From the white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast to the clear blue water of the Florida Keys, life in the Sunshine State has plenty to offer. It’s a routine destination for retirees, vacationers, and families. Which part of the state will you call home?
Long-distance moving services can help you ease into the Floridian lifestyle, whether your plans involve retiring close to the beach or settling into the central part of Florida near the state’s plentiful theme parks. Let’s explore what moving to Florida looks like and how to simplify the transition.
Preparing for Your Florida Adventure
Planning is vital when relocating to Florida. It’s a unique state with a tropical to subtropical climate. The climate could shock your system if you’ve never experienced it — especially during hurricane season. It’s important to note, too, that Florida’s cost of living is unique in that residents do not pay state income tax. This makes the state attractive to many different groups. Some popular cities have a higher cost of living than others, impacting things like housing prices, utilities, etc.
The job market is a diverse assembly of sectors like healthcare, tourism, and technology. If you’re moving to the Sunshine State, consider the job opportunities in your field and the local area you target. Many major companies call the state’s largest cities home.
No matter your plans, carefully prepare for your upcoming move to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Exploring Florida's Diverse Regions
One of the most appealing parts of life in Florida is life along the shores. However, the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts aren’t the only areas of the state worth mentioning. As you think about life in the Sunshine State, consider calling the following regions home:
- Northwest Florida: The Florida Panhandle offers visitors and residents charm, outdoor adventure, and white sandy beaches. Panhandle cities like Pensacola and Apalachicola provide scenic beauty and lots to do. Panama City Beach is one of the state’s premier tourist destinations, making it perfect for hospitality careers.
- North Central Florida: North Central Florida’s rich history and abundant outdoor activities are part of its lovely Southern charm. It’s known for college football, as both the University of Florida in Gainesville and Florida State University in Tallahassee have campuses in the region.
- Northeast Florida: Northeast Florida is home to natural wonders like tawny beaches. This region is also an excellent spot for those who want to experience pioneer history. Northeast Florida features Jacksonville – Florida’s most populous city – and St. Augustine.
- Central Florida: Love theme parks? Central Florida is the place for you. Explore Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Busch Gardens in Orlando. But don’t sleep on Kissimmee or Winter Haven. These are great places to raise a family or be a kid at heart.
- Central East Florida: Central East Florida is another tourist destination thanks to cities like Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral. This area has a bustling birding community, excellent fishing, and more. Both NASCAR and the space industry call this part of the state home.
- Central West Florida: Central West Florida offers “big city” life in locations like Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. Additionally, the region has excellent beaches, clear springs, scenic rivers, and plenty of wildlife.
- Southeast Florida: Southeast Florida offers hot temperatures, luxurious living, and Caribbean flavors. Cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Palm Beaches, and the Keys are tropical spots you may not want to leave.
- Southwest Florida: Southwest Florida’s sugar-white beaches and tropical warmth offer visitors and residents a blend of classic and cosmopolitan lifestyles. Cities like Fort Myers and Naples are popular destinations for snowbirds and families to call home.
Florida Climate and Lifestyle
Florida’s warm, sunny climate lasts all year. This makes the state perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities like boating, golfing, and trips to the beach. Summers are hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are mild and dry, especially in the state’s southern regions. Life in the Sunshine State is a laid-back affair. It’s a slower pace that offers a mix of cultures. In areas like south and central Florida, retirement enclaves like The Villages are home to thousands of residents.
That said, it’s not all literal sunshine in this state. Florida also experiences occasional severe weather in the form of hurricanes from June to November.
Budgeting Your Florida Move
Planning for a Florida move requires a solid budget. While the state lacks an income tax, other costs can add up quickly. Housing prices vary by region. Coastal cities like Miami and Naples are often more expensive, while inland parts of the state tend to be more affordable.
Moving on a budget often involves taking stock of your needs, from movers, travel costs, and any deposits for utilities and rentals. Keep in mind that planning a move during peak seasons like winter can lead to higher rates.
Making the Long-Distance Move to Florida
If your plans include moving from out-of-state, there are many moving parts. In addition to your household belongings, you’ll need to decide how to handle vehicles or other large items. Planning your move’s timeline is equally important to stay on track and ensure no last-minute mistakes. Take the following advice on Florida long-distance moving to heart.
Selecting Your Interstate Moving Company
One of many potentially helpful strategies for reducing stress is to offload most of your relocation to a professional mover. Hiring a mover offers many benefits. They have special equipment to carefully pack and protect your belongings. They also often have insurance and bonding that can offset the cost of damages during your move. You’ll need to source prices from multiple moving companies at once and compare reviews to vet them.
One great piece of advice for finding long-distance moving companies in Florida is to hire a moving broker. Moving brokers facilitate the hard work of sourcing quotes and vetting moving companies to find trusted, reputable movers to handle your relocation.
Transporting Vehicles and Large Items
Moving large, oversized belongings is a significant part of any long-distance move. Most bulky items can fit within a moving van, but cars are another matter entirely. When you need to transport your vehicle across state lines, you have a few options.
You can:
- Drive the vehicle yourself.
