How Many People Are Moving to Florida Every Day?

Florida has long been one of the most popular places for people to move within the United States. The reasons vary. Some are looking for job opportunities, others find lower taxes appealing and many just want to enjoy warmer weather. Whatever the reason, hundreds of people are still moving to the Sunshine State every day. Knowing the real figures behind these migrations can help you plan a more realistic move, estimate what to expect if you move to one of America’s fastest-growing states.

Current Migration Numbers and What They Mean

Florida’s migration patterns are flexing heavily. Florida appears to have entered a more stable phase of long-term growth. According to figures released by U.S. Census Bureau data which date back to April 2025 show that its population is now 23,379,261 residents, a figure which still represents growth but lower speeds than in recent times.

In the year from July 2024 to July 2025, Florida registered a total net gain of approximately 201,000 new residents. That comes to around 550 people per day on a net basis. This is a large drop from the pandemic-era like 1,000+ indeed daily. Even the character of this growth has undergone a sea change:

• The leader is now international migration, accounting for 178,674 people
• From 22,517 foreigners arriving in other U.S. States

This change signifies a substantial move. Florida’s net domestic migration figure slid suddenly from 183,646 people in 2023 and 310,892 in 2022 to just 22,517 in 2025. The transition brought Florida out of first place among U.S. states for domestic migration numbers and into eighth place. Americans have turned the tide: they are now choosing to stay put or move states like South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.

What causes this trend? Florida becomes less attractive to domestic migrants when costs of living rise, particularly in housing and insurance expenses. However, it remains a magnet for international migrants. A state that was once famed for its affordability is now losing that advantage.

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Where New Florida Residents Are Coming From

From which states Florida’s new residents come signal everything from what kind of housing will be in demand to specific regions and the general character must prevail in different communities.

Top Origin States

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (State-to-State Migration Flows) shows these states sending the most residents to Florida:

• New York leads by a significant margin, with tax differences and cost of living frequently cited as motivating factors
• California contributes a large number of relocations, often involving remote workers and retirees
• New Jersey, Illinois, and Pennsylvania round out the top five origin states
• Georgia and Texas contribute notable numbers despite being relatively close geographically

Florida’s Fastest-Growing Metro Areas

Not all of Florida is growing at the same pace. Understanding such regional differences will aid in planning for your particular move and having a better sense of what the housing inventory looks like, as well as pricing.

Metro Area	Population Growth Rate	Key Growth Drivers
The Villages	4.9%	Retirement community expansion
Naples-Marco Island	3.2%	Wealth migration, second homes
Jacksonville	2.1%	Job growth, relative affordability
Orlando-Kissimmee	2.0%	Employment, tourism industry
Tampa-St. Petersburg	1.8%	Corporate relocations, healthcare
Miami-Fort Lauderdale	1.4%	International migration, finance sector

 

(U.S. Census Bureau Metropolitan Statistical Area Estimates)

The Villages, an enormous retirement community in Central Florida, has continued to see the highest growth rates of any metro area in the country. But this is one set of demographics and housing types, which does not apply to most of the working-age relocators.

Landlords and property managers will likely demand a lot of documentation. Competition for desirable rentals leaves many asking to see proof of income at 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent, as well as references and credit checks.

Moving Company Availability

Now obviously with Florida being the best place and one of the top popular destinations, it creates an inherent imbalance in moving. There are more trucks coming into Florida than leaving it. This affects prices and availability in certain ways.

Shifting from Northeastern states to Florida, as you might guess, costs less than making the trip in reverse because companies want to fill their trucks that are heading south. Peak season is May through September when prices and demand are at their highest. Book 8 to 10 weeks in advance if you can, especially during the summer months. Winter relocations allow for greater flexibility with a 4 to 6 week lead time usually required. Other moving companies give discounts on direct to Florida routes in order to balance their fleet.

Timeline Considerations

Budget for a longer overall move timetable than you anticipate. Between the competitive housing, the need for permits in many Florida municipalities and any potential HOA approval processes, it’s likely you may need 60-90 days from your initial decision to be actually settled in.

Practical Steps for Moving to Florida

This is how to handle the logistics as one of the numerous daily arrivals.

Step 1: Research your intended area thoroughly. In different parts of Florida, cost of living, job markets, and lifestyle vary dramatically. Jacksonville and Tampa have housing that costs less than in Miami or Naples. If at all possible, visit before committing.

Step 2: Nail down housing before locking in your moving date. This is something that the competitive market demands. If you are renting, in many cases expect to pay first month, last month and security deposit upfront.

Step 3: Obtain early multiple moving quotes and share as much information as possible. Ordering quotes 6-8 weeks prior to your desired delivery date are ok, more time is preferable, especially in summer months. For out of State moves, confirm companies are licensed by FMCSA. Provide as many details about what needs to be transported as possible.

Step 4: Prepare for building access, and document everything ahead of time. There are many Florida condos, gated communities and apartment complexes that require coordination before you even move. Book the service elevator 2 to 4 weeks in advance (some buildings charge $200-$500 for move-in reservations.)

Step 5: Revise your Florida paperwork. You are required to get a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident (Florida DHSMV). Timeframes similar to those for vehicle registration shall also apply.

Step 6: Consider Florida’s specific housing costs and limitations. Both hurricane insurance, flood zone designations and HOA rules impact many Florida properties. So include these costs in your budget and when you are deciding where to live. Insurance deserves particular attention. High state of turmoil Florida’s property insurance market is in deep trouble, with average homeowners insurance premiums approaching $10,000 a year as of 2025, which is three times higher than the rest of the U.S. combined (Insurance Information Institute). Flood insurance, in flood zones, ranges from $800 to $2,500 or more per year. You will want professional estimates when in the process of purchasing a new home.

The Financial Reality of Florida’s Growth

Many relocators are attracted to Florida by the lack of a state income tax. The overall cost of living, however, has risen significantly due to population growth. Property insurance rates climbed about 40% in many areas from 2022 to 2024. And property taxes, while long-time residents enjoyed a cap under the Save Our Homes provision, will start at full assessed value for new buyers.

Newcomers are often totally taken aback by these costs when they project out their Florida housing budget. Insurance alone, in the coastal areas, or flood zones and region like this, can easily add another $500 to $800 per month on top of your housing costs.

Is Florida’s Growth Sustainable?

Florida’s growth rate seems to be slowing somewhat from the breakneck pace of the pandemic years. Problems with housing affordability and insurance costs eventually limit some in-migration.

However, Florida’s main attractions are still in place. Can the numbers now coming into focus be sustained–no state income tax, a great climate and practically full employment? Most demographic predictions still put Florida’s rate of growth above average through 2030, with the potential it could become the third most populous state in a matter of years.

For all of these reasons, if you are considering a move to Florida this means continued competition for housing and services, but at the same time an active job market plus new infrastructure being built in most metropolitan areas. Research where you are moving to within the state, budget for Florida’s particular costs, and co-ordinate your move logistics well beforehand.