Florida Population Hits 23 Million, Driven by Domestic Migration

Florida’s population has officially surpassed 23 million for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the state. As of April 1, 2023, Florida boasts 23,002,597 residents, solidifying its position as the third most populous state in the U.S., trailing only California and Texas. The state saw an impressive increase of nearly 359,000 residents last year and has consistently added between 350,000 and 375,000 residents annually throughout the decade.

This surge in population is largely attributed to people moving to Florida from other states. However, experts predict that 2023 will mark the peak of this growth, with a gradual decline expected over the rest of the 2020s. The anticipated decrease is linked to the dwindling number of baby boomers entering retirement. By the early 2030s, Florida’s growth rate is projected to drop below 1%, a significant decline from the expected 1.6% growth rate this year.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida’s population growth has been fueled entirely by relocation, both domestically and internationally, as the state has experienced more deaths than births since late 2019. Notably, nearly 10% of Florida’s population is aged 75 and older, the highest percentage among U.S. states and territories, second only to Puerto Rico.