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Florida migration boom fades as rising costs push residents out

That's the sobering state of play detailed in a recent Wall Street Journal article.

News

At the same time <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/23/what-to-know-about-floridas-snap-changes" data-vars-content-id="2515fec1-523c-4748-bbd4-d4c191d71459" data-vars-headline="Florida migration boom fades as rising costs push residents out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/04/23/what-to-know-about-floridas-snap-changes" target="_self">Florida&#x27;s</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pandemic-era sunshine rush" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/22/state-list-florida-fastest-growing-census" data-vars-content-id="2515fec1-523c-4748-bbd4-d4c191d71459" data-vars-headline="Florida migration boom fades as rising costs push residents out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/22/state-list-florida-fastest-growing-census" target="_self">pandemic-era sunshine rush</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="slowed to a trickle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/12/fewer-americans-move-florida-2025" data-vars-content-id="2515fec1-523c-4748-bbd4-d4c191d71459" data-vars-headline="Florida migration boom fades as rising costs push residents out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/12/fewer-americans-move-florida-2025" target="_self">slowed to a trickle</a>, affordability concerns pushed working-age residents to relocate.Why it matters: That&#x27;s the sobering state of play detailed in a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wall Street Journal article" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/economy/floridas-population-boom-fizzles-as-high-costs-drive-away-middle-class-fbc6a345" data-vars-content-id="2515fec1-523c-4748-bbd4-d4c191d71459" data-vars-headline="Florida migration boom fades as rising costs push residents out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/economy/floridas-population-boom-fizzles-as-high-costs-drive-away-middle-class-fbc6a345" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal article</a> digging into the Sunshine State&#x27;s changing migration patterns.

Florida House snubs DeSantis again, punting AI and vaccine bills

DeSantis' once formidable clout in the state has all but evaporated.

On the opening day of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida&#x27;s special session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/24/desantis-florida-redistricting-gop-house" data-vars-content-id="67d3ae49-1552-4ba0-8fe6-f4174785f2d5" data-vars-headline="Florida House snubs DeSantis again, punting AI and vaccine bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/24/desantis-florida-redistricting-gop-house" target="_self">Florida&#x27;s special session</a>, the House brushed aside two of Gov. Ron DeSantis&#x27; priorities — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bills to regulate AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/inside-floridas-push-to-regulate-ai" data-vars-content-id="67d3ae49-1552-4ba0-8fe6-f4174785f2d5" data-vars-headline="Florida House snubs DeSantis again, punting AI and vaccine bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/01/20/inside-floridas-push-to-regulate-ai" target="_self">bills to regulate AI</a> and eliminate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine mandates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/09/03/florida-ends-vaccine-mandates-schools-joseph-ladapo" data-vars-content-id="67d3ae49-1552-4ba0-8fe6-f4174785f2d5" data-vars-headline="Florida House snubs DeSantis again, punting AI and vaccine bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/09/03/florida-ends-vaccine-mandates-schools-joseph-ladapo" target="_self">vaccine mandates</a> for schoolchildren.Why it matters: DeSantis&#x27; tenure as governor is nearing its end, and his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once formidable clout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/07/desantis-scandal-charity-florida" data-vars-content-id="67d3ae49-1552-4ba0-8fe6-f4174785f2d5" data-vars-headline="Florida House snubs DeSantis again, punting AI and vaccine bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/07/desantis-scandal-charity-florida" target="_self">once formidable clout</a> in the state has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all but evaporated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/01/23/whats-next-ron-desantis-2024-election-florida" data-vars-content-id="67d3ae49-1552-4ba0-8fe6-f4174785f2d5" data-vars-headline="Florida House snubs DeSantis again, punting AI and vaccine bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/01/23/whats-next-ron-desantis-2024-election-florida" target="_self">all but evaporated</a>, with lawmakers now treating his priorities as suggestions at best, if not <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ignoring them outright" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/02/florida-legislature-2026-bills-update" data-vars-content-id="67d3ae49-1552-4ba0-8fe6-f4174785f2d5" data-vars-headline="Florida House snubs DeSantis again, punting AI and vaccine bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/02/florida-legislature-2026-bills-update" target="_self">ignoring them outright</a>.

Florida AG probes ChatGPT's role in USF student killings

The man accused in the case allegedly consulted the chatbot in the days before the students went missing, court records show.

