Florida has long been a focal point in the national conversation on immigration, with its diverse population and proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America. Recent data and enforcement actions underscore just how significant the presence of undocumented immigrants is in the Sunshine State-and reveal which counties are at the epicenter of this phenomenon.
The Scale of Florida’s Unauthorized Immigrant Population
Florida ranks third in the nation for the largest population of unauthorized immigrants, trailing only California and Texas. As of 2022, the state was home to approximately 1.2 million undocumented residents, a number that has surged by 400,000 since 2019-the largest increase of any state in that period. This influx has made Florida a key battleground in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and enforcement.
Miami-Dade: The Undisputed Capital
When it comes to county-level statistics, Miami-Dade stands out as the “capital” of unauthorized immigration in Florida. According to the latest state reports, Miami-Dade County not only has the highest proportion of hospital visits from individuals self-identifying as unlawfully present (2.34%), but also incurs the largest costs associated with uncompensated care for undocumented immigrants-an estimated $282.2 million in 2024 alone. This far surpasses any other county in the state.
Miami-Dade’s status is further highlighted by its overall foreign-born population: in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach metro area, a staggering 41.5% of residents are foreign-born, the highest share of any metro area in the United States.
Recent Enforcement and Record-Setting Operations
In April 2025, Florida made headlines with the largest joint immigration enforcement operation in its history. Over a single week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its partners arrested 1,120 criminal illegal aliens across the state, with 63% of those arrested having existing criminal records or convictions.
Miami-Dade County played a central role in these operations, given its high concentration of undocumented residents and its status as a major entry point for migrants from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, and El Salvador.
The Economic Impact
The presence of a large undocumented population has significant fiscal implications. In 2024, Florida taxpayers spent an estimated $659.9 million providing care to illegal aliens statewide, with Miami-Dade County alone responsible for more than $282 million of that total.
These costs are driven by uncompensated hospital admissions and emergency room visits, which are disproportionately concentrated in Miami-Dade and a handful of other populous counties.
Other Hotspots: Broward, Hillsborough, and Lee Counties
While Miami-Dade leads by a wide margin, other counties also report high numbers and costs associated with undocumented immigrants. Broward County incurred $77 million in related costs, Hillsborough $64.4 million, and Lee County $37.4 million in 2024.
These counties, like Miami-Dade, are urban centers with large immigrant communities and significant public health expenditures.
Policy Response and Local Enforcement
The state government has responded with a mix of legislative and enforcement measures. New laws impose fines on businesses that hire undocumented workers, and local law enforcement agencies have expanded cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Miami-Dade, given its size and demographics, remains at the forefront of these efforts, balancing enforcement with the realities of its diverse population.
Conclusion
Miami-Dade County stands as the undeniable capital of illegal immigration in Florida, both in terms of population and economic impact. With the highest concentration of foreign-born residents, the largest share of undocumented hospital visits, and the greatest fiscal burden on local taxpayers, Miami-Dade exemplifies the challenges and complexities of immigration in the modern era.
As Florida continues to see record-high levels of migrant encounters and enforcement actions, Miami-Dade’s experience offers a window into the broader trends shaping the state and the nation.
Source:
[1] https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data/unauthorized-immigrant-population/state/fl
[2] https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/largest-joint-immigration-operation-florida-history-leads-1120-criminal-alien-arrests
[3] https://www.yahoo.com/news/undocumented-immigrants-cost-florida-taxpayers-091022082.html
[4] https://www.wlrn.org/the-florida-roundup/2025-03-31/immigration-task-forces-across-florida
[5] https://map.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/locations/florida/
[6] https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/07/22/what-we-know-about-unauthorized-immigrants-living-in-the-us/
[7] https://www.clickorlando.com/news/florida/2024/08/20/florida-sees-record-high-illegal-immigration-heres-how-it-affects-your-wallet/
[8] https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-immigrants-are-in-the-us/state/florida/
[9] https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/largest-joint-immigration-operation-florida-history-leads-1120-criminal-alien
[10] https://www.migrationpolicy.org/programs/us-immigration-policy-program-data-hub/unauthorized-immigrant-population-profiles
[11] https://www.wusf.org/the-florida-roundup/2025-03-31/what-to-know-about-immigration-task-forces-florida
[12] https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/research/immigrants_in_florida.pdf
[13] https://www.pbs.org/video/florida-immigrant-communities-plan-for-an-uncertain-future-hnihnc/
[14] https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025C/2C/Analyses/2025s00002C.pre.ap.PDF
[15] https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/frequently-requested-statistics-immigrants-and-immigration-united-states