Florida is the #1 choice for 636,933 people across the U.S.—and it’s not hard to see why. Moving to Florida means zero state income tax, more jobs than people to fill them (1.3 jobs per person), and a lifestyle where every day feels like a holiday!
No need to spend hours searching—we already did the homework for you. From job tips to insider hacks, this guide to Florida has everything you need to make your Florida move smooth, fast, and stress-free. Follow along, and you’ll be settled in no time.
👉 Florida Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in Florida today!
AT A GLANCE:
- Florida combines vibrant tropical living with a strong job market—1.3 jobs per person and a low 3.6% unemployment rate as of March 2025.
- Florida is also known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, as it houses some of the most iconic parks. This includes Walt Disney and Universal Orlando.
- Cities like Orlando and Jacksonville offer growing opportunities in hospitality, construction, healthcare, and finance.
- You can expect a subtropical climate with over 230 sunny days annually and mild winters. However, be prepared for hurricane and flood risks, especially in coastal areas.
- Florida is one of the few states that does not tax your personal income or Social Security benefits.
- The state also excels in education, ranking #1 for higher education and offering accessible college programs.
Top 5 Reasons to Consider When Moving to Florida
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Florida, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Tax Benefits
Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states in the country and does not levy any personal income tax. The state also does not tax Social Security benefits, pensions, or income from IRAs and 401(k)s. This means more disposable income for you.
Florida also provides the “Homestead Exemption” to eligible homeowners. This exemption reduces your tax burden by exempting up to $50,000 from the assessed value of your primary residence. This makes it one of the top locations for people on a budget.
2. Robust Job Market
The 4th-largest economy in the country, Florida, has a robust job market with over 430,000 new jobs and a low unemployment rate of just 3.6%. Besides, recent data show that for every job seeker in Florida, there are 1.3 jobs available across various sectors.
Cities like Orlando and Jacksonville lead the way with growing opportunities in hospitality, construction, healthcare, and finance. This makes them attractive to people moving to Florida for better opportunities.
3. Top-Notch Education
Florida ranks #1 in the nation for higher education and 6th for student college readiness. The University of Florida was ranked the 7th-best university in the US in 2025. Besides, Florida has an extensive network of 67 school districts—one for each county.
The state institutions have some of the lowest tuition fees in the country and also offer several state-funded programs. The Bright Futures Scholarship and Dual Enrollment are two such programs that aim to make higher education more accessible.
4. Outdoors and Recreation
Florida, also known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, is home to some of the most iconic theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. Besides, Florida’s 1,300-mile coastline offers some of the best white sand beaches in the country.
Florida is home to the Everglades, Biscayne, and countless other state parks, while fishing, boating, snorkeling, and paddleboarding are popular water-based activities. Florida’s abundant lakes, rivers, and coastal waters make it a haven for outdoor thrill seekers.
5. Climate
The Sunshine State truly lives up to its name with over 230 sunny days annually, and it also has a subtropical climate. This means you have mild winters with temperatures as low as 45°F and hot, humid summers with temperatures reaching as high as 90°F.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Florida
Here are the key pros and cons of living in Florida:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. No state income tax allows you to keep more of your earnings to save and spend on your lifestyle. | 1. Florida’s coastal location is prone to hurricanes and floods, increasing homeowners’ insurance costs. |
| 2. Florida has a warm climate year-round, Ideal for outdoors, beach activities, and boating. | 2. Mosquitoes, palmetto bugs, alligators, and snakes are common due to its warm, humid climate. |
| 3. The job market is booming, especially in tourism, healthcare, tech, and aerospace. | 3. The cost of living is high, especially for housing and everyday items. |
| 4. Florida has over 1,300 miles of white sand coastline, and world-famous theme parks such as Walt Disney World. | 4. Traffic can be a nightmare, especially in big cities like Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville. |
Things to Know Before Moving to FL ✅
Before entering the Florida housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Firearm Laws: You are allowed to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. However, open carry of firearms is generally not allowed except for specific cases like hunting or fishing. Also, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period to purchase a firearm.
- Driving License and Vehicle Registration: As a new Florida resident, you must register your vehicles within 10 days and obtain a driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. Make sure to buy auto insurance from a company licensed in Florida.
- Know the Evacuation Zones: Make sure to check if your property is located in a floodplain or an evacuation zone. This directly impacts your insurance premiums. It also affects how easily and safely you’ll be able to respond to hurricanes or floods.
Cost of Living in Florida
The cost of living in Florida is 2% higher than the national average. This simply means that your everyday expenses, like food, goods, and services, will cost more. Budget for these costs before moving to avoid financial issues ahead.
How to Move to Florida?
Follow this step-by-step guide before relocating to Florida to make your transition hassle-free:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- Choose a destination first. If you like beaches and a slower pace, consider Sarasota or Gainesville. For jobs, look into Orlando or Tampa. A typical Florida mover costs around $116 [3]per hour. However, this depends on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- Renting a truck is a better option if you want to do it yourself. Besides, it can be cheaper as well. The average rent of a 2-3 ton capacity mid-size moving truck ranges between $40 and $80 [4]daily.
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
- Electricity: Florida Power & Light supplies electricity to most of Florida. Additionally, some areas like Tampa use alternate providers like TECO. You can visit your city’s website to find out the appropriate provider in your city.
- Water: Water services are typically managed by local municipalities. Visit your city’s official website to identify and sign up with the appropriate provider.
- Internet: We recommend scheduling an appointment 10 to 20 days before your moving date, as securing one can take time. Common internet providers include Xfinity, Spectrum, and AT&T. Most of the major cities have fiber internet available.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most Florida school districts offer online registration for students, which you can complete before moving to Florida. Here’s what you need to get started:
- For Kindergarten to First Grade: Children must be aged 5 by September 1st to enroll in kindergarten and 6 for first grade. A birth certificate, a Certificate of Immunization (Form DH 680), proof of residency, and a parent or guardian’s photo ID are mandatory.
- For Older Students: Apart from the documents above, middle and high school students will need academic records from their previous school. Additionally, some schools may also require a withdrawal form to complete the process.
- Transfer & Special Cases: Transfers are usually managed by local school boards, so check your school district website for any specific rules. For student-athletes, review eligibility with the Florida High School Athletic Association to ensure compliance.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For Remote Work: If you work from home and are relocating to FL, your employer must adhere to Florida’s tax regulations and employment laws. Confirm that your company is compliant to avoid any legal or tax issues.
- Find a New Job: Florida’s job market is expanding in sectors like healthcare, technology, hospitality, and tourism. Cities like Tampa and Miami are hotspots for job growth, while St. Petersburg and other coastal areas are popular hubs for remote workers.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
In popular cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, the average rent ranges between $646 – $68,000 [2] monthly, with beach and downtown neighborhoods being more expensive.
If you plan to buy a house, homes in coastal Naples cost around $1.3M. However, inland cities like Ocala and Gainesville are affordable with median prices of $277K and $280K, respectively.
Should I Move to Florida?
Yes, you should definitely move to Florida. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Florida isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Florida’s best home-buying website, buying a house in Florida is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Florida, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent prices
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Florida, long before the moving boxes are packed.
