10 Most Conservative Cities in Florida
- Fernandina Beach
- Panama City Beach
- Crestview
- Fort Walton Beach
- St. Augustine
- Ocala
- Naples
- New Port Richey
- Zephyrhills
- Melbourne
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is the most conservative city in Florida. Located in Nassau County just north of Jacksonville in the far northeastern corner of the state, the small city has a population of about 13,000 residents. Jacksonville has a reputation for being one of the most conservative large cities in the US. But while Jacksonville does have a fair number of Democrats as well, Fernandina Beach is almost exclusively home to Republicans. Nassau County is one of the most conservative areas in Florida, and 72.2% of residents voted Republican in the last presidential election, while only 26.4% voted Democrat.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is also one of the most conservative areas in Florida. Located on the southern coast of the Florida panhandle, Panama City Beach is in the heart of one of the state's most conservative regions. It has a population of roughly 34,000 residents and is known as a popular resort town. Over the past decade, Florida has seen a major shift, with South Florida becoming increasingly democratic while the Panhandle has gotten more conservative. As a result, 70.9% of residents voted Republican in the last presidential election, while 27.5% voted Democrat.
Crestview
Crestview is another city in the Florida Panhandle and one of the state's most conservative communities. The city is in Oskaloosa County on the western tip of the Panhandle and is home to about 27,000 residents. Crestview is a fairly religious city full of Catholics, Baptists, and Methodists, and 47.4% of residents identify as such. It's also very conservative, and 68.4% of residents voted Republican in the last election, while 29.3% voted Democrat.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach is also one of the most conservative cities in Florida. It is located within Oskaloosa County in the Florida Panhandle and has just over 20,000 residents. The economy is primarily supported by tourism and the military, and the largest employers are Elgin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. Around 68.4% of residents also voted Republican in the last election.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is also among the most conservative cities in Florida. Home to 14,329 residents, the city is located in St. Johns County, just south of Jacksonville. Like Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine is on the outskirts of the Jacksonville metro area, which is a popular area for conservatives. The city is also the country's oldest continuously inhabited former European settlement, and tourism is still the dominant industry. Around 63% of St. John's County residents voted Republican in the last election, while 36.1% voted Democrat.
Ocala
Ocala is another one of the most conservative cities in Florida. Located in Marion County in north central Florida, Ocala is home to about 64,000 residents. The North Central region is another part of Florida that has become increasingly more conservative, while South Florida has become more liberal. Ocala is also home to some of the largest retirement communities in the state, including On Top of the World and Del Webb Stone Creek. As a result, it tends to lean conservative, and 62.4% of residents voted Republican in the last presidential election.
Naples
Naples is also one of the more conservative areas of Florida. The popular retirement destination in Collier County on the southwestern coast of Florida and is home to 19,115 residents. It's one of Florida's wealthier communities; the median household income is $135,657, and the median home price is $800,000. It also tends to be an older, more conservative community, and the median age is 66.9, while 61.9% of residents voted Republican in the last election.
New Port Richey
New Port Richey is another one of the most conservative cities in Florida. Located in Pasco County within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area New Port Richey has a population of 16,728 residents. While cities like Tampa and St. Petersburg are home to many conservatives, they tend to be more politically moderate. On the other hand, New Port Richey is staunchly conservative, and 59.4% of residents voted Republican in the last election.
Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills is also one of the most conservative towns in Florida. It is home to 17,194 residents and is famous for being the headquarters of the Zephyrhills bottled water company. The city has many nursing homes and retirement communities that tend to attract older residents seeking sunshine and affordable living. The median age is 50, and 59.4% of residents voted Republican in the last election.
Melbourne
Melbourne is also one of the most conservative cities in Florida. Located in west central Florida, Melbourne is home to approximately 85,000 residents. The main industries in Melbourne are defense and technology, and many of the largest employers are high-tech defense contractors. Malborne is also in Florida's 8th Congressional District, which is represented by Republican Bill Posey. Plus, 57.5% of residents voted Republican in the last election.