Who says the recent spate of hurricanes will have people thinking twice about moving to Florida?  According to a new University of Florida (UF) study, the state's population, estimated at about 18 million in April 2005, is forecast to reach about 20 million in 2010 and nearly 25 million in 2025.  And my 2030, the Sunshine State is expected to have 26.4 million residents, about a half million more than last year's projections. 

"Overall, Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and that is unlikely to change," says Stefan Rayer, a demographer with UF's Bureau of Economic and Business Research.  While Florida's growth rates have declined since the 1970's, projections call of the years 2000 to 2010 to have the largest population increase in the state's history. 

Among the fastest-growing counties in terms of percentage of gain are Flagler, Sumter, Osceola, Walton, Collier, and St. Johns.

Florida's largest county is projected to have the greatest population increase numerically, with about 775,000 more residents by 2030.  Broward, Orange, Palm Beach, and Hillsborough counties are expected to be in the top as well.