Florida population growth remains near pandemic levels: data

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s population growth from 2022 to 2023 has remained near pandemic levels, data from the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research found.

The state estimates population growth through April 1 each year.

In 2023, Florida witnessed an increase of an estimated 358,735 new residents. The data was similar to the reports from 2021, when the state grew by 360,758, notably when an exodus sparked during the coronavirus pandemic.

Additionally, 2022 saw the largest spike in population growth with 377,187.

The U.S. Census found that in 2022, The number one state where people were fleeing from when coming to Florida was New York. An estimated 91,201 New Yorkers moved to Florida within the year, while over 102,000 Californians escaped to Texas.

In 2022, Florida was also the fastest growing state in the nation for the first time since 1957, according to the bureau.

Florida’s influx came as Gov. Ron DeSantis has boasted the state’s economic growth during and after the pandemic.

In July, CNBC ranked Florida number one in the nation for their economy, yet one of the worst states for living and working.

“We had our state open, we have low taxes, we have a very strong regulatory climate favorable for businesses. And so, you’ve seen us grow, you’ve seen other red states grow,” DeSantis said in June.

The study flagged issues with the state’s “inclusiveness” and “reproductive rights” as reasons for why Florida got a poor rating for living and working.