TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A growing number of Floridians are "seriously considering" leaving the Sunshine State over the cost of living, according to a recent poll by Florida Atlantic University’s Business and Economic Polling Initiative (BEPI).

Researchers with the university surveyed 1,000 Floridians on their economic concerns, household budgets and constraints to see if the "American Dream" still feels attainable.

The poll showed that 53% of Floridians believe in the "American Dream," while 42% no longer do.

“Floridians believe in the ‘American Dream,’ but they are paying dearly for it,” said Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., chair of the department of economics and director of BEPI. “The Florida promise of sun, growth and upward mobility remains alive, but it is getting expensive to hold on to."

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