Sarasota County conducts an annual Citizen Opinion Survey to better understand residents’ perspectives on quality of life, county services, community priorities and emerging issues.

Conducted in partnership with the University of South Florida, the survey provides more than three decades of trend data to help gauge resident sentiment and support decision-making. In 2026, the survey will mark its 35th year, offering a long-standing and reliable dataset to help track trends and inform county policy, services and operations.

Each year, residents are asked to share their views on issues that affect daily life in Sarasota County. The results help identify areas of broad agreement, monitor shifts in public priorities and provide county leadership and the Sarasota County Commission with valuable insight for planning, service delivery and long-term decision-making. The survey also gives residents a direct way to share feedback on the topics that matter most to them.

The yearly Annual Citizen Opinion Survey report is typically posted online each October.