Influx of Immigrants Transforming Florida's Landscape

Fri Dec 05 2025 15:39:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Florida becomes a prime destination for immigrants seeking stability and opportunity, stories like Paola Freites' reflect the challenges and new beginnings faced by many families.

With a significant surge in immigration to Florida, many newcomers, like Paola Freites from Colombia, are settling in the state seeking safety and freedom. This influx has not only changed the demographics of cities like Miami and Orlando but also boosted the local economy. Immigrants are contributing to various sectors, from construction to hospitality, and seeking guidance from community organizations. However, recent political changes have instilled fear among undocumented immigrants, as stricter immigration laws loom.

ORLANDO, Fla. — After Paola Freites was allowed into the U.S. in 2024, she and her husband settled in Florida, drawn by warm temperatures, a large Latino community and the ease of finding employment and housing.

They were among hundreds of thousands of immigrants who came to the state in recent years as immigration surged under former President Joe Biden.

No state has been more affected by the increase in immigrants than Florida, according to internal government data obtained by The Associated Press. Florida had 1,271 migrants who arrived from May 2023 to January 2025 for every 100,000 residents, followed by New York, California, Texas, and Illinois.

The data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates that Miami was the most affected metropolitan area in the U.S. with 2,191 new migrants for every 100,000 residents. Orlando followed at 1,499.

Freites and her husband, who fled violence in Colombia with their three children, moved to Apopka, an agricultural city near Orlando.

“She advised us to come to Orlando because Spanish is spoken here and the weather is good,” Freites, 37, said. “We felt good and welcomed.”

Migration Shift After COVID-19

The CBP data captured U.S. destinations for 2.5 million migrants who crossed the border, including Freites. The data covered periods from when the Biden administration ended COVID-19 restrictions to the commencement of former President Trump's second term.

Freites, who has faced severe trauma in Colombia, now works as a housekeeper at a hotel in Orlando. Her husband is employed at a plant nursery, and they hope to build a stable life for their children.

Orlando's Growth Through Immigration

Historically, Central Florida’s immigrant population mainly consisted of Mexicans and Central Americans. However, the arrival of Venezuelans and other nationals intensified, driven by legal pathways established by the Biden administration.

Throughout Orlando, immigrants are opening businesses and creating a vibrant community, leading to more Spanish-speaking services and establishments.

Economic contributions from immigrants in Florida are on the rise, reflecting their critical role in sectors from construction to services, as highlighted by local community leaders.

Emerging Challenges

Despite the opportunities, many immigrants now fear increased scrutiny and deportation following stricter immigration laws championed by the state government. Stories of individuals living in constant anxiety, like Blanca, a recent immigrant from Mexico, paint a complex picture of the immigrant experience in Florida.

“It’s scary,” she said. “Of course it is.”