When economists analyze domestic migration, they often rely on Census data or IRS records. But another data source provides a faster read on population movement: U-Haul’s nationwide rental network.
Each year, U-Haul publishes its Growth Index based on one-way truck and trailer rentals across 24,000+ locations. The methodology is straightforward – track where equipment gets picked up and where it gets dropped off, then calculate net gains and losses for each metro area. Over 2.5 million annual transactions make up the dataset, offering insights that arrive months or years ahead of official government statistics.
The 2025 Results: Florida Metros Represented Across the Rankings
While Texas metros swept the top three spots (Dallas, Houston, Austin), Florida maintains strong representation throughout the Growth Metros rankings.
Lakeland comes in at 11th nationally, with Palm Bay close behind at 13th. Jacksonville ranks 18th, Port St. Lucie 19th, and Miami 24th. What stands out is the geographic diversity – Florida’s growth metros span the I-4 corridor, Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, and South Florida, reflecting statewide appeal rather than isolated hotspots.
This broad distribution demonstrates that migration gains aren’t concentrated in a single region but occurring across Florida’s varied markets.
What This Means for Commercial Real Estate
Population growth remains the fundamental driver of commercial real estate demand. People moving into an area need retail, office space, healthcare facilities, and housing. U-Haul’s data reinforces what Florida commercial real estate professionals have observed: sustained inbound migration is generating opportunities across the state’s metro markets.
Multiple Florida metros appearing throughout the rankings – from established markets like Miami and Jacksonville to fast-growing corridors like Lakeland and Port St. Lucie – indicates opportunities across the risk-return spectrum. Both institutional-grade assets in major metros and value-add plays in expanding secondary markets stand to benefit from these migration trends.
For investors and developers, this data serves as an early signal of where tenant demand is building before it materializes in occupancy rates or rental premiums.
Florida presents exceptional opportunities across all commercial property types. The state’s consistent representation across multiple growth metrics—from top-tier metros to developing cities—creates unique, untapped, and diverse investment landscapes.
LQ Commercial is at the forefront of these trends.
Let’s start a cash flow conversation to navigate Florida’s commercial landscapes together.
LQ Commercial – Research | research@lqcre.com | 813.736.1240 | lqcre.com/research
