out student loans." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by the National Education Association (NEA) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "@JoeBiden's plan to cancel student loans is completely illogical and doesn't solve the real problem of skyrocketing tuition. Even worse, it puts hardworking American taxpayers on the hook for others' debts." (x.com)
  • "@JoeBiden's student loan debt transfer is TOTALLY unfair. I refuse to let his far-left agenda hurt YOU." (x.com)
  • "I filed my VOTER Act to establish uniform standards for vote-by-mail systems across the country, ensure the timely counting of ballots, protect against fraud, and much more. Voter ID is a common-sense part of any election reforms." (x.com)
  • "I have a bill that proposes common-sense measures, like Voter ID, to prevent election fraud & rebuild trust in the process. Meanwhile, Democrats want to eliminate our most basic election protections. Their proposal undermines our democracy and I will fight against it every day." (x.com)
  • "This election has shown we need major reforms to our election systems, including Voter ID laws across the nation, to protect against fraud and rebuild the American people’s trust in fair outcomes." (x.com)
  • "Voter ID is common sense & Americans agree. Yesterday, I asked that the Senate pass my bill to require Voter ID to help secure our elections. @SenateDemocrats blocked it. Why do Dems refuse to protect the integrity of our voting systems?" (x.com)
  • "@JoeBiden’s Green New Deal policies and burdensome regulations have again sent gas prices through the roof & Senate Dems have blocked my GAS PRICES Act & my Free American Energy Act to help fix this at every turn. Why should we believe he’s suddenly going to change now?" (x.com)
  • "Biden is ramping up his radical, green new deal agenda, increasing costs & threatening U.S. energy supply & national security. @POTUS is destroying reliable U.S. energy & every industry that makes America strong. I’m fighting like hell to stop him & protect energy independence." (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by League of Conservation Voters (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by American Energy Alliance (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "@marcorubio and I are fighting to extend the moratorium on oil drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico for another 10 years. I will always fight to protect Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s vitally important for FL’s military training, tourism and environment." (x.com)
  • "I’m glad that at my urging, the Trump admin banned oil drilling off Florida’s coasts for 10 more years, but it’s time to codify the ban into law. I'll never stop fighting to preserve & protect Florida’s natural resources." (x.com)
  • "@JoeBiden’s Green New Deal policies and burdensome regulations have again sent gas prices through the roof & Senate Dems have blocked my GAS PRICES Act & my Free American Energy Act to help fix this at every turn. Why should we believe he’s suddenly going to change now?" (x.com)
  • "I joined @SenMikeLee last week to demand @ATFHQ stop its use of secret internal guidance to threaten law-abiding gun owners with criminal penalties. No federal agency should threaten a fundamental constitutional right with such shady practices." (x.com)
  • "The Biden administration continues its assault on the Second Amendment and prefers to put politics above the Constitution. That’s unacceptable, and we’re here to send a message that this will not stand." (x.com)
  • "We’ve had enough of companies targeting law-abiding gun owners. Any attack on our constitutional rights is alarming, and I’m demanding answers on these blatantly anti-#2A decisions." (x.com)
  • "Socialist Dems believe Medicare for All will fix our health care system. But so far, they’ve refused to join me in asking the @USCBO for a score to know how much it costs." (x.com)
  • "Today we cover the rising cost of healthcare. The Socialist Democrats' Medicare-for-All would ruin the system & throw 150 million people off their private insurance. The solution to the crisis of healthcare isn't more government, it’s LESS." (x.com)
  • "The Democrats’ "Medicare For All" proposal will raise costs, increase wait times, make private insurance illegal & kill American healthcare. It should be called "Medicare For None." We can’t let this radical socialist agenda move forward." (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Families across the country are struggling to afford life-saving medication. I’m glad @realDonaldTrump is focused on this and I’m proud to have worked with him to make sure Americans aren’t paying higher prices for drugs than consumers in other countries." (x.com)
  • "The rising costs of prescription drugs is a crisis. We CAN & we MUST fix it. Politicians in DC are too focused on the grand bargain when it comes to healthcare. But I’m working on a few common-sense solutions." (x.com)
  • "You can have great, quality healthcare. But if you can’t afford it, it doesn’t do anything for you. I’m fighting to lower the cost of prescription drugs so that Florida families can afford the prescriptions they need to survive." (x.com)
  • "Joe Biden’s open border policies let these illegal aliens from Chechnya in to spy on our brave troops. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Shut the border down NOW." (x.com)
  • "The invasion of illegal immigration Biden is allowing has brought 10 million+ across our border & terrorists, cartels & drugs along with them. If Democrats aren’t okay with that, why won’t they stop it?" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Rated 91% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "@JoeBiden’s efforts to reverse ‘Remain in Mexico' will only embolden the cartels to smuggle EVEN MORE illegal aliens & drugs across our border." (x.com)
  • "I visited the border in Yuma, AZ yesterday. Joe Biden's failed policies of open borders & amnesty have been a total disaster for our nation. Migrant apprehensions are at an all-time high & drugs are pouring into the U.S. We must keep families safe & SECURE THE BORDER." (x.com)
  • "Why is @ICEgov withholding information about an illegal immigrant suspected of brutally murdering a Floridian? This monster shouldn't have been in our country. How did he get in, and why the hell didn’t ICE deport him before a Floridian lost their life?" (x.com)
  • Rated 91% by NumbersUSA (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Biden is considering waiving sanctions that will let Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, access $10 billion and fuel its war against Israel. I say hell no. NO MORE APPEASEMENT." (x.com)
  • "Strengthening our oil and natural gas sanctions against genocidal regimes like Iran and Venezuela is a no-brainer." (x.com)
  • "These sanctions are meant to cripple Maduro’s criminal monopoly & its supporters from stealing wealth & resources from the people of VZ. They send a clear message to Maduro: the US is serious about its commitment to democracy in #VZ & the world. We can’t & shouldn’t let up now." (x.com)
  • "We must strengthen our oil & natural gas sanctions against genocidal regimes like Iran & Venezuela. It's a no-brainer. The U.S. can't depend on one murderous dictator over another, we must build up our own energy independence & put America first." (x.com)
  • "America is being invaded every day at our southern border. Why would we vote to send money and resources to secure Ukraine’s border before we secure our own?" (x.com)
  • "It makes ZERO sense for the U.S. to borrow billions to send in unaccountable aid to Ukraine to pay Ukrainian politicians’ salaries and secure their border while ours remains TOTALLY open." (x.com)
  • "Over the last four months, the United States Senate has spent more time crafting a bill to fund the government of Ukraine than it has to fund the government of the United States. It’s a prime example of Washington’s dysfunction and total disconnect with the American people." (x.com)
  • "Today, Senate Democrats and a minority of Senate Republicans chose to prioritize the national security of Ukraine over the national security of the United States. Every American should be disgusted with what's happening in Washington." (x.com)
  • "Companies like TikTok & Snapchat are targeting our kids & grandkids, collecting their data & pushing narratives on their timelines. We all need to ask ourselves—how does this impact our kids!? My Safe Social Media Act demands answers from big tech on what they want and why." (x.com)
  • "I have seven grandkids, & I’m terrified by the lack of control available to parents when it comes to social media & AI. We must protect every child and should never make that job harder for parents. It’s why I introduced my ASK Act & am fighting like crazy to get it passed." (x.com)
  • "I’ll be discussing tomorrow’s @SenateCommerce hearing where I will be asking Big Tech CEOs on the record and under oath why they’re targeting conservatives & still believe they should enjoy protections from immunity." (x.com)
  • "Sure, artificial intelligence has productive uses, but it can also present grave threats, especially to our children. My ASK Act protects our kids by requiring a parent or guardian’s consent to access AI features on social media." (x.com)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-life a) Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life?
b) Should abortion be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy?
c) Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
d) Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?
e) Do you support requiring parental notification before an abortion is performed on a minor?
f) Do you support requiring parental consent before an abortion is performed on a minor?
g) Do you support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods?
h) Do you support abstinence-only sexual education programs?
i) Other or expanded principles

