The leading causes of death in Florida reflect the age distribution of its population.  The share of aged in the state's population in 1990 was 18.2 percent, compared with 12.6 percent for the nation.  Deaths from diseases  of the aged are therefore more common in Florida.  High death rates for both heart diseases and cancer occur in counties with high percentages of the aged.
		Accidents are the leading cause of death between the ages of 1 and 24.  Rates are highest in rural counties.  Many of these accidents are auto related, but agriculture and forestry also contribute to the high rural accidental death rates. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) became a significant cause of death within Florida during the 1980s.  Deaths from this disease are now among the leading causes in the 25-44 age group.  In mid-1990 an estimated 120,00 Floridians tested Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive, indicating that aid will continue as a leading cause of death throughout the 1990s.