August 31, 2026

Chamber Member Survey Shows Optimism in St. Petersburg Economy, Concerns Over Property Tax Amendment

Nearly 250 survey responses provide business community perspective on economy and key 2026 ballot issues

As the 2026 election season heats up, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce is releasing results from a recent survey of Chamber members, providing a snapshot of the business community’s outlook on the local economy and two significant issues appearing on this year’s ballot.

The survey was distributed to the Chamber’s 1,250 member organizations and received 243 responses who identified themselves as current Chamber members, offering a 95% confidence rate with a 5.64 margin of error. 

The results point to an overall sense of optimism about St. Petersburg’s economic direction, while highlighting concerns about affordability, infrastructure, the cost of doing business and the need for greater certainty as businesses make decisions about investing, hiring and growing in the community.

“As election season heats up, we want to make sure the perspective of our business community is part of the conversation,” said Chris Steinocher, President & CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. 

“Our members are telling us that they remain optimistic about St. Petersburg, while also recognizing some very real challenges. Businesses need certainty and confidence in a community to make long-term decisions to invest, grow and create jobs.”`

When asked about the direction of the St. Petersburg economy, 47% of Chamber member respondents said the economy is headed in the right direction, compared with just 15% who said it is headed in the wrong direction. Another 37% were unsure.

Members were also asked about the outlook for their own businesses compared with one year ago. Approximately 39% reported that their outlook is somewhat or much better, while 35% said it is about the same.

Approximately 26% described their outlook as somewhat or much worse.

Taken together, the results indicate a business community that remains generally positive about St. Petersburg while recognizing that economic conditions are affecting industries and individual businesses differently.

Those concerns were evident when members were asked to identify the single biggest challenge facing St. Petersburg’s business community over the next five years. Responses repeatedly pointed to housing and overall affordability, rising commercial rents, insurance and operating costs, workforce recruitment and retention, infrastructure, permitting, and the ability to preserve St. Petersburg’s identity while managing continued growth.

One respondent summarized the challenge as “managing growth while preserving the city’s unique identity,” noting that long-term success will require balancing economic growth with affordability and opportunities for small businesses.

Another pointed directly to the connection between affordability and the local economy: “People can’t and won’t spend if their basic needs aren’t met. We need fair wages and affordable housing for all for small businesses to flourish.”

Two ballot issues emerged as especially important to the business community this election season: the proposed Florida Property Tax Amendment and the City of St. Petersburg General Obligation Bond proposal supporting SPAR infrastructure projects.

Chamber members reported a high level of awareness of the Property Tax Amendment, with 87% saying they were either somewhat or very familiar with the proposal.

When asked how they would vote if the election were held today, approximately 62% said they would definitely or probably oppose the Property Tax Amendment, compared with approximately 22% who would definitely or probably support it. About 16% were undecided.

Members also expressed concern about the amendment’s potential effect on their businesses. 52% said passage would negatively impact their business, while 14% anticipated a positive impact and 21% were unsure.

Comments showed that respondents were considering the proposal beyond the immediate prospect of property tax relief, including questions about how local governments would fund services and infrastructure if revenues were reduced.

One member who opposed the measure wrote, “Everyone wants to save on property taxes, but this bill has hidden negative impacts.”

The results reinforce what the Chamber frequently hears from employers: businesses appreciate the value meaningful tax reform for the growth of Florida but seem to be concerned with the long-term implications of the proposed changes for this proposed new structure and the perceived potential negative affect on the public services, infrastructure and quality of life that support the local St Pete economy.

The survey presented a different picture on the City of St. Petersburg’s proposed General Obligation Bond.

Among members who expressed a position, support outweighed opposition by more than three to one. Approximately 44% said they would definitely or probably support the bond, compared with approximately 13% who would definitely or probably oppose it.

However, the largest single group — 43% — remains undecided.

The survey also revealed a significant difference in awareness between the two ballot measures. While 87% of respondents were somewhat or very familiar with the Property Tax Amendment, only 50% reported the same level of familiarity with the General Obligation Bond. More than one-third — **36% — said they were not familiar with the bond at all before taking the survey.

“The issues that affect the business community ultimately affect the entire community,” Steinocher said. “Whether it is infrastructure, affordability, taxes or our ability to attract and retain talent, these decisions have long-term implications. Our job is to make sure our members and the broader community have access to the facts and understand what their vote means.”

The Chamber will continue educating members on Tuesday, September 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with What’s on the Ballot: A Nonpartisan Voter Education Forum, presented and hosted by Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital.

The program will provide voters with clear, factual information about the measures appearing on the St. Petersburg ballot and feature an in-depth discussion with subject-matter experts examining the Florida Property Tax Amendment and City of St. Petersburg General Obligation Bond.

Experts will explain what each measure would do, how it could affect residents, businesses and local government, and answer audience questions in a balanced educational setting.