South Florida’s population dynamics have been shaped by various factors, with housing, insurance, and healthcare playing significant roles in driving changes in the region. A recent analysis revealed that Key West experienced a 5% decline in population between 2020 and 2023, marking it as the fastest shrinking city in South Florida. In contrast, Parkland emerged as one of the fastest-growing cities in the area, with its population expanding by 9% during the same period.

Key West and Parkland, despite being about 200 miles apart, represent contrasting narratives in Florida’s population landscape. While Parkland, a relatively young city, has positioned itself as a modern suburban hub attracting new residents, Key West, with its historical roots, faced a decline in population over the past few years.

Parkland Mayor Richard Walker expressed excitement over the city’s growth, citing it as a testament to Parkland’s appeal to newcomers. In contrast, Key West Mayor Teri Johnston acknowledged the logical reasons behind the population decrease in her city.

Another standout city in Florida’s population shifts is Haines City, located south of Orlando, which witnessed a remarkable 35% increase in population over three years, making it the fastest-growing city with at least 20,000 residents in the state.

The demographic divide in South Florida becomes apparent along the Broward-Miami-Dade county line, where counties to the north, like Broward and Palm Beach, saw population growth, while those to the south, including Miami-Dade and Monroe, experienced more residents moving out.

Despite their diverging population trends, Key West and Parkland share common drivers influencing their demographic changes, primarily revolving around housing availability and pricing. Mayor Johnston highlighted concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on Key West’s neighborhood fabric, while Mayor Walker emphasized Parkland’s efforts to cater to diverse housing needs, including developments for older adults and families.