Hispanics were the fastest-growing minority group in the country, with a 3.3 percent increase between 2006 and 2007, according to the Census. Asians were the second fastest-growing minority group, with a 2.9 percent population increase during the period.

The growth rate of Florida’s minority groups was slightly different. The Asian community had a 3.64 percent population increase from 2006 to 2007, while Hispanics had a 3.61 percent increase during the same period.

But when it comes to numbers, Florida’s Hispanic population came in first with 3.75 million people, or 20.58 percent of the state’s 18.2 million residents. Florida’s black community came in second with 2.7 million people, or 15.01 percent of the state’s population.

And Florida’s overall population increases aren’t done, said Stefan Rayer with the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

“The growth has slowed down,” Rayer said Wednesday. “Florida is still growing in comparison (to the rest of the country), but this year’s change will seem low compared to recent years.”

Hispanics lead as largest minority group in U.S. - Naples Daily News - May 1, 2008