Fla. population drops for 1st time since 1946

updated 6:10 p.m. ET Aug. 17, 2009

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Researchers say Florida's population has declined for the first time in 63 years and economists are blaming — what else? — the recession.

The head of the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research says Monday that the state's total population dropped by 58,000 in the past year. It's the first decline since large numbers of military personnel left the state in 1946 after World War II.

Bureau director Stan Smith says not as many people are moving to the Sunshine State and it has seen jobs leave. Would-be Floridians also are finding themselves stuck in homes that they can't sell, so they can't afford the move.

More from msnbc.com View an interactive, HD panorama of N.Y.'s 30 Rock Insider theft a big problem for small charities   Census workers wanted, local roots preferred Ideal beauty a matter of millimeters, study says Answer Desk: Gold may be riskier than it seems Send your holiday pictures to troops

MORE FROM LIFE

Life Section Front

Decision expected soon in Brazil custody fight Mayor blasts EMTs accused of refusing to help After snow, a race to get gifts, get home Feds impose 3-hour limit on tarmac strandings Nostalgia burns bright for old Christmas lights Mom calls 911 over son's video-game habit D.C. chief slams cop over gun at snowball fight Inquiry into deadly Coast Guard, boat crash Records: Planes ordered but canceled in wildfire Friend: Missing Utah mom was mulling divorce Life Section Front   Add Life headlines to your news reader: