9.2 Impact of the Great Depression on Florida

Florida's Great Depression era was marked by severe economic hardships. Unemployment soared, poverty deepened, and industries like agriculture and tourism suffered major setbacks. The housing market crashed, and many Floridians lost their savings in bank failures.

The state saw significant demographic shifts during this time. Rural-to-urban migration increased, while many left Florida altogether. The government responded with New Deal programs, state-level relief efforts, and infrastructure projects to create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Economic and Social Challenges

Economic and social challenges in Florida

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• Unemployment surged across various sectors leaving many Floridians without income or prospects
• Poverty intensified forcing increased reliance on limited public assistance programs and food banks
• Banking crisis triggered widespread bank failures wiping out savings and restricting access to capital
• Housing issues escalated as foreclosures and evictions left families homeless or in precarious living situations
• Education suffered from school closures and reduced funding limiting access for children (especially rural areas)
• Healthcare concerns mounted due to limited medical care access and rise in preventable diseases (malnutrition, tuberculosis)

Impact on Florida's major industries

• Agriculture faced collapse of citrus prices, overproduction, and decreased demand for crops (oranges, grapefruit)
• Tourism plummeted with sharp visitor decline forcing closure of hotels and reduction in transportation services
• Real estate market crashed as Florida land boom bubble burst causing property values to plummet (Miami, Palm Beach)
• Fishing industry struggled with decreased seafood demand and reduced exports (shrimp, grouper)
• Lumber industry declined due to reduced construction demand leading to closure of sawmills (pine, cypress)

Demographic and Government Responses

Demographic shifts during Depression

• Rural to urban migration intensified as agricultural workers sought employment in cities (Jacksonville, Tampa)
• Outmigration increased as Floridians left the state searching for better opportunities (Midwest, Northeast)
• Influx of migrant workers arrived from other states for seasonal agricultural labor (Dust Bowl refugees)
• Population distribution shifted within Florida altering traditional demographic patterns
• Minority communities faced disproportionate hardships and displacement (African Americans, Hispanic workers)
• Age distribution changed with increase in elderly population seeking warmer climate and lower cost of living

Government responses in Florida

• New Deal programs implemented:
  1. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) projects created jobs in conservation and park development
  2. Works Progress Administration (WPA) initiatives funded public works and arts programs
• State-level relief efforts established welfare programs and distributed food and supplies to those in need
• Infrastructure development focused on road construction and public works to create jobs and stimulate economy
• Agricultural policies introduced crop reduction programs and price support measures for struggling farmers
• Tourism promotion efforts launched campaigns to attract visitors despite economic downturn (Sunshine State marketing)
• Educational reforms implemented measures to keep schools open and accessible despite budget constraints
• Fiscal policies enacted budget cuts, austerity measures, and tax reforms to increase revenue and manage state finances