Drew Dixon
Florida has long been seen as one of the top destinations for retirees from around America, but the AARP is warning that may no longer be a guarantee.
The organization for retired Americans is pointing to new U.S. Census Bureau data that raises a concern about retirees continuing to buoy Florida’s economy. According to 2023 figures recently released by U.S. Census officials, the usually reliable migration to the Sunshine State by people coming from other states may be on the wane.
“In 2023, the Census reports, Florida’s net migration fell by half from the previous year,” an AARP news release said.
“While in 2022 Florida netted almost 250,000 new Floridians from other states, the highest total since 2005, that number fell to just over 126,000 in 2023. More concerning, the number of people leaving the state, 510,925, was the highest since the Great Recession in 2008. As of last year, more people are still moving to Florida than are leaving it, but that gap is quickly narrowing.”
AARP officials say the drop in new arrivals to Florida, which usually includes many retirees, should be a “wake-up call” to lawmakers and public policy officials in the state. New incoming migrants to Florida, especially retirees, contribute significantly to community growth and economic prosperity for many communities throughout Florida, AARP said. AARP officials are warning state leaders that they should not take retirees for granted given the new U.S. Census findings.
“Choosing to move to Florida is often a heartfelt decision for many, representing a lifelong dream or a fresh start,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida State Director.
“Conversely, the choice to leave Florida is often driven by financial considerations. With surging housing costs, limited access to essential care services, and rising utility bills, older Floridians are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their desired quality of life. Policymakers in Tallahassee must take immediate action to address these critical economic concerns or risk jeopardizing the very foundation of our communities and the livelihoods of Floridians.”
5 comments
Bill Pollard
October 17, 2024 at 6:45 pm
I don’t think the statistics concerning migration to Florida in this article are valid. Ever increasing numbers of people are moving to Florida constantly. Many are leaving, but not nearly as many as are arriving. The reasons given for those migrating out are valid, however. Everything in this state is costing more and people on fixed incomes cannot absorb those costs. Also, the health care system in Florida has become a failure.
Skeptic
October 17, 2024 at 9:12 pm
The numbers do seem a bit flawed — if just over 126,000 arrived in 2023 and 510,925 left,, it would not be true that “more people are still moving to Florida than are leaving it.”. I tend to trust Census Bureau figures, but the transcription into a press release may have been a bit off.
PeterH
October 18, 2024 at 9:03 am
Decade after decade of failed Republican policies and leadership eventually take its toll on red state residency. Republicans have been governing red states like Alabama, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, North and South Dakota, Arkansas, Idaho, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Which of these forever governed red states offer desirable culture, health care, education and diversity? Yup! Florida is on the path to becoming the South’s next Alabama.
Cindy
October 20, 2024 at 6:51 pm
Eggs in one basket and disaster.
Cash cash cash…. trade isn’t trade anymore
Billy Nash
October 20, 2024 at 9:17 pm
Florida has lost its attraction to many people and not just because it is expensive now. The home owner’s insurance debacle will have some serious impact on real estate values in the future. There are other state offering warm climates if you can stand the politics!
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