Florida’s population has witnessed significant growth, reaching an estimated 23.3 million people in 2024, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
As of July 1, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated Florida’s population at 23,372,215, marking an increase from 22,904,868 the previous year. This growth in Florida, second only to Texas, which added 562,941 people, reflects a broader trend of population increases in southern states.
Despite the robust population growth, Florida was among 17 states experiencing more deaths than births, resulting in a natural decrease of 7,321. This pattern aligns with a report by state economists predicting a continued imbalance between births and deaths in the coming decade.
Population growth in Florida has been largely fueled by international migration, which contributed a net increase of 411,322 people. According to the Census Bureau, international migration was a major factor in the U.S. population increase, accounting for 84% of the 3.3 million nationwide growth between 2023 and 2024. Florida, along with California and Texas, saw the largest gains from this demographic shift.
The southern region, which includes Florida, added more residents than all other U.S. regions combined from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024. A net domestic migration increase of 411,004 and a natural increase of 218,567 further bolstered the population figures.
Despite the growth, Florida’s state and Census Bureau population estimates have previously diverged due to differing methodologies. A state panel, known as the Demographic Estimating Conference, projected that Florida’s population would reach 25.7 million by 2034. This increase is likened to adding a city slightly smaller than Orlando each year.
Nationally, the U.S. population saw a modest growth rate of 1% to approximately 340.11 million. Florida’s 2% growth rate was outpaced only by the District of Columbia, which had a 2.2% increase. Comparatively, Texas and Utah both experienced 1.8% growth.
While Vermont, Mississippi, and West Virginia saw slight decreases in population, Florida solidified its position as the third most populous state behind California and Texas, outpacing states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
Florida’s population surge underscores the state’s role as a major hub for migration and demographic changes in the U.S., despite challenges related to natural population decreases.
Source: Nbcmiami
