Introduction

Florida is the United States’ fourth most populous state, with just under 19.4 million people in 2014 (Institute for Women’s Policy Research 2016; Appendix Table II.1). Women make up a majority of its residents, totaling about 10 million of its inhabitants (Appendix Table II.1). Florida’s geographic proximity to Central and South America and the Caribbean, its warm climate, and its generous tax policies (especially its lack of income tax, inheritance tax, and estate tax) shape its demographic character in particular ways: the state is more racially diverse and has larger proportions of immigrants, older women, and older men than the nation overall (Appendix Tables II.2, II.4, and II.5).

This briefing paper highlights demographic information relevant to the status of women in Florida. It explores differences between women and men on a range of variables, including age, race and ethnicity, marital status, household type, immigration status, geography, and veteran status. Data are analyzed by county (when available). These demographic data have important implications for determining investments to promote gender equality, and can be used to implement policies that address the needs of women in Florida’s many communities.