Explanation of Indicator
Seasonal residents in coastal areas are an indirect indicator of the human growth rates that are not accounted for in resident population census. While not permanent, this population represents an increase in human activity that impacts the welfare of the natural environment and increases demands on services. Seasonal residents are characterized by non-permanent residency of the owner of the property. Generally, these residences are leased out as vacation property and are found predominantly in Florida's coastal counties. The number of seasonal residents is important since it directly impacts a county’s infrastructure and tax base. By monitoring the number of seasonal residents, the coastal counties and the state may be better able to address infrastructure and policy issues related to this increased population.
Data Characteristics
SOURCE
This information is found in the Florida Statistical Abstract, produced annually by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, College of Business Administration, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-2017, or (904) 392-0171. The Abstract is available at most major libraries. It may also be purchased from University Press of Florida, 15 N.W. 15th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32611, or at (904) 392-1351.
ACQUISITION
There is cost associated with obtaining the data from a public or university library; however, the Abstract costs $29.95 to purchase.
COLLECTION
The information is estimated annually, statewide by county.
Data Limitations
Currently the data are collected with data on vacant housing and migrant worker housing and are impossible to disaggregate. Furthermore, the data have been grouped inconsistently in past years; this results in difficulties in obtaining accurate counts for strictly seasonal residents. These figures are estimates derived from mathematical analyses, based on census data which are collected every ten years. While some flaws and biases are inherent in the census information due to the data collection process and analysis, they are not defects that reduce the utility and validity of these figures.
Recommendations
It is necessary to separate the seasonal residents data from the vacant housing and migratory housing data that are collected. Seasonal residences could be defined as houses that are used for recreational uses and/or houses that are not occupied by the current owner or any lessee for an entire year. The data could be obtained by surveying homeowners on the use of their properties in areas where they do not permanently reside. This separation from other data will allow for greater representation of temporary residents who are involved within coastal areas. The problem inherent in this method is that housing which may be rental but not necessarily seasonal (e.g., owner rents to students or the house is rented out to tourists on a weekly basis) will be counted. It is also possible that this additional population is already accounted for in the number of tourists who visit the state.