Snowbirds and Sunbirds: Seasonal Migration of the Elderly in Florida

Stanley K. Smith, University of Florida
Mark House, University of Florida

America is a nation of movers, but many moves go undetected because migration statistics typically focus on changes in permanent residence, or the place one lives and sleeps most of the time. Yet the impact of temporary moves such as the daily commute to work, short business trips, vacations, and seasonal migration may be substantial, both for the sending and receiving communities. In this paper, we analyze seasonal migration patterns of the elderly in Florida. Using household survey data, we examine the characteristics of elderly non-Floridians who spend part of the year in Florida and the characteristics of elderly Floridians who spend part of the year elsewhere. We attempt to determine the number, timing, and duration of seasonal moves and the origins, destinations, personal characteristics, and motivations of seasonal migrants. We believe this analysis will provide insights into several aspects of population mobility that cannot be achieved by focusing solely on changes in permanent residence.