A special task force of institutional research and planning personnel, established by the Southeast Florida Educational Consortia to collect regional and institutional data useful for statewide planning, reports on: (1) some postsecondary educational directions suggested by regional demographic and economic data, (2) population growth and characteristics of the region, and (3) economic characteristics. The role of colleges and universities in meeting the cultural enrichment needs of an urban area is also briefly addressed. Based on demographic and occupational data of Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach counties, it is suggested that an interinstitutional data collection effort should continue on a regular basis by member institutions of the Southeast Florida Educational Consortium. Among the findings and conclusions are the following: Rapid population growth implies a sustained increase in the local demand for higher education, while demographic characteristics of the population will offer a challenge to educators. The high proportion of blacks and Hispanics and recent immigrants pose language, cultural, and other educational concerns. Higher education may also need to assist the community in coping with the stresses of immigrant assimilation. The two fastest growing industry divisions are finance/insurance/real estate services, which have significant numbers of female workers. Information on other industries is presented. In addition, the faster growing occupational groupings (e.g., clerical workers) are those with higher than average skill requirements, and many of which usually require some postsecondary education (e.g., legal and medical secretaries). Numerous appended materials include Bureau of the Census and Department of Labor statistics and sources of information, along with a Florida master planning outline. (SW)