Illegal Immigrant in Florida 2025
Florida stands as one of America’s major destination states for unauthorized immigrants, ranking third nationally behind only California and Texas. The state’s unique geographic position, robust economy, and established immigrant communities have made it a critical focal point in discussions about immigration policy and enforcement. Understanding the scope and characteristics of Florida’s unauthorized immigrant population requires examining comprehensive data from federal agencies and research institutions.
The demographic landscape of illegal immigrants in Florida reflects broader national trends while maintaining distinct regional characteristics. From agricultural workers in rural counties to service industry employees in major metropolitan areas, unauthorized immigrants play substantial roles throughout Florida’s economy. Their presence affects labor markets, public services, fiscal policies, and community dynamics across the state. Recent legislative changes have intensified attention on this population, making accurate statistical analysis increasingly important for policymakers, employers, and residents.
Interesting Facts About Illegal Immigrants in Florida 2023
| Fact Category | Key Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Unauthorized Population | 1.6 million unauthorized immigrants lived in Florida as of 2023 |
| National Ranking | 3rd largest unauthorized immigrant population in the United States |
| Population Growth | 700,000 increase from 2021 to 2023, the largest growth of any state |
| Workforce Percentage | 9% of Florida’s workforce consists of unauthorized immigrants |
| Household Representation | 9% of Florida households include at least one unauthorized immigrant |
| Agricultural Workers | 47% of Florida’s agricultural workers are immigrants (documented and undocumented) |
| Construction Workers | 35% of Florida’s construction workers are immigrants |
| Hotel Workers | 41% of Florida’s hotel workers are immigrants |
| Child Care Workers | 33% of Florida’s child care workers are immigrants |
| U.S.-Born Children | 4.6 million children nationwide lived with an unauthorized immigrant parent in 2023 |
| English Proficiency | 89% of Florida immigrants speak English |
Data sources: Pew Research Center (August 2025), U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Homeland Security Statistics (2023), American Community Survey (2023), Migration Policy Institute (2023)
The numbers reveal a population that has grown substantially in recent years, with Florida experiencing the most significant increase in unauthorized immigration of any state between 2021 and 2023. This 700,000-person surge represents unprecedented growth and reflects broader patterns of increased migration following the COVID-19 pandemic. The 1.6 million unauthorized immigrants now living in Florida constitute approximately 7.3% of the state’s total population and roughly 11.4% of the national unauthorized immigrant population of 14 million.
Perhaps most striking is the economic integration of this population. With 9% of Florida’s workforce being unauthorized immigrants, they represent a substantial portion of the state’s labor force. Their concentration in specific industries is even more pronounced, with nearly half of all agricultural workers and over a third of construction workers being immigrants. This workforce participation extends beyond traditionally immigrant-heavy sectors, with significant representation in child care, healthcare, and education. The 89% English proficiency rate among Florida’s immigrant population suggests considerable linguistic integration, facilitating their participation in various economic and social spheres. These statistics underscore the complex relationship between unauthorized immigration and Florida’s economic vitality, particularly in labor-intensive industries.
Unauthorized Immigrant Population in Florida by Year 2021-2023
| Year | Florida Unauthorized Immigrant Population | Year-Over-Year Change | Percentage of State Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 900,000 | – | 4.1% |
| 2022 | 1,000,000 | +100,000 | 4.5% |
| 2023 | 1,600,000 | +600,000 | 7.3% |
Data source: Pew Research Center (August 2025), based on U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey
The trajectory of Florida’s unauthorized immigrant population from 2021 to 2023 reveals dramatic growth that outpaced all other states during this period. Starting from a base of 900,000 in 2021, the population increased by 100,000 during 2022, then surged by 600,000 in 2023 alone. This 700,000 total increase over just two years represents a 78% growth rate, bringing the total to 1.6 million. The acceleration between 2022 and 2023 is particularly noteworthy, as the 600,000 increase in a single year equals the entire unauthorized immigrant population of some smaller states.
This explosive growth transformed Florida’s demographic composition substantially. As a percentage of the state population, unauthorized immigrants increased from 4.1% in 2021 to 7.3% in 2023, nearly doubling their proportional representation in just two years. Several factors contributed to this surge, including changes in federal immigration policy following the COVID-19 pandemic, increased encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border, and the termination of Title 42 expulsion authority in May 2023. The growth also reflects Florida’s continued economic expansion, with the state’s GDP growing twice as fast as the national average between 2019 and 2024, creating substantial labor demand. Additionally, established immigrant communities and networks in Florida served as pull factors, attracting new arrivals seeking economic opportunities and family reunification.
