
Florida’s Migration Trends: What’s Happening and What It Means for the Future
Florida is still one of the top spots for people looking to relocate, but there’s been a bit of a shift lately. In 2023, the state gained a net total of 126,000 new residents from other states. Sounds great, right? Well, it’s actually the first big drop in migration numbers in over a decade. So, what’s going on? According to the Florida Chamber Foundation, it boils down to two big things: rising housing costs and not enough career opportunities for younger workers.
Let’s look at the bigger picture. Florida leads the country in net income migration, pulling in nearly $36.1 billion a year—that’s over three times what Texas, the runner-up, brought in. Retirees and people over 60 are still moving here for the lifestyle, but the younger crowd, especially those in their 20s, are starting to leave. Why? It comes down to high housing costs and the feeling that it’s tough to find solid job opportunities here.
The housing affordability issue is real. People are heading to states like Tennessee and North Carolina, where living costs are easier on the wallet. To tackle this, Florida is rolling out plans like the Live Local Act to create more affordable housing. The Florida 2030 Blueprint also has goals to lower housing-cost burdens and offer a wider variety of affordable housing. It’s all about keeping Florida a place where people want—and can afford—to live.
Here’s an interesting twist: Florida ranks first in the nation for higher education and affordability at four-year colleges. But even with great schools and reasonable tuition, we’re having trouble holding on to graduates. The Florida Chamber Foundation is working on the Future of Work Florida initiative to bridge the gap between education and in-state jobs. The goal is simple—help young people see a clear career path here so they stick around.
Mark Wilson, president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, summed it up well: “Affordable housing and good job opportunities go hand in hand. If younger workers can’t afford to live here, they’ll start looking elsewhere.” He’s right—businesses and communities need to step up to develop and retain talent.
The good news? Florida is still a top destination for people looking to relocate. But we’re at a turning point. If we can nail down housing affordability and job opportunities, we’ll keep Florida as the ultimate place to live, work, and build a future. What do you think—are these changes enough to keep people calling Florida home? Let me know!