People are still moving to Florida in large numbers. New driver’s license data shows more than 200,000 people transferred out-of-state licenses to Florida in the first half of 2026 — the highest first-half total since 2023.
Here’s a clear look at the latest Florida migration trends, where newcomers are coming from, and which counties are attracting the most residents.
Key Florida Migration Numbers for 2026
- 200,000+ out-of-state driver’s licenses transferred to Florida (January–June 2026)
- Highest first-half total since 2023
- Higher than both 2024 and 2025
- Still above pre-pandemic levels (173,047 in first half of 2019)
- Below the pandemic peaks of 215,412 (2021) and 243,421 (2022)
This data comes from Florida Realtors® and was shared with USA Today Network publications.
Top States Sending New Residents to Florida
New York continues to lead the way:
- New York: 23,436 transfers
- Georgia
- New Jersey
- California
- Texas
These five states account for a large share of the people moving to Florida in 2026.
Top Florida Counties Attracting Newcomers
South Florida and major metro areas remain the biggest draws:
- Miami-Dade County: 13,206 transfers
- Palm Beach County: 12,794 transfers
- Hillsborough County
- Orange County
- Broward County
- Lee County
Each of the last four counties recorded more than 10,000 license transfers in the first half of the year.
Why Driver’s License Data Matters for Tracking Florida Migration
Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor explains why this data is useful:
“It is not as comprehensive as let’s say what the Census Bureau might put out, but the reason why we use this is because it’s in near real-time.”
License transfers give a faster snapshot of domestic migration than traditional government reports. However, the numbers have limits. They do not show how many Floridians left the state, and they exclude people who do not drive as well as international arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions About People Moving to Florida in 2026
Is Florida still growing in 2026?
Yes. More than 200,000 out-of-state driver’s license transfers in the first six months show continued strong inbound migration.
Which state sends the most people to Florida?
New York currently leads with 23,436 license transfers.
Which Florida county is attracting the most new residents?
Miami-Dade County tops the list with 13,206 transfers, followed closely by Palm Beach County.
How does 2026 compare to previous years?
The first-half total is the highest since 2023, higher than 2024 and 2025, and above 2019 levels — but still below the 2021–2022 pandemic peaks.
Ready to Make Your Move to Florida?
Whether you’re researching the best places to live, comparing counties, or exploring real estate opportunities, Florida continues to attract people from across the country.
Contact me to get started!
Natalie Jacoby, Broker Associate | SRS, PSA, ABR | Hablo Espanol | 407-913-1389 | [email protected]
