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.

Apportionment Changes Amid Policy Proposals explains how Florida’s 2020 Census undercount—about 750,000 residents (3.48%)—reduced the state’s political representation and likely cost billions of dollars in federal funding over the decade. The report examines what Florida stood to gain if the count had been accurate and how proposed changes to who is counted could affect future apportionment.

The Census Undercount Hurts Florida’s Political Influence, demonstrates that the 2020 Census missed about 750,000 Floridians — 3.48 % of the population. Correcting that error with U.S. Census Bureau methodology shows the undercount shifted three U.S. House seats nationally: Colorado, Minnesota, and Rhode Island would each lose a seat, while Florida, Tennessee, and Texas would each gain one — raising Florida’s delegation to 29 seats instead of 28.

In 2020, Florida was one of six states with a statistically significant census undercount. Florida failed to count 3.48 percent of its total population (750,000 residents). The census count is used to apportion legislative seats and allocate federal funding. Florida’s census undercount cost the state at least one—potentially two—congressional seats and up to $21 billion in federal funding through the end of the decade.

Florida’s 2020 Census undercount has put billions of federal healthcare dollars at risk. With 750,000 residents uncounted, the state is projected to lose up to $21 billion in funding for Medicaid, CHIP, and other essential programs. This miscount impacts hospital planning, healthcare access, and federal funding formulas, costing Florida taxpayers $2.3 billion annually in lost Medicaid funds alone.

This report highlights how Florida’s census undercount, especially of young children, reduces federal funding for key programs like Medicaid and childcare. This funding gap forces the state to rely more on taxpayer dollars. To secure resources and better plan for services, Florida TaxWatch urges Floridians to promote full participation in the 2030 Census.

"2020 Census Participation: How Florida Counties Compare," provides valuable insights into census participation across the state in 2020 and emphasizes the importance of securing a complete count in the upcoming 2030 Census.

The report examines key metrics, highlights the costly impacts of undercounts, and outlines actionable steps businesses and individuals can take now to support a complete count.

With Census Day 2030 approaching, the time to prepare is now. Download the full report to learn more and discover how you can help ensure Florida receives its fair share of federal funding and representation.

"Florida TaxWatch Census Primer: Agriculture" discusses the impact of census undercounts on Florida's agriculture sector. It highlights the consequences of the 2020 census, where Florida missed counting 750,000 residents, leading to significant losses in federal funding and representation. The primer emphasizes the importance of accurate census counts for securing federal funding and making informed decisions in agriculture and rural development. It concludes by urging stakeholders to actively prepare for the 2030 Census to maximize accuracy and benefits for Florida's agricultural community.

Why you should care about the impact of the undercount in the 2020 Census in Florida and outlines strategies to improve census participation for 2030. This primer highlights that Florida missed approximately 750,000 residents in the 2020 count, which could lead to a significant loss in federal funding and possibly an additional congressional seat. The document emphasizes the importance of census data in resource allocation, emergency planning, and business decisions. It suggests actions for legislators, constituents, and businesses, such as funding Complete Count Committees, promoting awareness, and integrating census information into community and business activities.

While the U.S. Census Bureau is popularly known as the leader of decennial census counts, it is also charged with conducting other surveys throughout the decade to help inform American decision-making. With each survey, the U.S. Census Bureau aims to strike the “best mix of timeliness, relevancy, quality and cost” to gather the data that define our nation’s people and economy. The U.S. Census Bureau cannot achieve its goal alone. Like the census count, the participation of all residents is key to ensuring that Americans can fully reap the benefits that the U.S. Census Bureau has to offer.

In December 2022, data for the American Community Survey 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates was released. On January 26^th, the 5-Year Microdata and 1-Year Data Profiles will be available. An accurate decennial census count is important for community and business decision-making. The census count creates data estimates touching nearly every facet of a taxpayer’s life, ranging from average work commutes to how many people have access to broadband. While the census is the basis for such statistics, it is obvious that counting people cannot provide such in-depth knowledge alone. The census has a partner: the American Community Survey (ACS).

Florida beaches are a treasure to the state, and as such, many residents strive to remain in close proximity to the shoreline. Statewide, 64.2 percent of employment and 79.2 percent of businesses are found within Florida’s 35 coastal counties.1 Unfortunately, the luring lifestyle of beaches comes at a cost; the homes and livelihoods of most Floridians are tied to areas susceptible to hurricane havoc.