Moving to Florida: Relocation Guide for 2024
Florida is a state not only known for its hot weather but also for its sandy beaches. Since it’s known for the sunny weather, it led to the nickname “sunshine state”. Also, Florida is also known for its beach resorts.
There are many attractions which you can always visit and enjoy. The most famous attractions are Walt Disney World and Miami Beach. These two are the main attractions of many visitors during the entire year.
Due to Florida’s sunny and hot weather, many people want to move and live there. Unlike other states, Florida is very affordable. In this guide, we’ll see different reasons why people want to move and live in the state of Florida. Let’s set on a journey to discover the unknown about Florida.
Why Move to Florida?
If you like summer, then moving to Florida might be a good decision. Not only is it a hot and sunny state, but it also offers many things to do and many places to explore.
Florida has some of the most popular beaches, which are the main attractions for tourists and visitors. Some of the most popular beaches in Florida are Miami Beach, Siesta Key Beach, Panama City Beach, and many more.
Moreover, Florida is full of amusement and theme parks, which is another reason why people choose to live here. It would be a suitable choice for everyone, especially for couples with children. The famous Walt Disney World is one of the most famous places to visit. Aside from Walt Disney World, there are places like Animal Kingdom and Universal Studios Florida.
Pros and Cons of Living in Florida
Aside from amusement and theme parks, beaches and sunny weather, there are many other reasons for why to move to Florida. However, moving to Florida can have its own pros and cons.
Pros of Moving to Florida
- Florida has a rich history followed by a lively culture. It’s filled with food, music and architecture. It’s heavily influenced by the immigrants from Cuba, Spain and Italy, who now live in Florida.
- Florida is a sports - loving state. Those who love sport have a lot to choose from. From NBA’s Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, to NFL’s Miami Dolphins, Florida’s sports culture surely is impressive.
- Another pro is that there is no state income tax. If you’re not very happy with how much you pay for tax, then Florida could be a great choice.
- Its landscape of forests, wetlands, swamps and beaches, are one of the pros of living in this state. Just imagine walking up to the beautiful scenery of Florida.
Cons of Moving to Florida
- Many tourists go to Florida. This would be a con mainly because the traffic can be unbearable and also the amusement parks will be overcrowded with people.
- Public transportation could be a problem. College towns like Gainesville and Tallahassee have bus routes, but the majority of this state is car - reliant.
- The insurance rates are high. Florida is among the most expensive states for car insurance. Due to Florida’s geography and climate, many natural disasters have happened which led to a very high home and car insurance costs.
- The average home prices are higher than the national average amount. The national average is around $361,000, while in Florida it is $400,000. However, some areas, such as St. Petersburg, have some affordable homes.
- In Florida there are over 40 different species of snakes. Only a few of them are actually venomous, but people are still careful when they go out. Other animals are: alligators, mosquitos, fire ants and others.
Moving from Ohio to Florida
If you are moving from Ohio to Florida, then you must love the beaches and the weather.
- One of the benefits of moving to Florida is the amazing weather. It is always sunny and warm, which are the main reasons why people either move to live there or just go for a vacation.
- If you are an outdoor person, then there are many exciting outdoor activities. You can swim, surf, take a trip with a boat, rent a jet ski, or just relax by the beach.
- Florida is known to be the home of a flourishing economy. Thanks to industries such as tourism, construction, and others, Florida has a lot of employment opportunities. A positive thing is that Florida has a very low unemployment rate.
- Overall benefit is the affordability of this state. Even though it is believed to be very expensive, Florida is actually an affordable state to live in.
Moving from California to Florida
If you’re moving from California to Florida, then Florida would be a very exciting adventure. Although many dream about living in California, there is no doubt that Florida is less expensive than California. Both of them are sunny. However, many people move from California to Florida.
Moving to Orlando, Florida
Moving to Orlando Florida can open many job opportunities for you. You can also invest into different properties. And if you have a family with children, then there are many good educational options. Some of these options are: Orlando Science Middle High Charter and Osceola County School of Art. Orlando, a highly recommended city for living, is a home to the University of Central Florida. This university is the largest in the entire country.
Reasons to Move in Orlando, Florida
The beautiful city offers a lot of different opportunities for people, whether for education or work. Orlando is also known for its cheap housing, low tax, and excellent education system. It is also known for the country’s main attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Orlando is also home to many different theme parks.
Benefits of Moving to Orlando
There are many benefits to living or moving to Orlando, Florida. Those benefits include:
- Buying property such as a house in Orlando, Florida, could be considered a great investment.
- The weather in Orlando is also one of the benefits. Summers are long and hot, while winters are short and cool. Orlando is in the center of Florida, so it doesn’t benefit from the sea breeze and lower humidity like coastal cities do.
- Florida income taxes are non-existent. There is no state income tax.
- Another attraction is Orlando International Airport. It’s very easy to travel, and it’s less expensive than you might think.
