Sponsored by Team Volusia
FLORIDA PLANS ON GROWTH IN ORDER TO THRIVE IN THE FUTURE
by Jerry D . Parrish , Ph . D .
Florida certainly is a popular place to move to – growing in population the second-most of any state between the 2010 and 2020 census counts . Only Texas grew by more people
than Florida . That population growth in Florida is expected
to continue higher growth than in most states . The current estimate from the Bureau of Economic and Business Research ( BEBR ) at the University of Florida is that 24.4 million people will call Florida home in 2030 – an increase of around two
million people over the next eight years .
Although Florida is growing in population , not every part of Florida is growing . Between 2010 and 2020 , 17 of Florida ’ s counties lost population . Most of these counties are rural - something that is happening all over the U . S . One of the reasons for population declines is that people leave for better places – often to find work . So , who is left when people leave ? - people who may have family responsibilities or fewer opportunities and typically people with fewer skills . What is concerning is that the county taxes still must be collected – so people with fewer opportunities and fewer skills are taxed even more so that counties can stay solvent . So , we need growth because not having growth is a downward spiral to less opportunity and a higher tax burden for those who remain in the areas that are depopulating .
The COVID pandemic has changed migration patterns in Florida , and some of the areas that were depopulating are now benefitting . As more people are not required to report to a specific office every day , there are more opportunities for people to move away from business centers and live where they want . Many Floridians have opted to move away from larger cities and , in some cases , are repopulating smaller towns and rural areas . Those areas with reliable high-speed connectivity are already benefitting , and we know that more areas of Florida will have better connectivity in the future . There are many advantages to this – including those to education and health care , especially in rural Florida .
People who have the skills to work from anywhere are benefitting greatly as they gain market power in the employment market . It is likely that many of those people in other states who can work from anywhere will choose to move to Florida . Our state has the benefits of good weather , beaches , world-class fishing and other attractive amenities along with many direct flights – thanks to Florida ’ s tourism industry . Besides that , Florida having no state income tax is a big draw for many . It is no wonder that Florida ’ s population is likely to increase for many years to come . But , with additional growth comes some concerns . Indeed , there are several areas of Florida that are becoming much more restrictive in terms of allowing growth of any type in their region . I often hear the term ‘ BANANA ’ being used to refer to the groups that don ’ t want any growth . ‘ BANANA ’ stands for ‘ Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything .’
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