California Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X, comparing his state’s policies to those of Florida. In a post tied to his podcast “This is Gavin Newsom,” Newsom claimed: “Look at states like Florida: – Higher taxes on the poorest families. – Higher energy bills. – Higher car insurance bills. – Lower wages. – Higher uninsured rates. The question at the end of the day is, who are you for?”
We fact-checked each claim, prioritizing data from U.S. government sources, followed by reputable economic and policy reports from 2023–2024.
1. Higher Taxes on the Poorest Families (Florida vs. California)
Claim: Florida imposes higher taxes on the poorest families compared to California.
Fact-Check: Florida has no state personal income tax, which typically benefits low-income families reliant on wages. California, however, has a progressive income tax with rates up to 13.3%, but it includes exemptions and credits, such as the California Earned Income Tax Credit, that can reduce the burden on low-income households, as reported by the California Franchise Tax Board in 2023. The Tax Foundation’s 2023 analysis, referencing IRS and Census data, notes Florida’s tax system relies more on sales (6% state rate, up to 8.5% with local add-ons) and property taxes, which can be regressive for the poor. U.S. Census Bureau data from 2023 indicates California’s overall state and local tax burden is higher than Florida’s for median households, but low-income Californians benefit from targeted relief programs.
Verdict: False. Florida’s tax system, while regressive due to sales and property taxes, does not impose a higher burden on the poorest families compared to California’s progressive system with relief measures.
2. Higher Energy Bills (Florida vs. California)
Claim: Florida has higher energy bills than California.
Fact-Check: The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023 data reports Florida’s average residential electricity rate is about 14–15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while California’s is higher at 28–30 cents/kWh. However, Florida’s warmer climate drives higher consumption (e.g., air conditioning), with households using around 1,200 kWh/month versus California’s 550 kWh/month, according to the EIA’s 2023 residential energy consumption survey. Total bills can be comparable or higher in Florida due to usage, but California’s per-unit rates are significantly higher, driven by renewable energy mandates and grid costs, as noted in California Energy Commission reports from 2023.
Verdict: Misleading. Florida’s total energy bills may be higher due to greater consumption, but California’s per-unit rates are higher. Newsom’s claim oversimplifies without addressing consumption differences.
3. Higher Car Insurance Bills (Florida vs. California)
Claim: Florida has higher car insurance bills than California.
Fact-Check: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) 2023 data and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) traffic safety reports from 2023 indicate Florida’s average annual car insurance premium is approximately $2,800–$3,800, driven by hurricane risks, high accident rates, and fraud. California’s average is lower, around $1,800–$2,300, though urban areas like Los Angeles see higher rates due to traffic, according to the California Department of Insurance’s 2023 reports. A 2023 DOT report on state traffic risks supports Florida’s higher premiums.
Verdict: True. Florida generally has higher car insurance bills than California due to state-specific risks.
4. Lower Wages (Florida vs. California)
Claim: Florida has lower wages than California.
Fact-Check: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 data shows California’s average annual wage is approximately $68,000–$73,000, while Florida’s is $53,000–$58,000. This reflects differences in industry (tech in California, tourism in Florida) and cost of living. California’s minimum wage is $15.50/hour (per California Department of Industrial Relations 2023), while Florida’s is $12/hour (per Florida Department of Economic Opportunity 2023). However, BLS data notes Florida’s lower cost of living (housing, taxes) means wages stretch further, while California’s high costs erode wage advantages.
Verdict: True but Misleading. Florida’s average wages are lower, but purchasing power varies by cost of living.
5. Higher Uninsured Rates (Florida vs. California)
Claim: Florida has higher uninsured rates than California.
Fact-Check: The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey reports Florida’s uninsured rate at 13–14%, compared to California’s 7–8%. This gap stems from Florida’s decision not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, as documented by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 2023 reports, while California expanded Medicaid and implemented Covered California, per California Health and Human Services 2023 data. A 2023 HHS report confirms California’s policies have reduced uninsured rates more effectively.
Verdict: True. Florida’s uninsured rate is higher due to healthcare policy differences.
Overall Assessment
Governor Newsom’s post mixes accurate and misleading claims. While Florida’s car insurance, wages, and uninsured rates are higher or lower as stated, his assertions about taxes and energy bills oversimplify complex data, ignoring cost-of-living and consumption factors. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 migration trends show significant movement from California to Florida, contradicting Newsom’s implication that Florida is less desirable.