- The theme and amusement parks in Orlando are one of the reasons why families (with kids) love this city. There are a lot of different theme parks where you can spend time with your family. And to let you in on a little secret: Florida resident gets special discounts to theme parks during the entire year.
Cost of Living in Orlando
If you’re planning to move to Orlando, then you need to be informed about the cost of living. Well, the cost of living will depend on you and how many people you will be paying for. Usually, the living cost in Orlando is less than the national average living cost.
However, there are some differences in expenses. For example, gas and bus fares could cost you a little more due to the lack of public transportation. As we have said before, Florida is very poor with public transportation.
Moving to Florida Checklist
If you are looking for a moving to Florida checklist which will help you before and after you move, then this one might be of help.
- Before moving to another city or country, it would be easier if you made a budget list. This is due to the fact that when people move, they’re paying a lot of money for moving fees. The best thing is to create a budget list and divide the money for each thing that you need. For example, money for buying a car or for furniture.
- Do your research before moving. You can research cities or neighborhoods that you might like. You can create a list of questions that you will later answer (with your partner or family). This will help you find out what you’re looking for in a neighborhood.
- Another important thing is to decide whether you’ll rent or buy a home.
- If you have children, you need to research schools and ratings. You can research private schools and see if you can afford it.
- Before making the decision, you need to visit the neighborhoods to see if you’ll like them in person.
- Finding out the costs of living in the new city is also very important, as you need to know whether or not you can afford it.
- When researching living costs, you should make a comparison between your old city or country, and the city where you plan to move.
- You can sell your furniture or hire a moving company. This is very important, because some people may want to keep furniture and take it to the new house, while others would prefer buying new furniture.
- Before moving to Florida, it would be better to get a job. Having a secure job in Florida would be less risky than not having any.
- Finding a realtor could also be helpful. However, be careful. There are a lot of people that might scam you.
Fun Facts About Florida
There are a lot of interesting facts about Florida that you may not know.
- Florida’s representative flower is orange blossom.
- Florida has many beaches as a result of boarding the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Florida has lots of golf courses, which are open for many visitors.
- Greater Miami is the only metro area in the United States to border two national parks. The first one is Everglades National Park and the second is Biscayne National Park.
- The capital of Florida is Tallahassee.
- Florida’s state motto is “In God We Trust”.
- Florida’s state bird is the northern mockingbird.
- 1,000 people move to Florida each day.
- No dinosaur fossils were found in Florida, at least not on record.
- The Florida flag features St. Andrew.
- Interestingly, Florida is the flattest state in the United States.
- Florida has an official reptile, and it is none other than the alligator.
- The Florida driving test does not require parallel parking.
- Florida produces the most oranges in the United States.
- Florida is the only place in the world where you will be able to find crocodiles and alligators.
- Walt Disney World Resort, located in Florida, employs 70,000 people.
- Florida is one of the top holiday destinations.
- The first suntan lotion ever was invented in Miami Beach in 1944 by Benjamin Green.
Conclusion
If you’relooking to move to a less expensive state, then Florida would be a suitable choice. Not only is it less expensive than most states in the U.S.A., but it’s also very sunny. There are many job opportunities and great schools for the little ones.
Moving there has some pretty good advantages. You’ll not pay taxes, and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation all the time. The beautiful scenery and the beaches will make you relax as well.
Not only will moving to Florida save you a lot of money, but it will also make you enjoy your life more. But remember, before moving, always research more and find out what a country has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida good place to move to?
It’s a popular destination for those who’re ready for a change of scenery. Florida has a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and diverse communities. It’s still important to realize the responsibilities of moving to Florida like property taxes. You need to also be ready for hurricane season when deciding about moving to Florida. When it comes to South Florida, it’s more expensive than other areas of the state offering a lively lifestyle.
How much money should I save to move to Florida?
It depends on the location you choose. For example, if you’ll move to South Florida, it’ll be pricier. You can at least try to have a budget for three to six months required for living expenses and initial costs like housing, transportation, and daily necessities.
Are people happier when they move to Florida?
There’s no guarantee of being happy somewhere. It’s a subjective topic. However, some people may enjoy the Sunshine State’s laid-back atmosphere and outdoor activities. On the other hand, the changing seasons, heat, and humidity might be challenging for others.
Do I have to change my driver's license if I move to Florida?
Yes, as a Florida resident, you need to get a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need to follow the legal process, provide proof of identity resident, and pass a vision and knowledge test.
Why are people relocating to the state of Florida?
There are many reasons. Some of them are explained below:
No state income tax: It’s a financial advantage attracting new residents.
Florida's economy: A diverse economy offers many opportunities in tourism, healthcare, technology, and more.
Warm weather: If you aim to escape from colder climates, you’ll like the year-round sunshine and mild winters in Florida.
What are the taxes like in Florida?
Florida has a tax-friendly environment. Residents may have chance to have savings since they don’t pay state income taxes. However, residents still need to pay sales tax and property taxes. You can check the specific tax rates according to the chosen location.