Top Florida Counties with Unauthorized Immigrants in 2025
| County | Unauthorized Immigrant Population | Top Origin Regions | Percentage of County Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade/Monroe | 151,000 | Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Central America (78,000); South America (54,000) | 5.3% |
| Broward | 84,000 | South America (32,000); Mexico & Central America (27,000) | 4.2% |
| Palm Beach | 67,000 | Guatemala, Mexico & Central America (45,000); South America (11,000) | 4.4% |
| Orange | 47,000 | Mexico & Central America (19,000); South America (14,000) | 3.3% |
| Hillsborough | 41,000 | Mexico & Central America (27,000) | 2.7% |
| Lee | 27,000 | Mexico & Central America (21,000) | 3.5% |
| Collier | 22,000 | Mexico & Central America (18,000) | 5.7% |
| Polk | 18,000 | Mexico & Central America (14,000) | 2.4% |
| Pinellas | 14,000 | Mexico & Central America (6,000) | 1.4% |
Data source: Florida Trend Magazine analysis based on Migration Policy Institute data (2023)
The geographic distribution of unauthorized immigrants in Florida reveals significant concentration in the state’s major metropolitan areas, with Miami-Dade County housing the largest population at 151,000. This concentration in South Florida is particularly pronounced, with Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties collectively accounting for 302,000 unauthorized immigrants, representing approximately 18.9% of the state’s total unauthorized immigrant population. The diverse origin patterns across these counties reflect Florida’s unique position as a gateway for immigration from multiple regions, with substantial populations from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
The data demonstrates clear patterns in unauthorized immigrant settlement, with 9 of the top 10 counties located in either South Florida or Central Florida’s I-4 corridor. Miami-Dade County’s dominance is notable not just in absolute numbers but also in diversity of origin, with significant populations from Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Meanwhile, counties like Collier show remarkably high concentrations relative to their total population at 5.7%, largely due to the agricultural economy. Orange County, home to Orlando and the tourism industry, demonstrates a different pattern with 47,000 unauthorized immigrants working predominantly in service-sector jobs. The regional variations in origin countries correlate strongly with each county’s primary industries, with agricultural counties like Collier showing higher percentages of Mexican and Central American populations, while metropolitan areas like Broward display greater diversity with substantial South American communities.
Unauthorized Immigrants in Florida by Countries of Origin in 2023
| Country/Region of Origin | Estimated Population | Percentage of Total Unauthorized Population |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico & Central America | 640,000 | 40.0% |
| South America | 480,000 | 30.0% |
| Caribbean | 288,000 | 18.0% |
| Asia | 112,000 | 7.0% |
| Europe & Canada | 48,000 | 3.0% |
| Africa & Middle East | 32,000 | 2.0% |
Data source: Migration Policy Institute analysis (2023), based on pooled American Community Survey data
The national origin composition of Florida’s unauthorized immigrant population reflects the state’s unique geographic position and historical migration patterns. Mexico and Central America contribute the largest share at 640,000 individuals, representing 40% of the total unauthorized population. This region includes substantial numbers from Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Mexico. The South American population follows closely with 480,000 or 30%, predominantly from Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. The Caribbean accounts for 288,000 individuals at 18%, including significant numbers from Haiti, Cuba, and other island nations.
These origin patterns distinguish Florida from other major immigrant-receiving states like California and Texas, where Mexican nationals comprise a much larger share. Florida’s unauthorized immigrant population demonstrates greater regional diversity, with South American and Caribbean populations collectively representing 48% of the total. The Asian unauthorized immigrant population of 112,000 includes individuals from China, India, Philippines, and various Southeast Asian countries, many of whom entered legally on temporary visas and subsequently overstayed. The European and Canadian population of 48,000 and African/Middle Eastern population of 32,000 are smaller but reflect Florida’s role as an international destination. This diversity creates distinct challenges and opportunities for integration, as unauthorized immigrants from different regions arrive with varying levels of education, English proficiency, and cultural familiarity with American society. The data underscores Florida’s position as a truly international migration destination rather than a border state primarily receiving migrants from neighboring countries.
Unauthorized Immigrants in Florida by Employment Industries in 2025
| Industry Sector | Number of Unauthorized Immigrant Workers | Percentage of Industry Workforce |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 165,000 | 47% |
| Construction | 140,000 | 35% |
| Hospitality & Hotel Services | 125,000 | 41% |
| Restaurant & Food Services | 95,000 | 28% |
| Healthcare | 75,000 | 27% |
| Child Care Services | 52,000 | 33% |
| Retail Trade | 48,000 | 15% |
| Manufacturing | 35,000 | 18% |
| Education Services | 28,000 | 21% |
| Professional Services | 22,000 | 12% |
Data source: American Community Survey (2023), WLRN Public Media analysis, Florida Policy Institute (2023)
Florida’s unauthorized immigrant workforce plays critical roles across multiple economic sectors, with particularly high concentrations in labor-intensive industries. The agricultural sector employs the largest absolute number at 165,000 unauthorized immigrants, representing 47% of all agricultural workers in the state. This dominance is especially pronounced in South Florida’s farming communities, where unauthorized workers harvest strawberries, tomatoes, citrus, and other crops vital to Florida’s $155 billion agricultural economy. The construction industry follows with 140,000 unauthorized workers comprising 35% of the workforce, contributing to Florida’s residential and commercial building boom that has driven much of the state’s recent growth.
The hospitality sector’s dependence on unauthorized immigrant labor is equally significant, with 125,000 workers accounting for 41% of hotel workers statewide. This concentration is particularly vital in tourism-dependent regions like Orlando, Miami, and the Florida Keys, where hotels, resorts, and theme parks form the economic backbone. Restaurant and food services employ 95,000 unauthorized immigrants at 28% of the workforce, spanning everything from fine dining establishments to fast-food chains. Perhaps most surprising is the presence of 75,000 unauthorized immigrants in healthcare at 27% and 52,000 in child care services at 33%, indicating that unauthorized workers provide essential services in sectors often considered highly regulated. The data reveals that Florida’s unauthorized immigrant workforce extends far beyond traditional immigrant occupations, with 28,000 working in education and 22,000 in professional services. Their lower unemployment rates compared to non-immigrants suggest high labor force participation and essential contributions to industries experiencing chronic worker shortages. The potential loss of even 10% of this workforce, as estimated by the Florida Policy Institute, could result in a $12.6 billion GDP reduction, demonstrating the deep economic integration of unauthorized immigrants throughout Florida’s economy.
Unauthorized Immigrant Demographics in Florida in 2025
| Demographic Category | Number/Percentage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Children Under 18 (Unauthorized) | 120,000 | 7.5% of total unauthorized population |
| Florida Children with Immigrant Parents | 29% | Approximately 1.2 million children |
| Unauthorized Immigrants with U.S.-Born Children | 400,000 | 25% of unauthorized adult population |
| Homeownership Rate | 24% | Approximately 384,000 own homes |
| Bachelor’s Degree or Higher | 20% | Comparable to 22% among non-immigrants |
| Graduate Degree Holders | 13% | Same percentage as non-immigrant Floridians |
| Median Household Income | $38,000 | Compared to $59,000 state median |
| Individuals in Poverty | 28% | Approximately 448,000 individuals |
| Uninsured Rate | 67% | Approximately 1.07 million without health coverage |
Data source: American Community Survey (2023), Migration Policy Institute (2023), WLRN Public Media demographic analysis
The demographic profile of Florida’s unauthorized immigrant population reveals a community with substantial family ties and economic integration despite legal status barriers. 120,000 children under 18 are themselves unauthorized immigrants, while an additional 400,000 unauthorized adults have children born in the United States who are American citizens by birth. This means roughly 29% of Florida’s children have at least one immigrant parent, creating mixed-status families where some members have legal protection while others face potential deportation. The 1.2 million Florida children with immigrant parents represent a substantial portion of the state’s youth population and future workforce.
Educational attainment among unauthorized immigrants in Florida challenges common stereotypes, with 20% holding bachelor’s degrees and 13% possessing graduate degrees. These rates are nearly identical to those of non-immigrant Floridians at 22% and 13% respectively, suggesting that a significant portion of the unauthorized population consists of educated professionals who entered legally on temporary visas and remained after expiration. However, the economic reality remains challenging, with a median household income of $38,000, substantially below the state median of $59,000. The 28% poverty rate and 67% uninsured rate indicate that despite workforce participation, many unauthorized immigrants struggle with economic insecurity and limited access to social services. The 24% homeownership rate, while lower than the general population’s 65%, still represents 384,000 unauthorized immigrants who have purchased property, demonstrating long-term residential stability and financial investment in Florida communities. These mixed indicators paint a picture of a population that is economically active and socially integrated but operating under significant constraints due to their legal status.
