For a state that has bragged about the incredible population growth of over 1,000 residents a day, Florida has felt the recession in more ways than one. The population growth last year was comparably the slowest since WWII. According to the state's Office of Economic and Demographic Research, a majority of the growth rate came from births last year, not from relocations. Unfortunately, Florida's economy depends on growth to stimulate the construction industry, real estate industry and retail businesses.

The national recession seems to be the main culprit in this population growth paralysis. According to the state projections the population growth is not expected to return to normal until the end of the year. I would think that once the housing market gets back on its feet, people will start selling their northern homes once again and begin heading south to the Sunshine State!