The significant undercount in Florida’s 2020 census poses major implications for the state’s future, with experts like Dominic Calabro, president and CEO of Florida Tax Watch, warning of billions in lost federal funding.
The undercount of approximately 750,000 residents means fewer resources for essential services like Medicaid and early education, directly impacting communities in need.
Calabro estimates that Florida could miss out on as much as $21 billion over the next decade, which will instead benefit other states where people have relocated.
This undercount not only affects funding but also political representation, potentially costing Florida one or two congressional seats.
This would reduce the state’s influence in national decision-making, a concerning issue given its growing population. Undercounts are common in states with transient populations, and the U.S. Census Bureau acknowledges the ongoing challenges of accurately counting these communities.
The Bureau’s efforts include initiatives like the Undercount of Young Children Working Group, launched in 2022 to improve data collection for young children, who are often missed in census counts.
Looking ahead to the 2030 census, Florida officials and advocacy groups are working to ensure a more accurate count by engaging harder-to-reach populations, including young children, minorities, and transient communities.
This collaborative approach aims to secure the resources and representation that Florida’s growing population needs.