Healthcare Costs for Unauthorized Immigrants in Florida by County in 2025
| County | Healthcare Expenditure for Unauthorized Immigrants | Percentage of State Total |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | $282,000,000 | 42.7% |
| Broward | $77,000,000 | 11.7% |
| Hillsborough | $64,000,000 | 9.7% |
| Orange | $38,000,000 | 5.8% |
| Duval | $34,000,000 | 5.2% |
| Palm Beach | $31,000,000 | 4.7% |
| Lee | $18,000,000 | 2.7% |
| Pinellas | $16,000,000 | 2.4% |
| Polk | $14,000,000 | 2.1% |
| Other Counties | $86,000,000 | 13.0% |
| Total Statewide | $660,000,000 | 100.0% |
Data source: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Dashboard (2024), analyzed by Newsweek
Florida’s healthcare system bore substantial costs treating unauthorized immigrants in 2024, with total expenditures reaching $660 million across the state. This figure represents care provided at hospitals accepting Medicaid, as mandated by Florida’s SB 1718 which requires these facilities to collect data on patients’ immigration status during admission. Miami-Dade County accounts for the overwhelming majority at $282 million, representing 42.7% of all statewide costs. This concentration reflects both the county’s large unauthorized immigrant population of 151,000 and its role as Florida’s most populous county with major medical centers.
The geographic distribution of healthcare costs closely mirrors the distribution of the unauthorized immigrant population itself, with Broward County at $77 million and Hillsborough County at $64 million rounding out the top three. Orange County’s $38 million and Duval County’s $34 million reflect substantial populations in Central and North Florida respectively. The data reveals that nine counties account for 87% of total healthcare costs, while the remaining 13% is distributed across Florida’s other 58 counties, many of which reported zero costs due to lacking hospitals or having minimal unauthorized immigrant populations. These expenditures include emergency room visits, which federal law requires hospitals to provide regardless of immigration status or ability to pay, as well as inpatient care for serious medical conditions. The $660 million annual cost has become a significant talking point in Florida’s immigration policy debates, with proponents of stricter enforcement citing it as a burden on taxpayers while advocates noting that unauthorized immigrants contribute through sales taxes, property taxes (directly or through rent), and other revenue sources. The implementation of immigration status tracking at hospitals under SB 1718 generated both the data making these calculations possible and concerns among immigrant advocates that the reporting requirement might deter unauthorized immigrants from seeking necessary medical care, potentially leading to worse health outcomes and higher emergency costs.
Unauthorized Immigrant Workforce Contributions in Florida in 2025
| Economic Indicator | Value/Impact |
|---|---|
| Total Unauthorized Workers in Florida | 785,000 |
| Percentage of Florida Workforce | 9% |
| Estimated Contribution to Florida GDP | $80 billion annually |
| Potential GDP Loss (10% Workforce Reduction) | $12.6 billion annually |
| Industries Most Dependent on Unauthorized Workers | Agriculture (47%), Hotels (41%), Construction (35%), Child Care (33%) |
| Average Annual Wages Paid | $28,500 per worker |
| Total Annual Wages Contributed | $22.4 billion |
| Sales Tax Revenue Generated | $1.8 billion (estimated) |
| Property Tax Contributions (Direct & Indirect) | $950 million (estimated) |
Data source: Florida Policy Institute (2023), American Community Survey (2023), Migration Policy Institute economic analysis
The economic contributions of Florida’s unauthorized immigrant workforce extend far beyond simple employment numbers, representing a substantial portion of the state’s economic output. With 785,000 unauthorized workers comprising 9% of Florida’s total workforce, their removal would create immediate and severe disruptions across multiple sectors. The Florida Policy Institute’s analysis indicates these workers contribute approximately $80 billion to Florida’s GDP annually, through their labor, consumption, and tax payments. Perhaps more striking is the Institute’s finding that even a 10% reduction in the unauthorized workforce would result in a $12.6 billion annual GDP loss, equivalent to 1.1% of Florida’s entire economic output.
The wage and tax contributions of unauthorized immigrants challenge narratives about their economic impact. Despite earning below-average wages at approximately $28,500 annually, the collective $22.4 billion in total wages represents substantial purchasing power that circulates through Florida’s economy. These workers pay an estimated $1.8 billion in sales taxes annually through everyday purchases, $950 million in property taxes either directly as homeowners or indirectly through rent payments, and contribute to Social Security and Medicare through payroll taxes when working with fraudulent documentation, benefits they cannot claim. Their concentration in specific industries makes their economic impact particularly acute in certain sectors. The 47% of agricultural workers who are unauthorized immigrants are essential to Florida’s strawberry, tomato, and citrus harvests, while the 41% of hotel workers support the state’s $112 billion tourism industry. The 35% of construction workers have been instrumental in Florida’s building boom, which has accommodated the state’s rapid population growth. Business advocates have consistently argued that labor shortages following the implementation of SB 1718 in July 2023 demonstrated the irreplaceable role these workers play, with reports of construction sites going unstaffed and agricultural harvests rotting in fields due to insufficient labor.
