Florida expected to become third most-populous state this year

This year the state of Florida will become the third most-populous in the nation.

According to the Associated Press,, Florida will surpass New York in population and have fewer residents than only California and Texas.

The Miami Herald reports that 2012 figures showed New York ahead of Florida with 19.6 million residents, compared to Florida’s 19.3. Experts believe that once the update figures are released Florida’s population will be greater than New York’s.

The reason for the change could be for a number of reasons. Florida does have some of the warmest weather in the country and the cost of living is lower than a lot of other states. The Sunshine state also has a fast-growing Latino population, which boosts the numbers.

“Florida has added a lot of jobs over the years, which have certainly attracted people,” said Stan Smith, director of the Population Program in the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. “There have also been a lot of retirees moving to Florida. They are attracted by the climate, as well as the recreational opportunities and the relatively low tax rates.”