Florida Compared to Other States

"These are not my figures I'm quoting. They're the figures of someone who knows what they are talking about."
Quote from actual Florida House debate, "House Journal"

Florida is one of 50 forms of state governments. As a product of federalism, every state, while still part of the same nation, may emphasize different goals, be comprised of different populations, and thereby, have different problems from one another.

We can view Florida in the context of the other 50 states on several matters . . .

Florida Compared to Other States: Movie script.

Within the 50 states, Florida ranks 4th highest in population, with almost 15 million people. Only California, Texas and New York have larger populations.
U.S. Bureau of the Census, Press Release, Dec. 30, 1996

Florida has more senior citizens (age 65 or older) than any other state.
U.S. Bureau of the Census, "State Population Estimates, "Current Population Reports p25-1111 (1996)

Florida ranks in the top half (20th) in per capita income.
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Survey of Current Business, October 1996

At the same time, Florida has the 11th highest percentage of its population below the poverty line.
U.S. Bureau of the Census, "Poverty in the United States," Current Population Reports p 60-194 (1996)

Florida, one of the few states in the country that has no state income tax, has one of the lowest tax rates. Only 9 states take in less tax revenue than Florida.

Florida has one of lowest percentages of its population in primary and secondary school, 17%. Only Massachusetts has a lower percentage.
U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Educational Statistics, Digest of Educational Statistics, 1996, NCES -96-1333 (1996)

While Florida's spending on elementary and secondary schools is relatively average, ranking 25th amongst other states . . .
National Education Association, Estimates of School Statistics, 1995-96

. . . Florida graduates less high school students than any other state except Louisiana and South Carolina.
U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Educational Statistics, Digest of Educational Statistics, 1996, NCES -96-1333 (1996)

With regard to colleges and universities, Florida college-bound students pay some of the lowest tuition in the country.
Dye, pg. 188

Lower tuition costs may impact the state's overall spending to fund higher education in Florida. Only Missouri and Massachusetts spend less per capita for higher education.
U.S. Bureau of the Census, Government Finances, 1992-1993 (1996)