Whether you desire a tropical lifestyle or are a property manager enticing people to move south, Florida has much to offer everyone. However, even with plenty to explore and look forward to, there is just as much to factor into your decision. Here are seven things transplants should know about living in Florida.
1. No State Income Taxes
Many people are drawn to Florida because residents don’t have to pay state income taxes. Nevertheless, you still pay more each year when you purchase goods. Florida has a 6% sales tax for most commodities — the largest tax revenue source for the state government.
Some counties also charge an additional sales tax of up to 1.5%. This means people living in municipalities like Alachua, Duval, Hillsborough, Monroe and Osceola pay 7.5% total in sales tax, while Miami residents pay 7% with its 1% surtax rate.
2. Extreme Weather
Florida attracts transplants eager for year-round summer weather. However, temperatures get hot and humid from June to September, with August being the warmest month. Miami’s average high is 91 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August, with temperatures dipping just below 80 degrees in December.
Florida is also prone to hurricanes, which have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years. Residents must take careful precautions to protect themselves and their properties during these extreme weather events.
For example, garage doors must meet missile-impact ratings in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, while you should also invest in impact-resistant windows and doors, shutters and hurricane straps to prevent your roof from blowing off.
3. Cost of Living
Although the overall cost of living in Florida is less than in other states, larger metropolitan areas are more expensive. In addition to housing costs, you’ll also pay much higher homeowner’s insurance — premiums are about $4,000 compared to $1,500 nationwide. Likewise, flood insurance is $194 to $3,877, which is why only 43% of Floridians enroll.
Other costs to account for include:
Utilities: $521 for energy and natural gas, water and sewer, and internet and phone bills
Health care: $647 average monthly premiums for the cheapest policies
According to the MIT Living Wage calculator, transportation costs average $9,103 if you’re unmarried with no children in Florida. More recently, the average gas price dipped to $2.958, which is below the national average of $3.128.
4. Beautiful Beaches
The Sunshine State boasts 825 miles of sandy coastline from the Panhandle and Florida-Georgia line down to Key West. Miami-Dade County alone maintains 17 miles of beaches, including South Beach, Haulover Beach Park and Crandon Park Beach.
South Beach, in particular, is best known for its unique Art Deco architecture, trendy restaurants and bars, outdoor recreation and endless entertainment. It’s a popular destination for tourists and celebrities alike who visit for year-round swimming and sunshine.
Of course, as a local, you’ll soon discover that weekday mornings are the best time to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful waves.
5. Multicultural Influences
Florida transplants often discover wonderful multiculturalism when they move to the state. South Florida, especially, is greatly influenced by Caribbean, Latin American, African American and Native American cultures.
The cultural exchange is primarily evident in Miami neighborhoods like Little Havana and Little Haiti, with their strong Cuban and Haitian heritage. You can find a tasty blend of cuisines — like traditional Jamaican jerk chicken and Cuban sandwiches — along with an exciting music scene, from salsa to reggae and soca.
Miami isn’t the only multicultural hot spot, though. You’ll also uncover melting pots in Sarasota, Orlando, Tampa and St. Augustine.
6. Traffic Congestion
Although the state's flat terrain and rural areas are ideal for easy drives, Miami’s bustling population has led to significant traffic congestion and frequent accidents. In 2023, there were 64,009 crashes in Miami-Dade County — 29,816 injuries and 325 fatalities.
Anticipating roadway hazards is key to protecting yourself while driving in Florida. Also, be mindful of rush hour in major cities — Miami’s traffic is usually heaviest from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Familiarizing yourself with alternative routes and toll systems, using express lanes and knowing Florida’s traffic laws — like no cell phones while driving and right turns permitted on red — will also keep you and other drivers safe.
7. Plenty to Do
Transplants will never run out of things to do, as Florida offers wide-ranging activities, from theme parks to national parks and several historical and cultural landmarks. Watch the rockets take off at Cape Canaveral or explore Spanish colonial architecture and history in St. Augustine.
Miami transplants have even more opportunities for recreation and fun at their fingertips. The city sits alongside Everglades National Park, where you can take an airboat ride and see alligators — and possibly the elusive Florida panther — in the wild.
The city is also a short drive from Key West — a popular small-town destination for dining, snorkeling, fishing and chowing down on delectable Key lime pie.
Florida Is a Great Place to Live
Moving to Florida is an easy choice for those who love spending time outdoors and crave a sense of adventure and culture. However, it's important to weigh the costs of living, traffic and weather before transplanting. If you can make it work, it's a great state to live and work in.
Evelyn Long is a writer that specializes in housing market trends. She is also the founder of Renovated Magazine, where she writes essential resources for renters and homeowners. She has contributed to several other sites like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives.