As a proud member of Florida’s Hispanic community, I have witnessed our demographic’s remarkable growth and influence firsthand. Florida’s Hispanic population has grown rapidly, bringing a wealth of cultural, economic, and political contributions. This shift presents opportunities and challenges for public relations professionals, who must adapt to effectively serve this vital and diverse community.
Today, Florida is among the top five states in terms of the size of its Hispanic population, surging from 4.3 million in 2010 to 6 million in 2020, a 39.5% increase — nearly double the national rate. This growth is a testament to the allure of our beautiful state and the opportunities it offers. Hispanic Floridians are pivotal in politics, construction, agriculture, aviation, education, health care, and so much more, significantly driving the state’s economic vitality.
Cultural Enrichment and Diversity
Grouping it all together is easy, but Florida’s Hispanic community is incredibly diverse – reflecting the varied backgrounds of its members. It includes significant populations originating in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, and beyond. This diversity enriches Florida’s cultural tapestry, creating a vibrant mosaic of traditions, languages, and celebrations. Major cultural events like Miami’s Calle Ocho Festival and Orlando’s Puerto Rican Festival highlight this influence, attracting locals and tourists and becoming integral to the state’s identity. The bilingualism prevalent among Hispanics in Florida further enhances cultural exchange and integration into broader American society.
Educational and Socio-Economic Landscape
Hispanic Floridians are making impressive strides in education, with 82% holding a high school diploma or higher and 29% possessing a bachelor’s degree — both rates exceeding national averages for Hispanics. However, despite these advancements, socio-economic challenges remain. Higher uninsured rates and lower homeownership among Hispanics highlight the need for targeted support and policies to bridge these gaps. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable opportunities for all residents.
Political Engagement and Future Projections
Another critical area of impact for our demographic in Florida is political engagement. With over three-quarters of our population participating in political activities beyond voting, our influence on the state’s political landscape is undeniable. The fact that we are as diverse as can be — distributed nearly equally among Republicans, Democrats, and independents — adds a unique dynamic to Florida’s political scene. By 2045, almost 9 million Hispanics will make up one-third of the state’s population, underscoring the need for long-term strategic planning to fully harness our significant potential.
It hasn’t happened often — yet — but Hispanics have occasionally risen to the top ranks of Florida’s political life. Governor Bob Martinez was the first person of Spanish descent to be elected governor of Florida and served as an early indication of the Republican wave that overtook Florida’s government in the past several decades. Now in his third term, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, the son of two Cuban immigrants, plays a prominent role in national politics. Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, the first Hispanic woman to hold that office, exemplifies our community’s growing political influence and leadership.
The Importance of Family and Community
Family and community ties are central to the Hispanic experience in Florida — in fact, nearly half the state’s Hispanics cite family connections as their primary reason for moving here, according to the findings of a recent Breakthrough Research survey. I experience this myself, with my parents and siblings. This emphasis on kinship and community not only shapes relocation decisions but also strengthens the social fabric of our state. Understanding and supporting these values can help foster a more inclusive and cohesive community for all Floridians, not just those of us with a shared Hispanic heritage.
The Hispanic community is reshaping Florida’s demographic, economic, cultural, and political landscape. As we navigate these changes, policymakers, businesses, and community leaders must understand and respond to the evolving dynamics. Embracing this diversity and addressing the challenges will ensure our state’s prosperous and inclusive future.
By sharing these insights, I hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Hispanic community’s pivotal role in shaping the vibrant and dynamic state we proudly call home. As we celebrate the diversity and strength of our community, it’s worth noting the pride we share in Hispanic achievements, including this summer’s Argentina’s Copa América victory! After all, who doesn’t love a good fútbol win? Thank you for joining me in this exploration of the changing face of Florida.
ABOUT LISA GARCIA
I’ve had the privilege of working in Florida’s fast-paced public relations and communications industry for the past 18 years, leading to my current role as a partner and Chief Operating Officer at Sachs Media. I’m also proud to serve on the boards of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of the Big Bend. It’s been quite a journey from Maryland, where I lived before moving to Florida 22 years ago, with my husband and two children. As the daughter of hardworking parents who left Central America to build a better life for their family, my path has been one of growth, challenges, and deep fulfillment.
