According to the US Census Bureau, Florida has become the state with the fastest growing population. It has not been No. 1 by this indicator since 1957. What is the reason?
Famous for its warm climate and sandy beaches, Florida is now home to 22 million people. An attractive tax regime has made it the fastest growing US state. However, this is not the biggest driver for immigrants. People moving to Florida from other parts of the country, e.g., from Pennsylvania, confess that they do not like the cold. The shining sun and good weather are the most frequently quoted reason for resettlement.
Florida is famous for attracting elderly Americans and foreign retirees. Many remote workers also prefer to live here permanently, and their number has surged in the period from April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economists note that Florida has a well-developed labour market and, unlike most other states, no income tax. This means that people can keep the extra 8%, 9%, or 10% of their salaries, which would otherwise be paid as state or local tax.
As for Americans, the census data shows that residents of New York, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California move to Florida most often. Before the pandemic, almost two-thirds of Floridians came from other states. Overseas migrants accounted for one-fifth of them. People who choose to move to the USA for permanent residence tend to opt for Florida.
Locals observe that agricultural lands, specifically orange plantations, have become fewer as residential development surged rapidly in the state. Serious harm to the environment can be avoided, though, experts say.
Florida’s growing economy is driven by an influx of foreigners and in-migrants, which has a positive impact on daily lives of all state residents. Their shopping, theatre, and restaurants offerings are becoming more varied, which is exciting for the young and the elderly alike. The population growth boosts the economic development. Professionals claim that the more people any regional economy has, the more economic activity they generate. Every new family moving to Florida needs a home, good food, and healthcare. Florida, the third most populous state in the country, can satisfy all these needs. People have been moving here since the 1950s, and this trend shows no signs of weakening.