Household Preferences for Sea Level Rise Adaptation among Yearlong and Seasonal Residents in Florida

Accumulating evidence indicates that global sea levels have been rising at an accelerating rate. This trend, linked with global warming, poses a great risk to the communities living in the low elevation coastal areas. This study aims to understand public preferences and produce estimates of economic value for sea level rise adaptation projects in Florida. Specifically, a series of choice experiments embedded in a household survey of Florida’s selected communities were used to: 1) examine the determinants of households’ preferences for short-term and long-term adaptation plans; 2) identify the spatially heterogeneous preferences in household choices, by incorporating detailed spatial information into the survey data; 3) investigate the differences and similarities in perceptions and preferences among Florida’s yearlong and seasonal residents. Studies comparing adaptation preferences across this demographic gradient are still limited in the current literature. Local and state government may think taxing seasonal residents can lead them to leave the state, but our analysis does not provide any support in that direction. Thus, the empirical finding can provide important inputs to the design of optimal adaptation plans and mitigation policies to avoid risks posed by climate change-induced sea level rise.