According to population growth estimates based on the 2010 Census, Florida, today, has 19.6 million people and New York has 19.7. The difference between the two mega states is 98,267, which is about the population of the Broward County town of Davie - or the combined populations of Coral Gables and Doral.

But the estimates suggest that New York is growing much more slowly, and census experts say that makes it almost certain that Florida will be the number 3 state next year. Once it attains the number 3 ranking, Florida may stay there for awhile. Texas, at number two, is uncatchable with 26 million people. Number one California has 38 million.