Under Representation In Census Could Cost Sunshine State Millions, Or Even Billions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -

As the third largest state in the country and one of the fastest growing, the upcoming Federal Census count will be more important to the Sunshine State than nearly any other state. If Florida is under-represented by the decennial population count, it could cost the state billions of dollars. Although most people think of the 2020 Census as a long way off, Florida’s state and local officials need to immediately start ensuring the accuracy of the count by participating in existing intergovernmental processes to verify addresses and residences.

Florida’s population was undercounted in both the 2010 Census and the 2000 Census, which prevents the state and residents from receiving the fair distribution of federal program funding because the data from each decennial Census helps determine how annual federal program funding is allocated among the states. These federal programs touch nearly all facets from everyday life, including education, health, transportation, water and waste infrastructure, assistance to low income, elderly and disabled persons, affordable housing, economic development, job training, the arts, and the environment.

When Florida is undercounted in the Census, taxes that go to the federal government are then used to subsidize programs in other states rather than to the programs that directly help Floridians. Florida is also continuously growing, and after 2020, the Census data will not be updated for another 10 years. Not only will the undercount immediately cost Floridians money, but also it will continue to cost more and more each year.

“Our state is projected to be the fourth fastest growing state from 2020 to 2030,” said Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. "A projected 15.3 percent will be added to the population. Accuracy in the 2020 Census count is imperative to ensure that Florida receives its share of federal funding so our state remains competitive and successful for years to come.”

“This is not something that we can just address tomorrow," said South Lake Group Partner Nick Intintolo. "The 2020 Census determines federal funding for the next decade. It is crucial that Florida’s local governments capitalize on this opportunity to return tax dollars to their hard-working constituents.”

In FY 2015, the Sunshine State received fewer grants per capita than every other state in the nation. If Florida received the national average in per capita federal grants, the state would get back $14.6 billion more in taxpayer money.

Read our full report here.