"People will always come here. There is only one Miami Beach." That was my grandfather's prediction when South Florida was in dire straits during the Great Recession of 2008. I frequently find myself reflecting on those words during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health and safety must remain everyone's first concern, but while keeping those foremost in mind, I believe there is room to be optimistic in the long-term about South Florida's economy, given our area's attractiveness to residents from other states and foreign individuals.

Residents From Other States

Many residents from other states have been hesitant to move to South Florida because of traffic or historic shortage of opportunities in certain professional service or technology-related occupations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely forever changed lifestyle preferences. The technology to work from home will continue to be perfected as individuals desire to have more flexibility. South Florida's weather and low taxes will continue to draw individuals who no longer need a daily commute but can log in to work during the day and then enjoy the benefits of South Florida after hours. Individuals may also desire to live in a vacation-like location if air travel cannot be relied on consistently.