Florida is crowded. Honestly, if you've spent more than five minutes trying to find a parking spot at a Publix lately or sat in the gridlock on I-4, you already know that. But exactly how many people live in Florida 2024?
The numbers are officially in from the U.S. Census Bureau, and they’re pretty staggering. As of July 1, 2024, Florida’s population hit 23,372,215.
That is not a small jump. We’re talking about an increase of 467,347 people in just a single year. To put that into perspective, Florida basically added the entire population of Miami—give or take a few thousand—between 2023 and 2024.
The Numbers Game: Breaking Down the Growth
Florida is currently the third most populous state in the country. We’ve been holding that bronze medal behind California and Texas for a while now, but the gap with New York is just getting wider and wider. While New York has struggled with people packing their bags, Florida has been the primary beneficiary of the great American migration.
What’s wild is the growth rate. Florida saw a 2% increase in its population over the last year. That might sound like a small percentage, but in the world of demographics, it’s a sprint. Only the District of Columbia grew faster. Texas and Utah were trailing behind at 1.8%.
Where is everyone coming from?
You’ve probably heard the jokes about the "Sixth Borough" of New York being located somewhere in Palm Beach County. Well, the data says the jokes are basically true. According to SmartAsset and Census flows, New York sent over 51,000 households to Florida in the last year.
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But it's not just the Northeast. California and Illinois are sending thousands of people too. Interestingly, the people moving here from Illinois are bringing the most "wealth" with them, with an average adjusted gross income (AGI) of over $231,000 per household.
It isn't all domestic, though. International migration has become a massive engine for the state. In 2024, net international migration accounted for a huge chunk of the growth—over 411,000 new residents came from outside the U.S.
Why the Sunshine State is Still Winning
People aren't moving here just for the Mickey Mouse ears. It’s a mix of the usual suspects: taxes, weather, and a certain vibe.
The Tax Factor
Florida remains one of the few states with no state income tax. If you’re moving from a place like New Jersey or California, that's an immediate, massive raise. For a high-earning household, the savings can be tens of thousands of dollars a year. That buys a lot of sunscreen.
Remote Work Freedom
The pandemic changed everything. Suddenly, if you could work from anywhere, why would you work from a cramped apartment in a gray, slushy city when you could work from a porch in St. Petersburg? Even as some companies call people back to the office, the "work from Florida" trend has stayed surprisingly sticky.
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The "Lifestyle" Pull
Golf. Boating. No snow shovels. For a huge demographic—specifically those 65 and older—Florida is still the dream. In fact, about 21.8% of the state is over the age of 65. That’s a lot of retirees, which also explains a weird quirk in our data: Florida actually has a "natural decrease" in population.
Deaths in Florida actually outpace births. In 2024, there were 7,321 more deaths than births. This means that without people moving here from other states and countries, Florida’s population would actually be shrinking. Every bit of our growth is fueled by people choosing to come here.
The Growing Pains of 23 Million People
It’s not all sunshine and margaritas. Adding nearly half a million people in a year puts a massive strain on everything.
Housing is the biggest headache. The median home value in the state has climbed significantly, hitting over $325,000 according to recent Census data, and in many metros, it’s much higher. In places like Lee County, the population has exploded by over 36% since 2010. Roads that were built for 600,000 people are now trying to handle 850,000.
Then there's the cost of living. Florida used to be the "cheap" alternative. That's changing. Insurance rates are skyrocketing—thanks to those lovely hurricanes—and rent in cities like Miami and Orlando has reached levels that are starting to push long-time residents out.
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The Florida Chamber of Commerce actually predicted a slight slowdown in growth for late 2024 and 2025 because of this. They’re seeing more people leave Florida for states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Why? Because those states are now what Florida used to be: affordable.
The Top 5 Most Populated Cities in Florida 2024
If you're wondering where all these people are hiding, they're mostly concentrated in a few massive hubs.
- Jacksonville: Still the king of the list with over 1 million people. It's huge by land area, which helps it keep the top spot.
- Miami: Clocking in around 487,000. This is just the city proper; the metro area is a whole different beast.
- Tampa: Approximately 414,000 residents and growing fast.
- Orlando: About 334,000. It’s the fastest-growing large metro region in the entire country right now.
- St. Petersburg: Holding steady at roughly 267,000.
Looking Ahead: Is the Boom Over?
Probably not. While the growth might slow from a "sprint" to a "brisk jog," the momentum is too strong to ignore. The state projects we could hit 25.7 million people by 2034.
That means more construction, more schools, and—unfortunately—more traffic. But for those moving here, the trade-offs still seem worth it. Whether it's the lack of income tax or the fact that you can wear flip-flops in January, Florida's pull remains one of the strongest demographic forces in America.
If you’re planning a move or just trying to navigate the current landscape, here is what you should keep in mind:
- Check the Insurance: Before buying a home, get a real quote on homeowners and flood insurance. It's often the "hidden" cost that breaks the budget.
- Commute Reality: Don't trust Google Maps at 2:00 PM. Check your potential commute at 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Traffic in Central and South Florida is a different animal than it was five years ago.
- Inventory is Changing: While prices are high, more housing units are being built. Florida added over 173,000 building permits in 2024 alone.
- Explore the "Sub-Hubs": Look at growing areas like Port St. Lucie or Cape Coral. They are seeing double-digit growth because they offer a slightly better balance of space and cost than the major metros.
Florida in 2024 is a state in transition. It’s no longer just a retirement haven; it’s a global economic hub, a remote-work capital, and a place that 23.3 million people now call home. Just make sure you leave a little early for your appointments—you're going to need the extra time for traffic.