1) State SpendingIndicate what state funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.2) State TaxesIndicate what state tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.3) Budget StabilizationIndicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing Florida's budget.

a) Education (higher)
b) Education (K-12)
c) Environment
d) Health care
e) Law enforcement
f) Transportation and highway infrastructure
g) Welfare
a) Alcohol taxes
b) Cigarette taxes
c) Corporate taxes
d) Gasoline taxes
e) Property taxes
f) Sales taxes
a) Tapping into Florida's "rainy day" fund
b) Issuing the early release of certain non-violent offenders
c) Increasing tuition rates at public universities
d) Instituting mandatory furloughs and layoffs for state employees
e) Reducing pension benefits for state employees
f) Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients
g) Privatizing certain government services
Facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall and a sluggish economy, we will look at every area of the state budget to see if our state tax dollars are being spent efficiently on effective programs. We will perform a top to bottom review and examine every agency and fund programs that work well.
As Governor, I will eliminate the business income tax over seven years and reduce the state property tax by 19%.
To stabilize the budget my administration will conduct a thorough review of all spending and only allocate tax dollars to programs and projects that achieve their intended goal and provide a necessary service to our citizens. We will implement efficiencies and drive down the cost of running the state government while still serving our citizens. By implementing my 777 plan which will reduce spending, implement accountability budgeting, and create a business friendly environment for our economy to grow, we will be able balance the budget and grow our tax base.

c) Do you support limits on the following types of contributions to candidates for state government?

