Craving sandy beaches and endless sunshine? If so, what better place than the Sunshine State? When you move to Florida, you’ll get all of those things (and more).
You’ve heard there’s no state income tax. You know about the picturesque retirement communities. But what else should you know about moving to Florida?
In this checklist, we’ll run through everything you need to know for moving to Florida, including suggestions on cities, neighborhoods, and things to do.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Florida
Before you pack up your bags for your move to Florida, it’s important to have a complete view of the state, including things like:
- Taxes
- Cost of Living
- Median Home Value
- Population and Crime Rate
- Climate and Weather
Taxes in Florida
Florida is one of nine states in the US that do not levy a state income tax. This makes it an appealing choice for people seeking to minimize their tax burden. Yes, you read that right, no state income tax!
This translates to significant savings for residents–especially for those with retirement benefits, like social security and part-time work income, which aren’t taxed in Florida, either.
Cost of Living
Despite their lax tax laws, Florida’s overall cost of living is approximately 3% higher than the national average. This includes costs like housing, groceries, utilities, and other amenities.
And don’t forget, Florida has a state sales tax rate of 6%, with the average local tax making it around 7.02%.
Median Home Value
The average home value in Florida is around $402,000, which is still less than the average home price in the United States.
There are a few other benefits for Florida homeowners, though:
- Property tax exemptions up to $50,000, adding to the savings
- The Florida Save Our Homes Act caps the annual increase in assessed value of homesteaded property, limiting property tax growth
- Inherited properties are NOT subject to state inheritance tax in Florida
Renters in Florida will be displeased to know that Florida is ranked 15th for the highest rent in the US, with a two-bedroom apartment averaging about $1,500 per month.
Population and Crime Rate
As of 2023, Florida had a population of about 21.7 million people, making it the third most populated state only after California and Texas. Florida’s population is almost evenly split between male and female, with a bit more women occupying the state. The average age is around 42 while the ethnic group breakdown looks a little something like this:
- 52.6% White non-Hispanic
- 15.1% White Hispanic
- 15.1% Black or African American non-Hispanic
- 10% Multiracial or Hispanic
- 2.7% Asian
- 3% Other
As for crime rate, there isn’t accurate crime rate data available for Florida, since a lot of reporting is subjective. In 2022, Statista reported that Florida’s crime rate was around 7.7%, but they note that it’s probably not accurate.
Realistically, large cities like Miami and Orlando have higher crime rates than smaller cities or villages.
Climate and Weather
Florida’s climate is predominantly subtropical, with mild winters and hot, sunny summers. However, regions in the far south, like Miami, enjoy a tropical climate.
While Florida residents can enjoy high sun exposure throughout the year, temperature highs (coupled with high humidity levels) can border on the uncomfortable–especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach around 37/38 °C (99/100 °F).
Hurrican season is another important aspect of the state’s climate to consider before moving to Florida. Typically, hurricane season will persist from from June to November. With a little preparation, you can confidently face Florida’s weather patterns and fully enjoy the sunny climate. You can even purchase a hurricane-proof home, built to withstand the 74 mph+ winds.
Your Checklist for Moving to Florida
If you’ve made up your mind that the Sunshine State is for you, it’s time to start putting into action all the plans you’ve been thinking about.
Keep this checklist handy, as it will guide you on your journey to Florida.
Choosing the Right City
In the North, Pensacola and Tallahassee are two major metropolitan areas. As for Central Florida, the most popular cities include Tampa and Orlando. In the South, you have Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and a plethora of other coastal cities.
The population density in Florida varies drastically, depending on where you’re located. Places like Miami have around 5,000 people per square mile, while areas in Northern Florida have anywhere from 10 to 100 people per square mile. Consider this if you’re looking for a laid-back retirement location, or a bustling city.
Choosing a city in a new state can be tough, so make sure to plan carefully. It would probably be helpful to take a trip to Florida and visit some of your top choices. And while you’re there, talk to people! The residents are your greatest resources for information about climate, politics, work, or the overall energy of the city.
Image courtesy of Town & Country Magazine (City Pictured Above: Palm Beach, Florida)
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
As you narrow down potential cities, it’s important to research different neighborhoods. Some areas adjacent to cities may offer more affordable and safer environments.
If you’re looking at places near Miami Beach, quiet neighborhoods like Coconut Grove and Coral Gables are good choices.
If central Florida is more your speed, neighborhoods around Orlando, like Altamonte Springs and Heathrow, are great places to raise a family and meet new people.
And for artsy, city living, there are some nice places in Tampa, like Seminole Heights or the Channel District.
Navigating the Real Estate Market
Collaborating with a real estate agent can streamline your home-buying or renting process in the Florida housing market. A knowledgeable local agent can offer valuable insights and answers tailored to your preferences, ensuring you find the perfect spot to call home.
Beyond just providing information, real estate agents have access to an extensive variety of properties, including exclusive listings that may not be publicly advertised. Plus, they’re skilled in the negotiation process, potentially saving you considerable amounts of money during the transaction.
When to Buy a House in Florida
Fall and winter in Florida are generally the best times for buyers to find lower prices and face less competition. More specifically, the best months to make a home purchase in Florida are November, April, and August.
Finding Employment in the Sunshine State
Tourism and hospitality, real estate and development, and defense and homeland security are major contributors to Florida’s economy.
For those job hunting before the big move, online job boards such as LinkedIn and Indeed are valuable resources. With a median household income of $61,777, Florida offers a standard of living that competes with many other states. The unemployment rate is around 3%, but a lot of the population is retired.
Beyond the metropolitan areas, don’t overlook Florida’s agricultural industry. Producing over 80% of America’s citrus fruits, this industry offers a wealth of employment opportunities for those interested in working in rural areas.
Finding Schools
Moving with kids can be challenging, but thankfully, Florida offers several schooling options, including public, private, and charter schools. This diversity allows you to choose the best educational pathway for your child.
To identify the best school districts in Florida, you can use online resources like GreatSchools for ratings and comparisons.
If you have college-age children or are looking at higher education yourself, Florida is home to many great schools, such as Florida State University, the University of Florida, the University of Miami, and the University of South Florida in Tampa Bay.
Transferring Legal Documents
Once you’ve moved and the dust has settled, you’ll have to go about transferring your legal and identification documents, such as your photo ID, driver’s license, and vehicle registration.
You’re considered a Florida resident for driver’s licensing purposes if you:
- are employed in Florida
- are enrolling children in public schools
- are registering to vote
- are filing for homestead exemption
- have resided in Florida for more than six consecutive months
To exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida driver’s license, you will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of identity.
Vehicle registration in Florida must also be completed within 10 days of establishing residency. This process involves proving your identity, acquiring Florida motor insurance, providing the original title, and getting your vehicle inspected.
To get more information about where and how to visit a DMV in Florida, check out the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Leisure and Entertainment in the Sunshine State
Florida is more than just a place to live; it’s a fun-filled playground boasting globally celebrated theme parks like Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios.
For beach lovers, North Florida is a paradise. You’ll find tranquil atmospheres for romantic getaways and a variety of water sports like surfing, swimming, and boating. Plus, Florida is home to many prestigious golf courses, like TPC Sawgrass.
For a taste of adventure on the East Coast, cities like Miami serve as a gateway to the ‘Cruise Capital of the World,’ with easy access to the Caribbean, Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, and the Florida Keys, including Key West. If you prefer to stay on land, Florida’s ecotourism initiatives offer experiences like kayaking in mangroves and bird-watching tours.
Image courtesy of Florida Golf (Course pictured above: TPC Sawgrass)
Moving is the Perfect Time to Downsize
For many people–retirees, young professionals, or families– moving to Florida can involve a bit of downsizing. Due to the higher-than-average rent, finding a suitable home might require some additional storage space for your belongings.
Thankfully, you have a plethora of options for storing your keepsakes when you move. One of the best options is to find a safe, local storage partner on the Neighbor.com platform. Their peer-to-peer storage marketplace thoroughly vets Floridian hosts with extra space, so you can rest assured your belongings will stay safe at a budget-friendly storage unit. For example, if you’re moving to the Fort Lauderdale area, check out these top-rated self-storage options.
