Donald Trump Out Front in Florida, Besting Marco Rubio in New Poll

Businessman Donald Trump holds a commanding lead over U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and the field in the Sunshine State, a new poll shows. 

Public Policy Polling (PPP), a firm with connections to prominent Democrats, released a poll of likely Florida Republican primary voters on late Thursday night which had Trump out front of his rivals in the March 15 primary. 

Trump takes 45 percent of Florida Republicans with Rubio in second with 25 percent. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, cracks double digits with 10 percent while Gov. John Kasich, R-Ohio, garners 8 percent and Dr. Ben Carson takes 5 percent. 

This was the third poll of Florida Republicans released on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Quinnipiac University unveiled a survey which showed Trump out front with 44 percent, Rubio with 28 percent, Cruz in third with 12 percent, Kasich getting 7 percent and Carson trailing with 5 percent. The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) also released a poll which showed things were closer but Trump still ahead with 34 percent, Rubio getting 27 percent and Cruz pulling 17 percent.

When PPP narrowed it to a three-man contest, Trump leads to lead with 51 percent while Rubio moves up to 33 percent and Cruz gets 11 percent. 

Trump leads if it becomes a one-on-one matchup, beating Rubio 52 percent to 38 percent and besting Cruz 62 percent to 30 percent. If the race comes down to the two senators, Rubio takes 60 percent while Cruz gets 26 percent. 

Despite lagging behind the others, Carson has the best favorability numbers with 65 percent of Florida Republicans seeing him as favorable while 18 percent view him unfavorably. Trump is seen as favorable by 64 percent while 27 percent see him as unfavorable. Rubio is seen in a favorable light by 60 percent while 28 percent view him as unfavorable. Kasich is not as well known but 53 percent of Florida Republicans see him as favorable while 22 percent view him unfavorably. Cruz is upside down with Florida Republicans as 39 percent view him favorably while 48 percent see him as unfavorable. 

According to PPP, most Florida Republicans--64 percent--are “firmly committed” to their candidates but 36 percent are open to changing their minds. 

The poll of 464 likely Florida Republican primary voters was taken from Feb. 24-Feb. 25 and had a margin of error of +/- 4.6 percent. The poll was taken before the debate on Thursday night. 

Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN