It’s incredibly enticing to pack your things up and move to the Sunshine State. Florida is home to beautiful beaches, world-class theme parks, luxurious golf courses and amazing weather. With all the perks the state offers, it’s obvious why people want to move to Florida. According to the Florida Office of Economics and Demographic Research, the state’s population increased by 387,479 people in 2020.
Are you planning on moving to Florida? If you’re ready to leave your current home for sunshine, learn what you need to know before moving to Florida so you can have the best time living in your new home. Any location you move to can impact many aspects of your life. It’s essential to understand what the entire state of Florida has to offer. You may already be familiar with Florida’s major cities, including Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa and Orlando, but Florida is a large state, and each part offers something different to its residents.
Before you move, reference this moving to Florida guide to cover any topics or questions you have about living in Florida.
In this guide, some of the topics we will cover include:
- What to Know About Florida Before Moving There (Weather, Cost of Living, Insurance, etc.)
- Best Places to Live (for Retirees, Young Adults, Families and Singles)
- Pros and Cons of Living in Florida
- Best Time to Move to Florida
Things to Know Before Moving to Florida
So many characteristics make Florida one of the most interesting states in the country. From the endless activities to diverse neighborhoods, Florida can be a great place to call home.
Weather in Florida
When you think of Florida, sunshine and warm weather may come to mind. While that’s true, the weather can also be pretty wild and unpredictable.
Most of Florida has a subtropical climate, and the southern part of the state has a tropical climate. You can expect warm and humid weather throughout most of the year.
However, extreme weather conditions are also fairly common in the Sunshine State. Residents can regularly expect thunderstorms throughout the year. Florida is actually the state that has the most lightning strikes every year.
Florida is also known for its hurricane season. Hurricane season occurs between June and October, seeing the most activity in August and September. Depending on where you live in Florida, hurricanes may be a yearly threat to your home. It’s important to know if your residence is located in a flood zone so you can take the proper precautions in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm.
Wildlife in Florida
A unique ecosystem thrives throughout the state of Florida. From the coastline to the Everglades, many different animals make up Florida’s diverse wildlife.
An animal that most people associate with Florida is an alligator. The American alligator is native to Florida and resides in lakes, rivers and wetlands, but don’t let them scare you off. Florida is also home to more than 350 other exquisite animals. If you love learning about nature and exploring the outdoors, you’ll enjoy seeing the Florida wildlife.
Housing in Florida
The housing market in Florida has heightened in demand, with the median home value increasing 8.6% in 2020. The current median home value is $270,560 in 2021.
Before moving to Florida, do some research on the housing market in the city where you’re planning to live. Look at neighborhoods and the history of the housing market in those areas.
Cost of Living in Florida
The cost of living in Florida depends on the city you reside in. While owning a house may be a popular option in Jacksonville, most of Miami’s residents are renters because of high home values.
When deciding on what city in Florida you want to move to, consider if you’re going to rent or own and what you can afford.
Insurance in Florida
When searching for homes in Florida, an important factor that you may not have considered is if the property is in a flood zone. Property listings will provide a code showing flood zones. If they are waterfront or below sea level, your lender will likely require flood insurance.
Flooding is a significant threat, especially during hurricane season. If you’re near the coastline or living in the wetlands, flooding is a potential risk.
A person would purchase flood insurance separately from homeowners insurance, so it’s best to pay attention to flood zones when searching for Florida homes.
Florida Employment
Once you know how much it will cost you to live in Florida, research your job options. Knowing the industry opportunities may assist in your job search.
When you look for jobs, consider some of the top industries in Florida:
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- International trade
- Aerospace and aviation
- Life sciences
- Financial services
People from all over come to vacation in Florida, so it’s no surprise that the tourism industry is a good place to find a job. Options like hotels and theme parks are large employers in the state.
Florida Cuisine
Florida cuisine offers many options, from traditional Southern foods and fresh seafood to Caribbean- or Cuban-inspired dishes.
Endless food options are available because of Florida’s diverse population, but there are main dishes that deserve a taste. Try a grouper sandwich fresh from the gulf, a tangy key lime pie in the Florida Keys, a Cuban sandwich with a side of plantains and traditional Southern cooking in northern Florida.
Population
Florida is a large state with a population of about 21 million people. The resident population, along with the yearly tourists, makes Florida a wildly busy state.
Snowbirds make up a large portion of the Florida population. The term refers to people who travel from northern states and Canada during the winter months to escape the cold weather. The duration of their stay is typically from October to April or May. Some people stay in long-term rentals, and others own vacation homes. It’s difficult to tell how many snowbirds are included in Florida’s population because some still claim residency in their home state or country.
Florida Politics
As you may have noticed in previous elections, Florida is a swing state. When you live in Florida, you’ll see many political ads and rallies for political parties. Florida’s diverse population and the constant sway of political leanings make it a state that candidates target during campaigns.
Florida Activities
Florida is one of the top places to vacation in the country because of the endless activities the state offers. The beautiful weather allows visitors to enjoy the beaches and other outdoor activities. Many tourists enjoy fishing, kayaking, boating, golfing and more vacation luxuries.
Some of the biggest tourist destinations are the theme parks located in Orlando. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World attract people from all over the world. Other popular theme parks include Legoland in the Orlando metro area and Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay.
When you move to Florida, brace yourself for the spring break months. This season is a popular time for people to visit, and you may notice a drastic change in the number of people in your city.
Florida Transportation
The state of Florida offers various public transportation options.
Each city can differ between what forms of transportation they have available, but they typically offer the following:
- Buses and trolleys
- Bicycles
- Shuttles
- Amtrak
Florida’s turnpikes also offer easy transportation throughout the state. People can pay by plate, by cash or through the SunPass prepaid toll program.
Home Improvement
Once you purchase a home and move to Florida, you may begin some home renovation projects. Like any location, you can buy a new home or an older home that requires more improvements. You’ll probably want to find local businesses to help you with home improvements like plumbing, windows and garage doors.
If you need a garage door repair business to call, consider The Doorman in southeast Florida.
Where to Live in Florida
Florida’s cities and towns have different vibes and lifestyles that attract certain people to live there. The lively downtown scene of Miami Beach is drastically different from the serene town of Bonita Springs. An essential factor of what you need to know before moving to Florida is where you should live. Which city is going to fit your lifestyle best?
Best Places to Live in Florida for Retirees
If you’re nearing retirement and looking for a great place to relax, look into these lovely Florida cities:
- Naples
- New Port Richey
- Orange Park
- Stuart
- Vero Beach
- Inverness
- Venice
- Sarasota
- Sun City Center
Many cities in Florida have 55+ living communities that offer excellent amenities to their residents.
Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Adults
Cities in Florida that have plenty of job opportunities, an active social scene and a thriving nightlife are the perfect places to live as a young adult. Check out these cities when looking for a place to move to in Florida:
- St. Petersburg
- Tampa
- Miami Beach
- Orlando
- Winter Springs
- Coral Gables
Explore fun restaurants and bars in these cities along with professional sports teams, outdoor activities and more.
Best Places to Live in Florida for Families
Some of Florida’s cities have schools that are top in the state and the country. When you’re looking to move your family to the Sunshine State, check out these cities that offer great places to grow:
- Melbourne
- Jacksonville
- Sarasota
- Tampa
- Pensacola
- Lakeland
- Orlando
- Fort Myers
Other aspects to consider are your commute to work and activities available for your family.
Best Places to Live in Florida for Singles
If you’re moving to Florida on your own, knowing which city would best accommodate your single lifestyle financially, socially and economically will benefit your moving plans. Look into these Florida cities if you’re moving to the state by yourself:
- Fort Lauderdale
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
- St. Petersburg
- Miami
- Orlando
- Port St. Lucie
It’s important to research each city and see which one best fits your lifestyle. Find out which age groups live there and what date activities these cities offer.
Moving to Florida Pros and Cons
With any big life decision, it’s crucial to recognize the good and the bad. Florida is a beautiful state with a long list of great reasons to move there. Whichever city your choose to make your home in, there will be pros and cons of becoming a Florida resident there. It’s essential to consider all aspects before packing your bags and moving. Here are the top pros and cons of living in Florida.
Pros of Living in Florida
Let’s begin with the pros. What are the best things about living in Florida?
- Florida residents pay no state income tax.
- There is an array of outdoor activities on beaches, lakes and other nature parks.
- Residents can enjoy warm weather throughout the year.
- Many Florida resident discounts are available for theme parks, cruises and other activities.
- There are lower housing costs.
- Residents who are 55+ can enjoy exclusive communities catering to retirees or snowbirds.
Cons of Living in Florida
Now to discuss the cons. Take these aspects into consideration when deciding whether to move to Florida.
- Hurricane season and intense storms are a risk for flooding and damage.
- Residents can expect a lot of tourists throughout the year.
- Insurance costs will be higher than in most states because of flooding and other issues.
- Florida is not a state for avid hikers because the landscape is extremely flat.
- Florida is home to extreme wildlife, including large bugs, alligators and other reptiles.
Every state has a list of cons, but if you believe that the advantages significantly outweigh any disadvantages, then moving to Florida may be a good choice for you.
When Is the Best Time to Move to Florida?
Once you decide to move to Florida, the next step may be to choose when you’re moving. As you probably know, Florida can be scorching in the summer. Moving during the summer months may not be the best option if you can avoid it.
The best time to move weather-wise is between November and May. This weather will make it easier for you and your movers to accomplish the job and avoid profuse sweating or heatstroke.
When moving, always remember to drink plenty of water and take breaks when you need to. A safe move will help start your new journey as a Florida resident.
Should I Move to Florida?
Moving is a decision you should make with careful consideration. Florida has a lot to offer people of all ages.
If you’re ready to move to Florida, start making your packing list and get excited. Once you’re a Florida resident, you can learn about all the local businesses that are there for you when you need them. Many great places are in Florida to help with your home, health and other aspects of your life.
If your priority is to find companies to help with your home, contact The Doorman for all of your garage door repair and replacement needs. The Doorman has provided high-quality service in Palm Beach County and Broward County for 20 years. We are ready to help Florida residents with their garage door projects.
