freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Florida is more free than South Carolina overall, scoring 65 to 56 out of 100 and winning 7 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Regulatory Burden, where South Carolina leads by 5.2 points.
The sharpest contrast is Regulatory Burden, where South Carolina leads 7.6 to 2.4 out of 10 — a 5.2-point gap. They also part ways on Drug Policy (Florida +4.5) and Education Choice (Florida +3.3). Where they’re most alike is Religious Liberty (7.5 vs 7.5).
Bottom line: Florida’s strongest case is Property Rights (9.5/10), while South Carolina’s is Property Rights (8.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Florida leads in 7 categories · South Carolina leads in 2 · 1 tied
Florida ranks higher overall, scoring 65/100 versus 56/100 across the ten freedom categories. Florida wins 7 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 5.9/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Florida scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (5.7/10 vs 5.3/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Florida scores higher on education choice (9.1/10 vs 5.8/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.