UF study: Florida migration fell by two-thirds from its 2022 peak

A University of Florida analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows Florida attracted about 201,000 new residents through migration in 2025, down sharply from nearly 599,000 at the 2022 peak. Large, expensive counties such as Miami-Dade, Broward, and Orange saw more residents leave than arrive domestically, while mid-sized counties including Polk, Pasco, and Marion continued drawing newcomers. Researchers at UF’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies attribute the shift to housing affordability, with many movers gravitating toward communities where costs are lower and new home construction has kept pace with demand.

Sources: UF News · Mainstreet Daily News

Fishback admits voting in DC while contesting residency challenge to his governor bid

A Leon County Circuit Court judge heard testimony Tuesday in a lawsuit brought by Lt. Governor Jay Collins seeking to remove Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback from the ballot over a claimed failure to meet Florida’s seven-year residency requirement. Fishback acknowledged casting ballots in Washington, D.C., but presented witnesses to support his assertion that Florida has always been his true home. The two-day hearing concluded Tuesday evening, with thousands of early primary voters potentially affected if Fishback is ruled ineligible.

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Sources: WCJB TV20