Looking Forward: What Irma Means for the Future of Florida

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, many are questioning what the storm means for the Florida’s future. Since the lull due to the housing market crash in 2007, Florida has seen a steady increase in the population – the US News estimates that Florida has added nearly 1,000 residents per day. However, this past hurricane season recommenced discussion about climate change and its effects on living in Florida.

Considering the damage done by floodwaters during Irma, rising sea levels and broadening flood plains raise a lot of questions about how Florida will continue to support an ever-growing population. Jesse Keenan, a lecturer at Harvard University, says that some of the changes that might need to occur include moving businesses and residences further inland and to higher ground, which may cause competition for land, and therefore, higher building costs.

This is an issue for a state that is already struggling to answer the demand for affordable housing. According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, Miami renters are currently the most cost burdened in the nation. Floridian developers would also have to move away from the current suburban layout and towards a more dense, urban layout better prepared to handle flooding.

While Florida may see a small dip in the short-term population influx, climate change or not, there is still no state income tax in Florida, which will always be a draw to the state. The beautiful weather, especially during the winter months, also promises to still draw visitors and new residents, especially retirees, from the north – in fact, there may be an even bigger population boom in the near future as Baby Boomers begin to retire.

Adams Law is committed to serving the community in Miami Lakes, Coral Gables, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida. For more information on how Richard Adams and his staff can be of service with Hurricane insurance claims from Hurricane Irma, please click here.