LUCA Primer: The First Step in Preparing for the 2030 Census explains how Florida’s statistically significant undercount of approximately 750,000 residents in the 2020 Census cost the state an additional U.S. House seat, up to $21 billion in federal funds, and weakened the quality of the data that businesses and community leaders rely on for planning.
The report introduces the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA)—the only opportunity state and local governments have to review and correct the U.S. Census Bureau’s Master Address File before the next count. It details how gaps in this master list, especially for subdivided buildings, informal housing, converted garages, and other hard-to-identify units, can leave residents uncounted and communities under-resourced.
Drawing on Florida’s experience as a national model for LUCA preparation in 2010, the analysis highlights how state grants, technical assistance, and centralized guidance previously helped local governments overcome staffing and technology constraints and significantly improve address data.
Looking ahead to 2030, the report recommends that Florida designate a LUCA liaison within the Executive Office of the Governor, appropriate funds during the 2026 Legislative Session to support local technical work, and require or strongly incentivize local governments to submit full LUCA reviews. Taken together, these steps can reduce undercount risk, protect Florida’s fair share of federal funding, and safeguard its political representation in the coming decade.
View the LUCA Handout 2025 one-page summary.