Melrose Park, a neighborhood in Broward County, South Florida, holds the distinction of having the highest concentration of residents born in Jamaica within the United States. Data from the U.S. Census highlights that Florida’s Jamaican population comprises approximately 1.4 percent of the state’s total residents, a figure that surpasses the national average for Jamaican Americans. Several Florida communities exhibit significant Jamaican-born populations, including Sunrise at 19.6 percent, Norland at 18.5 percent, Andover at 15.0 percent, Utopia at 13.1 percent, and Palmetto Estates at 12.6 percent.
In terms of specific cities, Lauderhill leads the state with the largest Jamaican community, numbering nearly 17,000 individuals. Overall, Florida is home to more than 311,000 Jamaican Americans, making it the state with the second-largest population of Jamaican descent in the country. Within Broward County specifically, 32 percent of residents were born outside the United States, mainly originating from Latin America, though a significant number are Jamaican immigrants. Furthermore, over 321,000 foreign-born residents in Broward hold naturalized citizenship.
Broward County stands out as having the most substantial Jamaican population in Florida, contributing to the cultural fabric of South Florida with its vibrant community. The Jamaican diaspora’s presence is reflected across multiple neighborhoods, shaping local culture, social life, and demographic trends. This community’s impact is widely recognized throughout the region, underscoring the close ties between Jamaica and South Florida.
For more information on regional demographics and community profiles, visit the Florida category.
