Back to all Florida responses

Wancito Francius

Republican
Florida State House of RepresentativesDistrict 108

Q1 Homeowners’ insurance premiums in Florida have increased substantially over the past decade, while many communities across the state continue to face hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards. What policies, if any, do you support to improve Florida’s resilience and better protect residents, infrastructure, and the economy from these risks?

ClimateEnvironment

I believe Florida should be a state where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and raise a family safely and affordably. Protecting our communities from hurricanes, flooding, extreme heat, and other natural hazards requires practical solutions, not politics.

As your State Representative, I will support strengthening Florida’s infrastructure by investing in stormwater drainage systems, flood mitigation projects, and resilient roads and bridges that can better withstand severe weather. I also support protecting our coastlines, waterways, and natural resources because they are essential to our economy, tourism, and quality of life.

I believe we must address the homeowners’ insurance crisis by increasing accountability in the insurance market, encouraging competition, combating fraud, and pursuing policies that help stabilize premiums for homeowners.

I also support working with local governments, emergency management officials, and the private sector to improve disaster preparedness, modernize building standards where appropriate, and ensure our communities recover quickly after storms. My goal is to protect Florida families, strengthen our economy, and make our state more resilient while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

Keywords: Lower homeowners’ insurance costs. Better hurricane and flood preparedness. Improved drainage and flood-control infrastructure. Protection of Biscayne Bay and local waterways. Responsible stewardship of Florida’s environment. Strong emergency response and disaster recovery. Smart infrastructure investments that protect both residents and businesses.

Q2 Do you envision a role for renewable energy infrastructure and clean energy industries in Florida’s future economy, and if so, how would you support job creation and workforce development in those sectors in Florida?

Energy

Yes. I believe renewable energy and clean energy technologies have an important role in Florida’s future, as long as they are practical, reliable, and economically responsible. Florida should pursue an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that includes renewable energy alongside reliable traditional energy sources to ensure affordable and dependable power for families and businesses.

As your State Representative, I will support policies that encourage private-sector investment in clean energy industries, including solar energy, energy storage, and innovative technologies that create high-paying jobs for Floridians. I also support expanding workforce training through Florida’s colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and technical education so our workers have the skills needed to compete in the growing energy sector.

My priority is to promote economic growth, strengthen our energy independence, keep energy affordable, and create opportunities for small businesses and skilled workers while protecting taxpayers and maintaining a reliable electric grid. Florida can be a leader in innovation by supporting responsible energy development that benefits both our economy and our environment.

Keywords: Energy independence American energy Energy reliability Private-sector innovation Free-market solutions Affordable energy Balanced energy policy Responsible energy development Grid reliability Infrastructure investment Workforce training Economic growth Technology innovation Domestic manufacturing Reduce government barriers Streamlined permitting

Q3 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.

Policymaking ProcessTrust in Science

I believe good public policy should be based on facts, transparency, and accountability. As a legislator, I will seek information from multiple credible sources, including scientists, medical professionals, engineers, economists, business leaders, and the people who will be directly affected by the policy. I also believe it is important to review data, consider differing viewpoints, ask thoughtful questions, and evaluate both the scientific evidence and the real-world economic and social impacts before making a decision.

Science plays an important role in informing policy, but policymakers must also consider constitutional principles, individual rights, fiscal responsibility, and the practical consequences of legislation. My goal is to make decisions based on reliable evidence while ensuring that policies serve the best interests of Florida’s families, businesses, and communities.

One example is Florida’s increasing vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding. Scientific research, engineering studies, and historical storm data demonstrate the need for stronger infrastructure, improved stormwater systems, and better disaster preparedness. Those findings reinforce my support for investing in resilient infrastructure that protects lives, reduces long-term costs, and strengthens our economy while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

As your State Representative, I will always remain open to new evidence, listen respectfully to experts and constituents, and make decisions that are informed, balanced, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for District 108 and the State of Florida.

Keywords: Evidence-based policy Common-sense solutions Fiscal responsibility Transparency Government accountability Individual freedom Constitutional government Public safety Innovation Private-sector expertise Local input Practical results Cost-effective solutions Responsible stewardship Balanced decision-making

Q4 Florida is home to many high-quality STEM education programs, including specialized magnet schools, career academies, and advanced science and technology curricula. However, access to these opportunities varies across the state due to factors such as geography, school resources, and program availability. What policies, if any, do you support to expand equitable access to high-quality STEM education for students across Florida?