Time of Arrival in the United States for Florida’s Unauthorized Immigrants in 2025
| Period of Arrival | Number of Unauthorized Immigrants | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-2023 | 640,000 | 40.0% |
| 2015-2019 | 400,000 | 25.0% |
| 2010-2014 | 320,000 | 20.0% |
| 2000-2009 | 176,000 | 11.0% |
| Before 2000 | 64,000 | 4.0% |
Data source: Migration Policy Institute (2023), based on American Community Survey pooled data
The temporal distribution of unauthorized immigrant arrivals reveals that Florida’s population is heavily weighted toward recent arrivals, with 40% entering between 2020 and 2023. This 640,000-person influx in just three years represents the largest wave of unauthorized immigration to Florida in modern history, driven by the post-pandemic surge in border encounters, changes in federal immigration policy, and Florida’s robust economic growth. The concentration of recent arrivals distinguishes Florida from states like California, where unauthorized immigrant populations include higher proportions of long-term residents who arrived decades ago.
The next largest cohort consists of 400,000 individuals or 25% who arrived between 2015 and 2019, representing the pre-pandemic period when immigration rates were relatively stable. The 2010-2014 period accounts for 320,000 or 20%, while earlier arrivals constitute progressively smaller shares. Only 64,000 or 4% of Florida’s current unauthorized immigrant population arrived before 2000, indicating relatively little long-term settlement compared to other major immigration states. This recency pattern has several implications. First, it suggests that a large portion of Florida’s unauthorized immigrants have not yet developed the deep community roots, property ownership, and family ties that longer-term residents typically establish. Second, recent arrivals are more likely to face language barriers and cultural adjustment challenges, potentially requiring more social services and integration support. Third, from an enforcement perspective, recent arrivals may be more likely to face removal proceedings, as they cannot claim decades of continuous presence in the United States. However, the 40% who arrived since 2020 also reflect the changing nature of unauthorized immigration, with increasing numbers of asylum seekers, family units, and individuals from countries beyond Mexico and Central America. This recent influx has corresponded with Florida’s declaration of an “immigration emergency” in June 2022 and the passage of SB 1718 in 2023, both aimed at deterring additional unauthorized immigration and encouraging current residents to leave the state.
Comparison of Florida to Other Major States with Unauthorized Immigrants in 2025
| State | Unauthorized Immigrant Population | Percentage of State Population | Change from 2021 to 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,300,000 | 5.9% | +425,000 |
| Texas | 2,100,000 | 6.9% | +450,000 |
| Florida | 1,600,000 | 7.3% | +700,000 |
| New York | 825,000 | 4.2% | +230,000 |
| New Jersey | 600,000 | 6.5% | +120,000 |
| Illinois | 550,000 | 4.3% | +95,000 |
Data source: Pew Research Center (August 2025)
Florida’s unauthorized immigrant population of 1.6 million ranks third nationally, behind California’s 2.3 million and Texas’s 2.1 million. However, Florida’s position in national rankings masks a more significant story about recent growth patterns. While California has historically maintained the largest unauthorized immigrant population since modern tracking began in the 1980s, the gap between California and Texas has narrowed considerably. In 2007, California had 1.2 million more unauthorized immigrants than Texas, but by 2023 this advantage shrunk to just 200,000, suggesting potential shifts in regional migration patterns.
Most remarkably, Florida experienced by far the largest absolute growth between 2021 and 2023, with an increase of 700,000 unauthorized immigrants. This growth exceeded California’s increase of 425,000 and Texas’s increase of 450,000, despite Florida starting from a smaller base population. As a percentage of state population, Florida’s 7.3% surpasses both California’s 5.9% and Texas’s 6.9%, making unauthorized immigrants a larger proportional presence in Florida than in either of the traditional immigration powerhouse states. New York and New Jersey, traditional gateway states, round out the top five with 825,000 and 600,000 respectively, though both experienced substantially smaller growth than the top three states. These six states have consistently maintained the largest unauthorized immigrant populations since at least 1990, demonstrating enduring patterns in settlement geography. However, Florida’s explosive recent growth suggests the state may be on track to overtake Texas for the second-largest unauthorized immigrant population within the next few years if current trends continue. This growth has occurred despite Florida implementing some of the nation’s strictest state-level immigration enforcement measures, suggesting that economic pull factors and established migration networks may outweigh legal deterrents in shaping unauthorized immigrant settlement patterns.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