Technology

Florida&#x27;s top cop said Monday his office will investigate the alleged role of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ChatGPT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/chatgpt-openai-mental-health-teens" data-vars-content-id="1e09ef60-20e5-4c52-8303-21e4f0bca2bd" data-vars-headline="Florida AG probes ChatGPT&#x27;s role in USF student killings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/chatgpt-openai-mental-health-teens" target="_self">ChatGPT</a> in the slayings of two University of South Florida students.The big picture: The accused killer&#x27;s alleged use of the OpenAI chatbot, outlined in court records, is the latest flashpoint in a debate over to what extent AI companies should be held accountable for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how their tools are used" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/chatgpt-openai-mental-health-teens" data-vars-content-id="1e09ef60-20e5-4c52-8303-21e4f0bca2bd" data-vars-headline="Florida AG probes ChatGPT&#x27;s role in USF student killings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/chatgpt-openai-mental-health-teens" target="_self">how their tools are used</a>.<ul><li>Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launched a probe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/09/florida-ag-launches-investigation-openai" data-vars-content-id="1e09ef60-20e5-4c52-8303-21e4f0bca2bd" data-vars-headline="Florida AG probes ChatGPT&#x27;s role in USF student killings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/09/florida-ag-launches-investigation-openai" target="_self">launched a probe</a> into OpenAI this month, citing in part ChatGPT&#x27;s alleged role in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass shooting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/17/florida-state-university-shooting-tallahassee" data-vars-content-id="1e09ef60-20e5-4c52-8303-21e4f0bca2bd" data-vars-headline="Florida AG probes ChatGPT&#x27;s role in USF student killings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/17/florida-state-university-shooting-tallahassee" target="_self">mass shooting</a> last year at Florida State University.</li></ul>

Demolition underway at St. Pete's pink buildings

A 29-story luxury condo tower is set to rise in their place.

Demolition is underway at downtown St. Petersburg&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pink buildings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/17/st-pete-pink-buildings-downtown-roche-bobois-condo-tower" data-vars-content-id="1208534b-19b7-456e-a474-a78fd227e089" data-vars-headline="Demolition underway at St. Pete&#x27;s pink buildings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/17/st-pete-pink-buildings-downtown-roche-bobois-condo-tower" target="_self">pink buildings</a>.Why it matters: A 29-story luxury condo tower is set to rise in their place.

Tampa Bay tightens water restrictions as drought persists

Despite a few recent bouts of rain, the region remains in its worst drought in 15 years.

Despite a few recent bouts of rain, Tampa Bay remains in its worst <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/10/florida-drought-2026-watering-restrictions" data-vars-content-id="2afc27f9-aaf6-43db-a6b2-833d1c02cede" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tightens water restrictions as drought persists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/10/florida-drought-2026-watering-restrictions" target="_self">drought</a> in 15 years and its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most severe water shortage in decades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/03/05/florida-drought-watering-restrictions-shortage/" data-vars-content-id="2afc27f9-aaf6-43db-a6b2-833d1c02cede" data-vars-headline="Tampa Bay tightens water restrictions as drought persists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2026/03/05/florida-drought-watering-restrictions-shortage/" target="_blank">most severe water shortage in decades</a>.Why it matters: Tighter watering restrictions are set to go into effect next weekend as the dry season stretches on.

1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds

A Tampa Bay Times investigation put into focus how bad the problem is.

Scrolling through this Tampa Bay Times <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://project.tampabay.com/investigations/wasting-away/2025/10/30/florida-lawmakers-protect-polluters-industry-water-contamination/" data-vars-content-id="63272576-c5f9-4c10-9d5f-8c030c37920b" data-vars-headline="1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://project.tampabay.com/investigations/wasting-away/2025/10/30/florida-lawmakers-protect-polluters-industry-water-contamination/" target="_blank">report</a> on Florida&#x27;s water quality, photos of algae-choked springs were sadly familiar.<ul><li>As much as I <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adore our freshwater marvels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/02/florida-springs-guide-five-stops-a-dozen-springs" data-vars-content-id="63272576-c5f9-4c10-9d5f-8c030c37920b" data-vars-headline="1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/02/florida-springs-guide-five-stops-a-dozen-springs" target="_self">adore our freshwater marvels</a>, the slime-coated limestone and tree branches are a sobering reminder of the pollution plaguing our waterways.</li></ul>

Fundraiser aims to boost Manatee River oyster restoration

The shellfish were so common that the river was once called the Oyster River.

An environmental nonprofit is working to bring oysters back to the Manatee River.Why it matters: Oysters filter water, support diverse marine life and help stabilize shorelines.

Inside the battle for Pinellas County's eroding beaches

At issue is a legal document called an easement.

Catherine Smith&#x27;s pitch to her neighbors always includes her grandchildren.<ul><li>Each spring break, they trade in chilly New Hampshire for the white sand and turquoise water of Indian Rocks Beach, where Smith and her husband have owned a condo for 21 years.</li></ul>

Floridians asked to report invasive Asian swamp eel sightings

The slimy, air-breathing fish that thrive in muddy, stagnant water, experts say.

