New U.S. Census estimates released this month show Florida continues to be among the fastest growing states in the country.

From July 2017 to July 2018, Florida grew by more than 322,000 residents. That's a slower 1.5 percent growth rate than other recent years but is still surpassed only by Nevada, Idaho, Utah and Arizona. According to the Census estimates, Florida's population now stands at 21.3 million residents.

The Florida Demographic Estimating Conference (DEC) provides its own estimates, and it has the state's population at closer to 21.1 million.

The Census and DEC estimates are critical because these will be the numbers that are used not only in allocating federal and state resources by population, but will determine how – or if – congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn following the 2020 Census.

Florida's congressional lines are drawn by the state Legislature and subject to gubernatorial veto while its state legislative districts also are drawn by the Legislature, passed as a joint resolution, but not subject to gubernatorial veto.

Florida state law does not impose a deadline for drawing congressional districts, although candidates must file for primary elections by May 4, 2012.

By state statute, state legislative district lines must be drawn in the legislative session in the second year after the federal Census is conducted.

The Legislature is gearing up for what could be a contentious battle in “redistricting” with a Committee on Reapportionment already existing within its committee structure as a standing committee.

Senate President Bill Galvano. R-Bradenton, had not appointed any members to the committee, but could do so during or after the 2019 legislative session.

In in his address to the Senate after being elected the chamber’s president, Galvano said the state’s growing population will be a pivotal challenge for state lawmakers.

Florida is “effectively adding a population equal to a city slightly larger than Orlando every year,” he said. “We must be ready. I respectfully challenge you all to lead with this reality in mind. We have great opportunity. Now it is time to move to the next level.”

“Redistricting” will certainly be a 2020 campaign issue with both parties vying for as much influence as possible in directing how the process unfolds with Democrats desperately hoping to eat into Republican majorities in both houses.

Republicans will hold a 73-47 majority in the House, down from their 76-41 advantage in 2018, while the GOP will have a 23-17 majority in Senate, little change from their 23-16 advantage in 2018.

All 22 senators – including 15 Republicans – elected or re-elected on Nov. 6 to four-year terms will be in office when redistricting begins after the 2020 U.S. Census.