K-12 Science Education

I believe every student in Florida, regardless of their ZIP code, should have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, the workforce, or military service. STEM education science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is essential to developing the skilled workforce that will drive Florida’s future economy.

As your State Representative, I will support expanding access to STEM programs by increasing partnerships between K-12 schools, career and technical education (CTE) programs, colleges, universities, and private industry. I also support increasing opportunities for students to participate in robotics, coding, engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other high-demand career fields.

I believe we should invest in teacher recruitment and professional development, modern classroom technology, and career academies while ensuring that rural and underserved communities have access to the same high-quality STEM opportunities as larger school districts.

I also support strengthening apprenticeship programs, internships, and dual-enrollment opportunities so students can earn industry certifications and college credit while still in high school. These programs help prepare students for high-paying careers, reduce workforce shortages, and strengthen Florida’s economy.

My goal is to ensure every student has the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world.

Keywords: Educational excellence School choice Parental rights Career readiness Workforce development Merit-based achievement Accountability Local control Innovation Fiscal responsibility Skilled workforce Public-private partnerships Technology education STEM workforce Opportunity for every student

Q5 The 2026–2030 Florida Cancer Plan identifies several key cancer prevention strategies, including tobacco cessation, HPV vaccination, reducing UV radiation exposure, lowering excessive alcohol consumption, and reducing radon gas exposure. What policies or public health initiatives would you support to advance these prevention efforts and help reduce cancer rates in Florida?

Public Health

I believe preventing disease is one of the most effective ways to improve public health and reduce healthcare costs. Florida should continue investing in evidence-based public health initiatives that educate residents about cancer risks while respecting individual freedom and informed decision-making.

As your State Representative, I would support expanding public education campaigns on tobacco cessation, healthy lifestyles, sun safety, and environmental health risks such as radon exposure. I also support increasing access to cancer screenings and preventive healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities, because early detection saves lives and reduces long-term healthcare costs.

I believe parents should have access to accurate, science-based information about recommended vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, so they can make informed healthcare decisions in consultation with their child’s healthcare provider.

I also support partnerships among schools, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and local governments to promote healthy living, reduce tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and encourage regular preventive care.

My goal is to improve the health of Floridians through education, prevention, early detection, personal responsibility, and community partnerships while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and efficiently.

Keywords: Personal responsibility Informed consent Individual freedom Patient choice Preventive healthcare Early detection Community partnerships Local solutions Evidence-based medicine Fiscal responsibility Healthy lifestyles Education and awareness Efficient use of taxpayer dollars Access to care Public-private collaboration

Q6 Since 2017, Florida has offered tax incentives to encourage the construction of data centers. While these facilities can create jobs and support economic growth, they may also increase demand for electricity and water, potentially affecting nearby residents and businesses. In 2025, Senate Bill 484 established additional protections for small businesses and residents located near data centers. Do you believe Florida has struck the right balance between encouraging data center development and protecting local communities? If not, what additional policies, if any, would you support?

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence and data centers are becoming an important part of Florida’s economy. They can attract investment, create high-paying jobs, strengthen our technology sector, and improve our state’s competitiveness. I support policies that encourage responsible economic development and innovation.

At the same time, economic growth should not come at the expense of local communities. Data centers consume significant amounts of electricity and water, and their development should include responsible planning, environmental stewardship, and transparency. I believe Florida has made progress by establishing additional protections for nearby residents and small businesses, but we should continue evaluating whether those protections remain effective as technology and energy demands evolve.

As your State Representative, I would support policies that:

Require meaningful coordination with local governments and affected communities before large data center projects are approved. Encourage energy-efficient and water-efficient technologies to reduce environmental impacts. Promote investments in electric grid and water infrastructure so existing residents and businesses are not negatively affected. Support workforce development through partnerships with colleges, technical schools, and the private sector to prepare Floridians for careers in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and information technology. Ensure tax incentives provide a measurable return on investment through job creation, economic development, and long-term benefits for Florida taxpayers.

My goal is to make Florida a national leader in technology and innovation while protecting our communities, natural resources, and quality of life. We can achieve both economic growth and responsible stewardship through smart, balanced policymaking.

Keywords: Free-market innovation Private-sector investment Economic growth Technology leadership Limited government Government accountability Fiscal responsibility Return on investment Infrastructure modernization Energy reliability Local control Public-private partnerships Workforce development Responsible regulation Smart growth

To find your districts for state and federal races and see who is on your ballot, please visit the Florida Department of State Voter Information Lookup.