Why Migration Data Matters on the Space Coast
Migration trends play a big role in shaping Brevard County’s real estate market. Understanding where new residents are coming from helps REALTORS® better anticipate housing demand, guide clients, and stay ahead of local market shifts.
This migration data is produced by Florida Realtors® using information from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). When someone moves to Florida, they are required to obtain a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency. FLHSMV tracks these license exchanges by state of origin and destination county giving us a timely, real-world look at who is moving to Brevard County and the Space Coast.
While the data does not tell us whether new residents are buying or renting, it does provide a strong indicator of population growth and relocation trends. Compared to many other data sources, driver license exchanges offer a more immediate snapshot of migration activity, helping REALTORS® understand how quickly and consistently people are choosing to relocate to our area.
The data compares the number of license exchanges in 2025 to the average annual number seen during the pre-pandemic years of 2016–2019. This comparison helps show whether recent migration patterns represent typical growth or a longer-term shift in how and where people are moving since the pandemic.
For Brevard County REALTORS®, this information matters. Increased in-migration can impact housing inventory, home prices, rental demand, and new construction across the Space Coast. It also helps explain why demand may remain strong even when broader market conditions shift.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For Buyers:
Continued in-migration to Brevard County can mean increased competition for homes, particularly in desirable neighborhoods and price ranges. Buyers may need to be prepared to act quickly, stay flexible, and work closely with a REALTOR® who understands local inventory trends and pricing dynamics. Migration data helps explain why demand remains steady, and why well-priced homes may move faster than expected.
For Sellers:
Population growth driven by in-migration can create more opportunities for sellers. More people moving to the Space Coast often leads to stronger demand, helping homes sell more quickly and supporting property values. Sellers who price their homes appropriately and prepare them well for the market may benefit from interest not only from local buyers, but also from those relocating from out of state.
For Both:
Migration trends reinforce the importance of working with a local REALTOR® who understands the Space Coast market. These professionals use data like this to provide informed guidance, set realistic expectations, and help clients make confident decisions in a changing real estate landscape.
Review the Driver License Exchanges from out of State PDF produced by Florida REALTORS