Domestic migrants moving to Florida tend to earn more and are more likely to be homeowners than those leaving, even as overall migration slows and international arrivals now dominate net growth.
Source: Original report
Florida's era of explosive population growth may be fading, but the buyers still choosing the state appear to be arriving on firmer financial ground — a dynamic that could support continued stability in the housing market, according to the Florida Chamber Foundation's 2026 Florida Business & Economic Mid-Year Report.
Who Is Still Moving to Florida
Among domestic migrants heading into Florida, 53% were homeowners before making the move, compared with just 42% of those departing the state. Incoming residents also reported an average income of $41,038, outpacing the $37,198 average among those leaving. Nearly half — 47% — held at least a bachelor's degree.
This financial profile suggests that even as the raw volume of migration declines, the buyers entering Florida's market may be better positioned to purchase homes and absorb the state's elevated price environment.
Migration Pace Slows, but Florida Still Ranks Second Nationally
Florida netted approximately 551 new residents per day in 2025, placing it second in the country behind Texas. That figure, while still substantial, represents a sharp drop from the state's 2022 peak of 1,640 net arrivals per day.
The report characterized the slowdown as a natural adjustment following the unprecedented migration surge of 2020 through 2022, rather than a warning signal for the broader economy or housing market.
International Migration Now Leads Net Growth
The composition of Florida's population growth has shifted significantly. International migration accounted for 89% of the state's net migration in 2025, with domestic movement contributing just 11%. Net domestic migration has trailed international inflows every year since 2022.
This shift has implications for housing demand. International arrivals tend to have different homeownership timelines and financing pathways than domestic movers, which may shape how demand filters through different segments of the market over time.
Regional Variation Is Sharp
Growth is not distributed evenly across Florida. Among the top-gaining counties:
- Polk County added a net 62 residents per day
- Pasco County gained 55 per day
- Marion County grew by 47 per day
By contrast, Miami-Dade County lost a net 49 residents per day, as domestic departures outpaced international arrivals in the state's largest metro.
Single-Family Sales in Gradual Recovery
The migration data coincides with modest but consistent improvement in Florida's single-family housing market. Florida Realtors data cited in the report shows year-over-year sales gains for 10 straight months through June.
Florida Realtors Chief Economist Brad O'Connor described the market's current phase as a "gradual recovery," characterized by slow, sustainable improvement rather than a rapid rebound. For housing professionals, the stronger financial profile of incoming domestic buyers offers an encouraging indicator even as the pace of arrivals moderates.
