5-18-07

For the first time in the state's history, the actual number of children in public schools this past year will be down from the year before. New data released today at the Tax and Budget Reform Commission shows fewer families with children are moving to Florida. And, more families with kids are leaving the state.

Fewer families with school aged children are coming to Florida. Those with kids are leaving in droves, and young adults are either delaying starting a family or they are also leaving.

The high cost of housing is getting the most blame. High Property taxes and insurance rank right up there as well. Researchers don't yet know how permanent the trend will be.

Forecasters thought 48 thousand new children would enroll in Florida schools this year. October figures show just 477 did. By now, many more are expected to have left the state, making this the first time in modern history fewer kids are in school here from one year to the next.

Alan Levine runs a south Florida hospital. He says keeping staff that have families is difficult.

Forecasters will expect Florida to grow, but at only half the rate of the last few decades. They say in 2010, Florida will surpass New York to become the third largest state.