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.