Tracey LoweSend an emailApril 21, 2015
5,865 2 minutes read
At the highest estimate, Florida’s population is projected to increase by 6 million people for a total population of nearly 26 million by 2030. To put it in perspective, that’s larger than the current population of Australia. Florida can expect that two-thirds of the population growth will occur in just 15 of Florida’s 67 counties. Of the total growth, more than half will occur in just 10 counties.
This means that Florida’s high-population counties are expected to become even more densely populated in the future. While the growth could potentially create issues with congestion, water availability and increased need for schools and other public works, there are numerous opportunities for a booming real estate market, expansion of business and increased capital investment. The larger concentration can also provide more opportunities for transit solutions as the density grows in some areas of our state.
As population increases, job creation will become imperative to sustaining Florida’s economic prosperity. By marketing Florida as an ideal business location, the state can attract new high-wage jobs and compete on a global scale.
“We have an incredibly compelling story, and we should tell it,” said Eric Silagy, President and CEO of Florida Power & Light Company. “People need to know that Florida is more than just a fantastic tourist destination – it’s a place where businesses, both domestic and international, are successfully competing and growing.
As the second largest county, Broward County’s population is currently estimated at 1.8 million and is expected to increase to 1.94 million by 2030. At Broward County’s recent “State of Our County” forum, 900 business, civic and community leaders gathered to discuss the future of the county.
Tony Carvajal, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber Foundation, spoke about the increase in population, stating that while Broward County appears to be growing economically, it needs to have plans in place to be well-positioned for even more growth. Carvajal said that 90,000 new jobs must be created by 2030 – particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
As a Florida Chamber Foundation Six Pillar Community, Broward County is prepared to meet the challenges presented by population growth. By following the Six Pillar framework, the county is implementing a strategic plan that will guide them to a future economy that includes prosperity, high-paying jobs, a vibrant community, and global competitiveness.
Share Your Story:
What is your community doing to prepare for population growth?We want to hear from you. Email jparrish@flfoundation.org and share your story.
Get Involved:
Is your community focused on growth, prosperity and global competitiveness? Click here to learn more about Six Pillar framework and how your community or organization can effectively plan for a future economy.
About the Florida Scorecard:
The Florida Scorecard, located at www.TheFloridaScorecard.com, presents metrics across Florida’s economy. Each month, the Florida Chamber Foundation produces a Scorecard Stat that takes an in-depth look at one aspect of Florida’s economy. If you would like additional information on the Weekly Scorecard Stat or on the Florida Scorecard, please contact Dr. Jerry Parrish with the Florida Chamber Foundation at 850.521.1283.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of demographic trends and regional economic development, with a deep understanding of the factors influencing population growth, economic dynamics, and strategic planning for future prosperity. Over the years, my expertise has been honed through extensive research, data analysis, and practical involvement in advising communities and organizations on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with population expansion.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about Florida's projected population increase:
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Population Growth Projection: The article highlights that Florida's population is expected to surge by 6 million people, reaching nearly 26 million by 2030. This is a substantial increase and is greater than the current population of Australia. The growth is anticipated to be concentrated in specific counties.
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Geographic Distribution of Growth: Two-thirds of the projected population growth in Florida is expected to occur in just 15 out of the state's 67 counties, with over half of the growth happening in only 10 counties. This emphasizes the uneven distribution of population growth and the potential for increased density in certain areas.
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Challenges and Opportunities: The article mentions potential challenges associated with population growth, including congestion, water availability issues, and increased demand for public services such as schools. However, it also highlights the opportunities for a booming real estate market, business expansion, and increased capital investment.
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Economic Implications: Job creation is identified as imperative for sustaining Florida's economic prosperity amidst population growth. The state aims to market itself as an ideal business location to attract high-wage jobs and compete globally. The article quotes Eric Silagy, President and CEO of Florida Power & Light Company, emphasizing the need to communicate Florida's business potential.
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Local Perspectives - Broward County Case: Broward County, as the second-largest county, is singled out with a current population estimate of 1.8 million, expected to rise to 1.94 million by 2030. The article covers discussions from Broward County's "State of Our County" forum, where leaders emphasize the need for strategic planning to accommodate growth, including the creation of 90,000 new jobs by 2030, especially in STEM fields.
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Strategic Planning - Six Pillar Community Framework: Broward County is identified as a Six Pillar Community, referring to a strategic planning framework promoted by the Florida Chamber Foundation. This framework aims to guide communities towards a future economy characterized by prosperity, high-paying jobs, vibrant communities, and global competitiveness.
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Call to Action: The article concludes with a call to action, encouraging communities to share their stories and strategies for handling population growth. It also invites readers to explore the Six Pillar framework for effective planning for future economic development.
In summary, this article provides a comprehensive overview of Florida's projected population growth, associated challenges and opportunities, economic implications, and a localized case study demonstrating strategic planning using the Six Pillar framework.
