U-Haul's 2025 Growth Index shows Florida dominating domestic migration. But when you look specifically at South Florida numbers, a different story emerges about who is moving here and why.
Key Takeaways
- Florida has 8 of the top 10 U-Haul growth cities and 12 of the top 25 nationally.
- Fort Lauderdale is the only South Florida tri-county city to crack the top 25, ranking seventh.
- Net domestic in-migration to Florida dropped to roughly 22,000 in 2025, down from over 300,000 in 2022.
U-Haul's 2025 Growth Index, compiled from over 2.5 million one-way transactions, ranks metro areas and cities by their net gain of moving customers. Florida dominates the list, with eight of the top ten cities and 12 of the top 25. But when you look more closely at the South Florida numbers specifically, a more nuanced picture emerges of who is moving to this market and why.
Ocala holds the number one spot for the second consecutive year. North Port, Kissimmee, and Clermont round out Florida's top five. These are all affordable, inland, or mid-size coastal cities drawing middle-income domestic movers.
Where does South Florida rank?
Fort Lauderdale is the only city from the tri-county region to crack the top 25, coming in at number seven nationally. Miami ranked 24th among metro areas. Port St. Lucie ranked 19th. West Palm Beach does not appear in the top 25 cities individually.
As Larry Mastropieri noted on the Discover South Florida Podcast: "We were even looking at real estate in places like Ocala for that exact reason. It has strong indicators that it's going to perform well long term. It's not the flashy, high-density South Florida market, but that's exactly why the opportunity is there."
The domestic migration picture for South Florida has changed dramatically. Net domestic in-migration to Florida dropped to roughly 22,000 residents in 2025, down from over 300,000 in 2022. High insurance costs and property taxes are the primary reasons middle-class movers are thinking twice.
What is replacing domestic migration?
The growth that is happening in South Florida is increasingly concentrated at the top. In 2025, there were 361 home sales priced at $10 million or more in South Florida, the second-highest number on record. Cash accounted for 40% of all Miami closings, nearly double the national average of 23%.
Florida remains the top destination nationally for international buyers, with 45% of all international purchases in the state happening in the South Florida tri-county area. The domestic boom may be cooling, but the international pipeline is not.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale's annual economic impact reached $43 billion, a figure that reflects how much commercial and institutional activity is anchored in Broward County regardless of residential migration trends.
Wondering how migration trends affect your buying or selling timeline? Talk to a South Florida real estate agent who understands how domestic and international buyer pools are shifting. Reach out to The Mastropieri Group or call (561) 544-7000.
What does the 2026 forecast look like?
Single-family home prices in Southeast Florida are projected to rise 4% in 2026. Condo inventory, however, remains elevated at nearly 13 months of supply, which is expected to keep price growth for older condo units flat or slightly negative through the year. We've covered what's happening with condo sales in earlier reporting.
The split between affordable Florida cities like Ocala and North Port attracting domestic movers, and South Florida's ultra-luxury and international buyer activity, reflects a market that is bifurcating. The same state, very different demand drivers depending on which part of it you are looking at.
What does this mean for South Florida buyers and sellers?
If you own a single-family home: The 4% price growth projection and continued international demand are supportive signals for 2026. The market at this tier is still moving.
If you own or are looking to buy a condo: The 13-month supply figure is the number to watch. That much inventory gives buyers leverage and is likely to keep prices flat or slightly negative on pre-2000 condo stock through the end of the year. We've covered Florida's condo challenges in detail.
If you are considering Broward County as an alternative: Fort Lauderdale's ranking as the number seven growth city in the country is a real data point for buyers who have been weighing it against Miami or Palm Beach. People are actively choosing to move there.
For long-term investors: The middle-class domestic mover who drove Florida's 2021 to 2022 boom has largely been priced out of South Florida. What replaced them is a smaller but more financially concentrated buyer pool. That changes how the market behaves and how it should be evaluated.
FAQs about Florida migration trends
Which Florida city is the top U-Haul growth city?
Ocala holds the number one spot for the second consecutive year. North Port, Kissimmee, Clermont, and Fort Lauderdale round out Florida's top performers in the 2025 Growth Index.
How many of the top 10 growth cities are in Florida?
Florida has 8 of the top 10 U-Haul growth cities and 12 of the top 25 nationally. The state continues to dominate domestic migration despite slowing numbers in the tri-county South Florida region.
Why has domestic migration to South Florida slowed?
Net domestic in-migration to Florida dropped to roughly 22,000 in 2025, down from over 300,000 in 2022. High insurance costs and property taxes are the primary deterrents for middle-class movers.
Is international buying still strong in South Florida?
Yes. Florida remains the top destination nationally for international buyers, with 45% of all international purchases in the state happening in the South Florida tri-county area.
What is the condo inventory situation in South Florida?
Condo inventory remains elevated at nearly 13 months of supply. This is expected to keep price growth for older condo units flat or slightly negative through 2026.
Local help for buyers and sellers in South Florida
If you're buying, selling, or investing in Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, or anywhere in South Florida, understanding how migration trends and buyer demographics are shifting matters. Reach out to The Mastropieri Group, Realtors®.
For practical, hands-on support across South Florida, call (561) 544-7000.
Posted by Larry Mastropieri
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