This last April, the Florida Puerto Rican Parade celebrated its 10th anniversary, and Puerto Rican pride was on full display. Puerto Rican pride has increasingly entered mainstream visibility through figures such as legendary baseball figure Roberto Clemente, artist/entertainer Bad Bunny, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez. Yet while cultural visibility has grown, the Puerto Rican diaspora continues to grapple with deeper questions of identity, belonging, and the island’s future. The theme of this year’s parade, titled “Build the Future in Puerto Rico”, aimed to connect the Puerto Rican diaspora back to the island in a call for engagement in shaping the island’s future, while also reinforcing a shared connection to Puerto Rico itself. As the largest population of Puerto Ricans outside of the island (UCLA), the state of Florida provides a unique look into the Puerto Rican diaspora’s perspectives on the island.
Over the last two decades, financial struggles and lack of economic opportunities have resulted in a mass exodus of Puerto Ricans leaving the island (UCLA). While recent analysis suggests a slowdown in emigration, the island is still dealing with the ramifications of the exodus triggered by the devastating 2017 hurricane season. Within a two week span the island felt the effects of Hurricane Irma, a category 5 storm that passed just offshore, and Hurricane Maria, a category 4 direct hit. By the end of September: approximately 3,000 people had died, damages amounted to $100 billion and severely impacted critical infrastructure, and 100% of the power grid was down (RAND). Amplifying this devastation was the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) failures and shortcomings in recovery response and financial aid (NPR). The exodus was compounded by the 2020 earthquakes and the financial struggles amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Puerto Rico has experienced “brain drain” since the early 2000s, these recent events not only influenced the departure of young adults also prompted entire families to relocate, especially to areas such as Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, and South Florida. Simultaneously, a circular migration pattern emerged, showing Puerto Ricans increasingly returning to the island permanently, seasonally, or maintaining dual residency between the mainland and Puerto Rico (PR Institute of Statistics). These findings are not only supported by data but can also be found within the diaspora’s own community efforts.
As an extension of the Florida Puerto Rican Parade, a forum bringing together entrepreneurs and investors took place to discuss the unique advantages, incentives, and practical steps to help Puerto Ricans return to the island. Research conducted by the UCF – Puerto Rico Research Hub found that 52% of respondents would not move back, while 62% would visit the island to maintain family connections. While pride in culture and emotional attachment continues to motivate Puerto Ricans to represent their culture off the island, respondents cite barriers such as economic and infrastructure instability, growing attachment to the continental U.S., and high living costs combined with limited employment opportunities as impeding their desire to return to Puerto Rico (PRRH).
Despite being the minority, 28% of respondents would consider moving back, with another 20% remaining unsure (PRRH). A desire to return to cultural roots and community is at the forefront of motivations. While economic opportunities such as Act 60 appear to be insufficient incentives for many respondents, inherited properties and a retirement destination could persuade Florida based Puerto Ricans back to the archipelago (PRRH). These issues were among those identified and discussed during the forum and were further enriched by participants’ personal and professional input.
Both the forum and the parade provide venues for efforts to address the island’s stability and sustainability (both socially and economically), while addressing the various factors (i.e. affordability, economic growth, familial ties, etc.) influencing residential and diasporic decisions. These findings can provide insight into the effectiveness of socioeconomic efforts and guidance in building a future for those who already have a stake in the island’s future.
References
UCLA Latin American Institute: https://www.international.ucla.edu/lai/article/248568
RAND Homeland Security Research Division: https://www.rand.org/hsrd/hsoac/projects/puerto-rico-recovery/hurricanes-irma-and-maria.html
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2018/07/13/628861808/fema-report-acknowledges-failures-in-puerto-rico-disaster-response
Instituto de Estadísticas de Puerto Rico: https://www.estadisticas.pr.gov/productos/perfil-del-migrante
UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub: https://global.ucf.edu/puertorico/survey2025/