Ah, Florida. Home to delightful wildlife like manatees, sea turtles and … invasive Asian swamp eels?!Why it matters: Concerned about potential population growth, several agencies are asking Floridians to report sightings of these slimy, air-breathing fish that thrive in muddy, stagnant water, per a University of Florida <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="news release" data-vars-click-url="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2025/01/09/public-urged-to-report-invasive-asian-swamp-eel-species-in-florida/" data-vars-content-id="45a69822-f7c0-43ce-bc6b-e2ab87a4ae9b" data-vars-headline="Floridians asked to report invasive Asian swamp eel sightings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2025/01/09/public-urged-to-report-invasive-asian-swamp-eel-species-in-florida/" target="_blank">news release</a>.

How recycled oyster shells help filter Tampa Bay's water, combat erosion

One such "living shoreline" project just underwent a big expansion.

Along shorelines throughout Tampa Bay, you&#x27;ve probably seen them: hunks of concrete shaped like overturned pots dotted with holes, mingling with mesh bags of shells.Why it matters: These installations, known as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="living shorelines" data-vars-click-url="https://tampabaywatch.org/our-programs/restoration/living-shorelines/" data-vars-content-id="7f09ac5a-1af9-4f0d-8b55-d5966fcac464" data-vars-headline="How recycled oyster shells help filter Tampa Bay&#x27;s water, combat erosion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tampabaywatch.org/our-programs/restoration/living-shorelines/" target="_blank">living shorelines</a>, improve water quality and combat coastal erosion — issues that took on new importance during last year&#x27;s devastating hurricane season.

How to know if it's safe to swim after Tampa Bay's double hurricanes

We talked to experts and checked water quality reports.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sewage spills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/11/12/hurricanes-climate-change-water-systems" data-vars-content-id="1d2cdaef-6915-4668-a1f2-35adb8839e6e" data-vars-headline="How to know if it&#x27;s safe to swim after Tampa Bay&#x27;s double hurricanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/11/12/hurricanes-climate-change-water-systems" target="_self">Sewage spills</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red tide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/02/red-tide-pinellas-county-hurricane-helene" data-vars-content-id="1d2cdaef-6915-4668-a1f2-35adb8839e6e" data-vars-headline="How to know if it&#x27;s safe to swim after Tampa Bay&#x27;s double hurricanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/02/red-tide-pinellas-county-hurricane-helene" target="_self">Red tide</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flesh-eating bacteria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/tampa-bay-counties-saw-unusual-increase-in-flesh-eating-bacteria-after-hurricanes-fdoh/" data-vars-content-id="1d2cdaef-6915-4668-a1f2-35adb8839e6e" data-vars-headline="How to know if it&#x27;s safe to swim after Tampa Bay&#x27;s double hurricanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/tampa-bay-counties-saw-unusual-increase-in-flesh-eating-bacteria-after-hurricanes-fdoh/" target="_blank">Flesh-eating bacteria</a>. <ul><li>In the immediate aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton, there were a lot of reasons to stay out of Tampa Bay waterways. </li></ul>

After pause, Pasco County scallop season back on

Scallop season is back on in Pasco County.Why it matters: The decision last month to postpone the season due to water quality issues cut into tourism and fanfare around the popular activity.

What to know about Florida's state parks controversy

There has been a frenzy of pushback since plans surfaced to develop sports amenities and lodging at nine state parks.

Politics & Policy

The last week has shown just how chaotic it can get when you try to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mess with Florida state parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/08/22/florida-parks-proposal-pickleball-golf" data-vars-content-id="c45376f3-0bee-4732-8369-a52f1882064b" data-vars-headline="What to know about Florida&#x27;s state parks controversy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/08/22/florida-parks-proposal-pickleball-golf" target="_self">mess with Florida state parks</a>.Why it matters: The frenzy of pushback since plans surfaced to develop sports amenities and lodging at nine state parks underscores the galvanizing force of Florida&#x27;s natural resources in a state often characterized by its divisions.

Florida hurricane supply sales tax holiday starts Saturday

Florida&#x27;s final disaster supply sales-tax holiday of the year starts Saturday and runs through Sept. 6.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane season is ramping up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/09/noaa-warning-hurricane-season" data-vars-content-id="9459b625-a67c-4c1c-9f58-65f96c89d49c" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane supply sales tax holiday starts Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/09/noaa-warning-hurricane-season" target="_self">Hurricane season is ramping up</a>, and even indirect hits can bring devastating flooding and damage, as the Tampa Bay area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="just saw with Tropical Storm Debby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/06/tropical-storm-debby-sarasota-bradenton-record-rainfall" data-vars-content-id="9459b625-a67c-4c1c-9f58-65f96c89d49c" data-vars-headline="Florida hurricane supply sales tax holiday starts Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/08/06/tropical-storm-debby-sarasota-bradenton-record-rainfall" target="_self">just saw with Tropical Storm Debby</a>.

Water

Tampa Bay tightens water restrictions as drought persists

1 in 4 Florida waterways dangerously polluted, report finds

Fundraiser aims to boost Manatee River oyster restoration

Inside the battle for Pinellas County's eroding beaches

Floridians asked to report invasive Asian swamp eel sightings