Florida has long been one of the fastest-growing states in the US. Thanks to its warm climate, lack of income tax, and endless beaches, the Sunshine State continues to attract families, retirees, and professionals from across the country. According to the latest census data, Florida consistently ranks first in net domestic migration, attracting hundreds of thousands of new residents each year.
But how many people move to Florida every day? The answer may surprise you. Behind the palm trees and tax breaks lie powerful demographic shifts: New Yorkers seeking a lower cost of living, Californians escaping high housing prices, and retirees trading snowy winters for sunny skies.
In this article, we’ll take a fresh look at Florida’s migration boom. We’ll break down the latest numbers, find out where newcomers are coming from, explain the main reasons for moving, and highlight the challenges of living in Florida that every potential resident should consider.
Daily Immigration in Florida
Florida added ~985 net new residents per day on average since 2020; projections point to just under ~900/day through 2026. The majority (60 percent) of these newcomers come from other states and around 40 percent are coming from abroad.
Many of those moving to Florida are retirees, who are looking for warmer temperatures and lower taxes on their nest eggs. According to a recent report from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, the state has no income tax and only slightly higher taxes on retirement income than some other popular retirement destinations like Arizona and Nevada.
It’s important to remember that these numbers are estimates and that there is a margin of error in them. This means that we can’t say with certainty that this many people moved to each state over the last year; it could be slightly more or less.
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Top States People Move From
| Rank | Origin State | Estimated Moves to Florida (2023) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | ~91,000 | Continues to be the largest source of new Floridians | |
| 2 | New Jersey | ~50,000 | Strong flow due to proximity and cost of living | |
| 3 | California | ~48,000 | High housing costs and taxes drive west-to-east migration | |
| 4 | Illinois | ~41,000 | Many families and retirees relocating | |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | ~37,000 | Long-standing snowbird and retiree migration link | |
Why People Are Moving to Florida
Ever wondered “why are so many people moving to Florida?” Florida is a state of immigrants. People have been moving to Florida for decades in search of sunshine and the promise of a better life, with Florida ranking among the top inbound states for many years.
According to data from the United States Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), “more U.S. citizens move to Florida from other states than foreign nationals enter the country”.
The Sunshine State has also been a popular destination among retirees who are looking to live out their golden years in warmer weather, but it isn’t just retirees who are heading south families, young professionals, and snowbirds alike all want a piece of that warm weather pie.
In 2020, the pandemic caused many people to reevaluate their living situation and consider moving elsewhere if they could work remotely or if they were tired of quarantine restrictions. Many people decided on relocating to Florida where they could stay active outdoors while enjoying tax breaks and thousands of miles of coastline. 3 major reasons for that are as follows:
No income tax
One of the biggest draws for people who are considering moving to Florida is that there is no income tax. When you don’t have to pay taxes on your earned income, it makes it easier for you to keep more money in your wallet each month.
Whether you work for yourself or someone else, not having to pay income taxes will make it easier for you to save money. You’ll be able to use that extra money towards renting or buying a home and paying for groceries and other living expenses.
Economic Opportunities
Job growth is a big driver for moving to Florida because it opens up opportunities for young adults, entrepreneurs, and working families. As more businesses open up in the Sunshine State, there are more employment options and financial opportunities for everyone.
Affordable Housing
One of the primary benefits of moving to Florida is that you can find a place to live that is quite affordable. Compared with other parts of the country, you will generally find that housing prices (including rent) are much lower in Florida than in other places. This makes it easier for people on all kinds of budgets to find a place to live with plenty of room for themselves and their families.
Challenges of Moving to Florida
When choosing a state to live in, people should consider not only the pros but also the cons they will encounter and prepare for them.
- Rising housing prices: Florida used to be known for its affordable housing, but in recent years, prices have gone up, especially in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. High demand from buyers and investors from other states has led to an increase in both home prices and rent, making it harder to find affordable options.
- High home insurance rates: Florida is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, so home insurance costs here are the highest in the country. Many insurers have even left the state, leading to less competition and further increases in insurance premiums. These costs often surprise newcomers who expect lower overall living expenses.
- Stretched infrastructure: Schools, healthcare systems, and public services are struggling to cope with the influx of new residents. For families with children, access to quality schools may be more competitive than expected.
- Traffic congestion: Major highways around Miami, Tampa, and Orlando often experience long traffic jams, and travel times have increased significantly. For those moving from smaller cities or rural areas, adjusting to Florida’s busy roads can be challenging.
Conclusion
Yes, there is a verifiable number of people who move to Florida every single day. It’s not just retirees or snowbirds either. Some are individuals and families; some are businesses and some are whole communities.
For those considering a move, the key is preparation: research the local housing market, consider the cost of insurance, and understand both the opportunities and challenges. With the right planning, joining the nearly 1,000 people who move to Florida every day could mean the start of a new chapter in one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing states in the US.
