Tip sheet: Early estimate finds slight population bump in Florida in past year

August 5, 2013

NOTE: News media should contact municipal officials for local and county numbers.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s population grew by 184,300 people, or almost 1 percent, in the past year, continuing to reclaim ground since reaching a yearly low of 74,000 in 2008-2009, according to a preliminary report just released by the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

The preliminary statewide population estimate is 19,258,700, an increase of approximately 457,400 since the 2010 Census count of 18,801,300.

Growth in Florida slowed during the last half of the last decade, declining from 6.2 percent between 2000 and 2003, to 1.9 percent between 2007 and 2010 during the economic downturn and housing bust. Since 2010, the growth rate has gradually increased and reached 2.4 percent for the 2010 to 2013 period.

“We will have to see if growth continues to increase, but given that approximately two-thirds of Florida’s growth is from net migration, continued improvements in the economy and the housing market will likely be associated with increasing growth rates in Florida,” UF demographer Scott Cody said.

The bureau produces yearly population estimates between the Census years for the state, which uses them to determine revenue sharing.

The bureau this week sent the April 1, 2013, preliminary population estimates for Florida counties and cities to officials. Because estimates may change before being made final on Oct. 15, the bureau will not analyze at local levels until the estimates have been reviewed by local officials.

Cody is available to comment about the statewide statistics and can be reached at 352-392-0171, ext. 337, or skcody@ufl.edu.