Vulnerable and Hard-to-Reach Population FACT SHEET:
Seasonal Residents
This fact sheet provides information about a population in Florida that is potentially vulnerable
and/or hard-to-reach before, during, and after a disaster event. Preparedness requires
understanding the demographics and characteristics of these groups in order to best meet the
needs of all persons.
Definition
Seasonal (or temporary) residents, also known as Florida’s snowbirds, are defined as residents spending six
months or less in Florida annually.
Demographics
In Florida:
Approximately 1 million seasonal residents in January (peak season) as compared to 170,000 during late
summer
Greatest in the southern counties (e.g. Lee, Palm Beach)
Many are migrant workers
General Information
Where are they from?
Usual Residence of Seasonal
(Temporary) Residents
New York 13.1%
Michigan 7.4%
Ohio 6.7%
Pennsylvania 5.8%
Canada 5.5%
Illinois 4.4%
Georgia 4.4%
Massachusetts 3.4%
New Jersey 3.0%
California 2.8%
Seasonal Residents in Florida
Caucasian: 92.8%
Currently married: 66.7%
Living in a 2-person household: 62.3%
College + education: 63.7%
Age 55 years and older: 66.4%
Age 70 years and older: 32.3%
Retired: 71%
Live in mobile homes: 21.3%
Why do they come to Florida?
Primary Reason for Visit
Weather/Climate 69.4%
Recreation/Vacation 9.4%
Visit Family or Friends 7.8%
Other 5.4%
Job/Business 3.6%
Health 2.0%
College/Military 2.0%
For More Information
1. Florida Atlantic University (FAU): Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES) – www.soflo.org –
Your Resource for South Florida Indicators. (n.d.). Florida’s Seasonal Population: Who Are They and When
Are They Here? Retrieved March 4, 2006, from www.soflo.org/special/snowbirds/index.htm.
2. Galvez, J. (1997). The Florida Elusive Snowbird. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida – Warrington College
of Business – Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR).
3. Smith, S. K., & House, M. (2005). Snowbirds, Sunbirds, and Stayers: Seasonal Migration of the Elderly in
Florida. Retrieved March 3, 2006, from The University of Florida: Warrington College of Business – Bureau
of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) Web site:
www.bebr.ufl.edu/Articles/PAA2005_ElderlyMigr.pdf.
Updated 6/26/09