Many of the state's new residents were Hispanics, who moved from Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala and Puerto Rico. The number of Mexicans also increased but the population remains smaller than in California and Texas. Census figures show Florida's Hispanic population grew more than twice as fast as blacks in the last decade. In Volusia and Flagler counties, Hispanic populations nearly doubled, but black residents showed substantial gains as well. The black population in Volusia County rose 23 percent, while in Flagler County black residents increased 86 percent.
Blacks remain the largest minority group in both counties.
Statewide, the Hispanic population exploded by 70.4 percent from 1.6 million to 2.7 million while the black population increased by 27.4 percent from 1.8 million to 2.3 million. Hispanics make up 16.8 percent of the state's population while blacks account for 14.6 percent. Whites make up 78 percent of the population. The Hispanic classification is an indicator of ethnicity and may be checked by residents of any race. The growing diversity demands Florida take steps to ensure minorities are represented at all levels of government, said Rep. Joyce Cusack, D-DeLand, a member of the black caucus.