Florida gained one vote in the electoral college for the upcoming 2024 election, but this metric does not capture the magnitude of migration to Florida. Experts say Florida has experienced its largest population growth ever this year.
The Florida Legislature's Office of Economic and Demographic Research disclosed research this week that showed the state's estimated population in April was 22,634,867, an increase of roughly 359,000 people, or 1.61 percent, from the previous year.
The data among people moving from other states is, "the highest number it's ever been," according to population program director with the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Florida, Stefan Rayer. Numbers show this is the first time since 1957 that Florida has been the fastest growing state.
Rayer stated following the release of the data, "Population growth is still growing strong in the state. Slightly more than the year before, but still, if you compare long-term averages which have been just under 300,000, it's been really remarkably strong."
Population increases are expected to slow down in 2024, and come very close to a halt before the 2030s. However, Republicans in Florida are taking full responsibility for the recent shift.
Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) frequently attributes the vast influx of movement into Florida to his policy making outcomes. The Governor further claims that these people are not just coming in, but are coming specifically from states like California and New York, where politics is drastically different.
While it is largely unfounded if Californians and New Yorkers are moving to Florida for ideological reasons, DeSantis' claims are not without backing. Florida welcomed over 90,000 New Yorkers in 2022, which helped the state's population grow by 1.91% from 2021 according to data published by the USA Today. However, the total number of New Yorkers who left the Empire State altogether was 545,500 people.
Whether it is due to DeSantis or not, Florida is doing something right. Other states should take notes as rural areas continue to gain favor with Americans over industrial regions.
