Demographics May Become More Important Than You Imagine

Living in Florida means you have early bird specials, blue hair specials and a lot of senior citizen discounts especially if you live on the West Coast of Florida.  I live in a modest condominium community in Miami where there are a lot of retirees and a few young families. 

The ethnic demographics are also diverse with folks from a lot of different countries.  About 15% of Miami Dade County’s population is above 65 years of age.  One of the faster growing demographic groups is the 90+ cohort

Living in Florida also meant that there are complete communities for those over 55.  Your grandchildren can visit but they can’t stay. 

Charlotte County Florida has a population that has almost 34% of the population over the age of 65.  It’s even more pronounced in Sumter County where about 43% of the population is over the age of 65.
According to 2012 population estimates about 18% of Florida’s population is 65+.  The average in the United States 14%.

Lots of snowbirds and retirees coming to Florida makes for some difficult political issues.  No state income tax and good weather may attract baby boomers but will they pay for the schools, roads, health care and other services an older population requires. 

Florida may be the front line in intergenerational conflict, adult day care, free bus fare for seniors, meals on wheels, and a tax base increasingly unable or unwilling to pay for needed services. 


The Eagle flies for the first time in August.

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