freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, North Carolina is more free than Florida overall, scoring 65 to 65 out of 100 and winning 3 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Regulatory Burden, where North Carolina leads by 3.3 points.
The sharpest contrast is Regulatory Burden, where North Carolina leads 5.7 to 2.4 out of 10 — a 3.3-point gap. They also part ways on Property Rights (Florida +3.0) and Criminal Justice (North Carolina +2.8). Where they’re most alike is 1st Amendment (6.5 vs 6.5).
Bottom line: Florida’s strongest case is Property Rights (9.5/10), while North Carolina’s is Economic Freedom (8.8/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Florida leads in 6 categories · North Carolina leads in 3 · 1 tied
North Carolina ranks higher overall, scoring 65/100 versus 65/100 across the ten freedom categories. North Carolina wins 3 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Florida scores higher on economic freedom (9.0/10 vs 8.8/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Florida scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (5.7/10 vs 4.9/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Florida scores higher on education choice (9.1/10 vs 7.3/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.