Fewer migrants flock to Florida

Florida is known as a destination for snowbirds, but new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau hints at a new trend.

The data shows Florida has seen a decline in the number of people who migrate to the state from other states.

In 2005, Florida had an influx of more than 250,000 domestic migrants and was considered a fast-growing state during a mid-decade population boom.

However, the state has recently been suffering losses in domestic migration, losing 9,000 Florida residents in 2008 and 31,000 in 2009 due to out-migration.

Stan Smith, a professor in the UF economics department and director of the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, said the decline in migration resulting from the recession is in turn prolonging the economic downturn.

“Florida usually is a national leader in adding jobs but has lost more than 800,000 jobs in the past two years,” Smith said. “People moving to Florida to look for jobs are leaving or just not coming in the first place.”

Smith said Gainesville has been at least partially spared due to UF’s presence as well as Gainesville’s large medical community and amount of government jobs.

However, Smith said some people view a decline in migration and population as a positive thing.

“It puts less pressure on the environment,” Smith said. “A decline means a slower increase in the need for new roads and new schools and less of a loss of green space or agricultural lands.”

Read story:
Fewer migrants flock to Florida - The Independent Florida Alligator - January 5, 2010

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More snowbirds arriving later - Panama City News Herald - January 9, 2010