The state of Florida has hit a milestone.
The United States Census Bureau released the most populous states in the country and the Sunshine State is third.
"I knew that was going to happen for a long time, so many Northerners are coming down here," said Rick Drury who moved to the Bay area from New York in 2004.
California ranks number one, Texas is second and Florida beat out New York for third.
"I was a paramedic in New York City during 911 and when I came home from work that night, my wife just wanted to get out of New York,” said Drury. “My parents had already retired at that point and they were moving down to Florida."
The former paramedic now owns Precinct Pizza in Tampa. Drury said he’s not surprised Florida beat New York.
"New York was just too expensive, it was crazy expensive for mortgages and everything," said Drury.
Some are surprised it didn’t happen sooner. Gayla Rosborough says she moved to Florida from Georgia for a variety of reasons, including sunshine, the beach and warm weather.
Mark Wilder said there’s a lot of opportunity in Florida, including entertainment and outdoor activities.
“Though the housing market might not be where we want it, there’s a lot of things that are up and coming, a lot of entertainment, plenty of things to do and the wonderful beaches help," said Wilder.
Some told Bay News 9 the people are friendlier in Florida and the street food even compares.
Cesar Ramos’ family runs a hot dog stand downtown Tampa.
"We’ve been doing this awhile, and people tell they’re as good as good as New York’s, so if we’re as good as New York, it’s gotta be a big deal," said Ramos.
The cost of living is also attractive.
"The bang for your buck is the real thing, when you have your New York money and you bring it down here, you’re going to get three to four times what you’re going to get for it in new York," said Drury.
Whether you grew up in Florida or relocated, Florida is growing. The Census Bureau says 19.9 million people now call the Sunshine State home.