Last week’s Question of the Week had to do with the record number of out-of-state drivers who needed to switch to a Florida driver’s license.
In fact, according to the state Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, more than 200,000 people from other states switched their driver’s licenses to Florida in just the first half of 2026. That number represents the most since 2023 and the COVID-19 pandemic that saw a massive influx of people leaving big cities up north to move to the Sunshine state.
I asked how you felt about the surge of newcomers calling Florida home. And, well, you definitely made it clear how you feel with 85 percent of you saing that it might be time to slow Florida’s growth and expansion.
Fifty percent of those who took the poll chose the “Go home! Florida is closed” option with another 35% choosing the “Not too many more, please” option. The naysayers pointed toward issues related to housing, congestion, infrastructure and natural resources.
Those in favor of the increase in newcomers to the state pointed at the expanding tax base.
Last week I asked:
What do you make of out-of-staters making Florida home?
The results:
Go home! Florida is closed: 50 percent
Not too many more, please: 35 percent
Love it! More taxpayers: 15 percent
Here’s what you had to say:
While I like the idea of more people moving here, it creates a strain on local areas. With all the development, it seems like more and more of the few trees we have left are being bulldozed, wetlands are being filled in (19th Street apartments near Wood Avenue), and just more development than what can be sustainably navigated. With the potential for a reduction in ad valorem taxes, what will happen then? Renters and low-income folks are already squeezed out or overburdened while the those who have can just keep coming here. It seems like everyone wants to move here for sun and low taxes, but what about us who already live here and just keep struggling? It feels like a never ending slog.
–Topanga Thompson, Panama City Beach
Great opportunity for our new Floridians to become, if they aren’t already, the light of the world and salt of the Earth. Some of God’s greatest creations can be found in Florida if one slows down and breathes. Those of us who are natives or transplants have the unique grace to be examples to those seeking the tranquility that we have been graciously blessed.
–Paul Kamus, Cocoa
I hate to sound like a curmudgeon, but Florida has enough issues with growth without adding to the current issues. Developers are having a field day as more housing is needed. That results in more utilities being needed to decreases the surface area for stormwater drainage. our roads are congested enough without adding to it. An ordinance was just passed to almost double the utility connection fees as a resident who lives on septic And well water I really don’t want to see my connection fees increased if and when I have to connect to town utilities. I pray these people are moving to change their lifestyle and not re-create it here.
–Julin Lynn, Grant
Enough is enough. Please. I am a rare Florida native and love my state as it is, naturally. The amazing natural resources we have are not infinite. We need elected officials who are less motivated to develop our natural lands but instead protect and preserve them along with the beauty that is here. Stop building. Stop developing. Our local residents, including the wildlife that have managed to survive , will thank you.
–Joy DeBusk, West Melbourne
If from the N(orth), keep your “Dumocrats ” thoughts behind!
–Nic Nicoson, North Port
I came from another state because my daughters job brought her here. We are safely able to move between states as one of our freedoms.
–Richard Newton, Melbourne
Better to grow the tax base, rather than raise taxes.
–Edward Crandall, Yulee
I believe that most of the people moving here are “baby boomers” and have retired from their jobs. That’s fine, however, this has caused many problems. Traffic, housing development, taxes and jobs. There are some families that move here, especially in Brevard, because of the up and coming new space companies popping up all over. We never had a town called Viera but we sure do now. Titusville is exploding with new subdivisions as it is very close to the Space Center and surrounding areas. That’s a good thing for those families, but retired old folks from years ago remember when people moved here to “retire and enjoy the sunshine:. I happen to live in Cape Canaveral and on A1A I never thought there was enouge acreage for new hotels. Aha, I was so wrong. We mush have 7 new hotels and now Margariteville is moving in right by the port. Another one is being built one West Central and A1A. More jobs is a good thing, and I love A1A, so if you don’t like traveling I95 around the Orlando area, this is the place to be. There will always be parcels of land for developers so come on down and spend your money here! Don’t forget about the “SMALL BUSINESSES” also!
–Karla Camarata, Cape Canaveral
So far, people are free to move wherever they like. It’s the American way. The long rule of Floridians complaining about the government and voting for the same group in every election might change. How can it be worse than what we have now?
–Cathy Kornek, Melbourne
To many cars on the roads and destroyed natural animal habitats.
–Brenda Spalding, Bradenton
As always, thanks for participating.
Contact Torres at jtorres@floridatoday.com. You can follow him on X @johnalbertorres. Florida video editor Rob Landers contributed to this report. Support local journalism and become a subscriber. Visit floridatoday.com/subscribe
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: More than 200,000 moved in. Floridians have a message
Reporting by John A. Torres, Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By John A. Torres, Florida Today | USA TODAY Network