Yes a) Do you support limits on the number of terms for Florida governors?
Yes b) Do you support limits on the number of terms for Florida state legislators?
1) Individual
2) Political Action Committee
3) Corporate
4) Political Party
d) Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
e) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
I believe that individuals should be able to exercise their right to free speech by financially supporting the candidates they believe in.
a) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
b) Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
c) Should the possession of small amounts of marijuana be decriminalized?
d) Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
e) Should a minor who sends sexually-explicit or nude photos by cell phone face criminal charges for a first offense?
f) Should red light cameras be used to detect traffic violations?
g) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
I support the death penalty for heinous crimes and alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders - such as drug courts. I support bringing an AZ style immigration bill to Florida.
a) Should Florida repeal its ban on public funding of religious institutions?
b) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
c) Do you support increased state funding for job-training programs that re-train displaced workers?
d) Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
e) Do you support providing financial incentives to the private sector for the purpose of job creation?
f) Do you support increased spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
g) Do you support providing direct financial assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure?
The best cure for our economic ills are jobs. My 7-step plan to create 700,000 jobs in 7 years will turn Florida around. I want to make Florida the job creation model for the nation.
a) Do you support national education standards?
b) Do you support requiring public schools to administer high school exit exams?
c) Should students be permitted to lead prayers at noncompulsory public school events?
d) Do you support ending the practice of tenure for Florida public school teachers?
e) Do you support using a merit pay system for teachers?
f) Do you support state funding for charter schools?
g) Do you support the state government providing college students with financial aid?
h) Should illegal immigrants who graduate from Florida high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
For Florida to attract business, compete effectively in the global economy, and create 21st century jobs, we must have an educated workforce. It is time to create an educational framework that is customized so that each student can reach his or her potential. The key ingredients we need to do this include: Measuring and Improving Student Readiness Expanding School Choice Virtual and Online Education Mentoring Programs Preparing A New Workforce
a) Do you support state funding for the development of alternative energy?
b) Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
c) Do you support providing financial incentives to farms that produce biofuel crops?
d) Do you support state funding for improvements to Florida's energy infrastructure?
e) Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
f) Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
Floridians must realize that a personal investment in the environment provides them with an exponentially higher return in economic opportunity and quality of life. Our approach to environmental policy will rely on the following tenants: - A stable regulatory environment is key - Stewardship is a personal responsibility - A free market should drive the diversification on our energy portfolio; government should not be too restrictive or prescriptive - Florida should maintain its rights to protect our environment - Environmental policy should be based and driven by sound science, not politics
No a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
No b) Do you support requiring background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
Yes c) Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?
No d) Do you support requiring a license for gun possession?
e) Other or expanded principles
No a) Do you support a universally-accessible, publicly-administered health insurance option?
Yes b) Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?
Yes c) Do you support interstate health insurance compacts?
No d) Should individuals be required to purchase health care insurance?
Yes e) Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits?
No f) Do you support legalizing physician-assisted suicide in Florida?
No g) Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes?
h) Other or expanded principles
a) Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?
b) Should Florida allow same-sex couples to form civil unions?
c) Do you support state funding for stem cell research?
d) Do you support state funding for embryonic stem cell research?
e) Do you support the state's use of affirmative action?
f) Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Florida's anti-discrimination laws?
g) Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Florida's anti-discrimination laws?
I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. I oppose tax dollars being used to fund embryonic stem cell research.
My top priority when elected is to make Florida the number one state in the country for job creation and I will accomplish that through the implementation of my 777 economic plan - 7 Steps to 700,000 Jobs in 7 Years. By reducing regulation, cutting state spending, shrinking state government and eliminating the business tax we will make Florida the obvious choice for businesses looking to relocate and provide an environment that encourages businesses already based in Florida to grow and expand. Floridians want to work and my administration's top priority will be creating jobs.

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