- Hire an auto transport company.
- Find a moving company that includes vehicles as part of the move.
Remember, your moving broker can help find a provider that meets your budget and transport needs.
Timing and Logistics for Your Florida Move
Timing can significantly impact the experience you have when moving to Florida. The best time to move is often during the cooler months — late fall to early spring. This is when temperatures are milder and moving companies are often less busy. Moving between June and November exposes you to summer heat and hurricane season, which may cause weather-related delays.
Logistically, you should always plan as far in advance as possible. Book your moving company early and research utility setups. A great moving checklist can help you stay on track and keep to your timeline.
Tackling Florida's Heat During Your Move
As mentioned, Florida moves can be a struggle due to the state’s intense heat and humidity. To stay safe, schedule your move as early in the day as possible or late in the afternoon to avoid peak heat indexes. Wear lightweight clothing and stay hydrated. When packing, on moving day, and the following days, be sure to take frequent breaks to rest and cool down. Finally, protect your temperature-sensitive items by packing them carefully or using a climate-controlled vehicle.
Storage Solutions in Florida
Like many states, Florida offers an ample selection of self-storage facilities. You may need to store your belongings temporarily as part of your move. Moving companies can also offer short-term storage if your new home isn’t quite ready. No matter how long you need to store your belongings, make sure the facility you choose has climate control to keep your stuff safe from adverse heat and humidity. If you have questions about temporary storage during your move, your moving broker can help point you in the right direction.
Navigating Florida's Housing Landscape
Once you’ve decided that moving to Florida is for you, you’ll need to figure out where to live. Florida’s housing landscape is complex. It is driven largely by oversupply and excess inventory and complicated by the state’s astronomical home insurance costs. Let’s dig into what renting and buying look like in Florida, as well as how to find the perfect realtor to help you shop for your dream home.
Renting vs. Buying in Florida
Even with the elevated home insurance costs, buying a home in Florida might be cheaper in almost every part of the state except for Tallahassee. But that isn’t saying much. Prices for homes are still relatively high.
Ultimately, renting offers significant advantages to those who want flexibility or are new to the area and haven’t decided what part of the state they want to set down roots in. Keep in mind that rent in popular cities like Miami and Orlando is notably high.
Buying might make sense for those with long-term Florida aspirations. The state’s lack of income tax and relatively low property taxes make it an attractive prospect for many homeowners.
Florida's Real Estate Market Trends
According to industry experts Redfin, home prices in Florida fell just under half a percent year-over-year in August 2024. At the same time, the number of homes sold decreased by 5.5%, even as the number of houses on the market rose just under 35 percent. Houses remained on the market for just over two months, 18 days longer than the previous year.
Even so, Zillow‘s research department claims that Florida is one of the top markets for buyers in 2024, especially in cities like Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Orlando.
Working with Florida Real Estate Professionals
Partner with a skilled real estate professional to simplify house hunting when planning a Florida move. Seek out agents who specialize in the area you’re thinking about. They will have a strong understanding of the local market. Ask for referrals, read reviews, and — most importantly — ensure they have the right Florida license.
A good agent will help you navigate Florida’s complex housing market, from finding the perfect neighborhood to negotiating the best price.
Legal and Administrative Aspects of Moving to Florida
Traveling is one part of relocating to Florida, but it’s not the only consideration. Once you arrive, there’s a handful of administrative and legal tasks you must accomplish to make your stay in the Sunshine State permanent. As part of your transition, don’t neglect the following details.
Florida's Tax System for New Residents
Moving to Florida has several tax advantages, making it appealing for new residents. The state’s lack of personal income tax can lead to significant savings. Florida has no estate or inheritance tax either. These facts make it a favorable place for many retirees. Florida still has sales and property taxes, and residents are subject to Federal income taxes. Understanding your responsibilities is essential to avoiding costly fees.
Updating Your License and Registration
Registering your vehicle in Florida requires a $225 initial registration fee. You’ll also need to show proof of identity, proof of Florida auto insurance, and a complete Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration.
Florida offers several driver’s license service centers throughout the state. New residents with valid out-of-state licenses must pass the vision and hearing test. Those applying for their first license must take (and pass) both a written and driving exam.
Embracing Your New Life in the Sunshine State
Moving to Florida is an exciting change for many people. Like any move, however, it takes careful planning to ensure things go smoothly. Moving to Florida starts with hiring trusted movers to get your belongings to their destination.
Consider working with a moving broker to build your team of moving service providers. The right moving broker can connect you with a professional company that meets your needs – from packing and transportation to storage and unloading. Contact Safe Ship today to learn more about our benefits or to begin your long-distance move.
Our commitment to service helps you find licensed cross-country movers within our carrier network at fair, competitive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there incentives to move to Florida?
Yes! The state has no income tax, making it financially attractive to some. The warm climate, affordable cost of living in many areas, and strong job market entice many to move to Florida.
How do I pack miscellaneous items when moving?
Group similar items together and label boxes. Use sturdy boxes and padding materials to protect fragile items. Tightly pack items to avoid shifting during transport.
Do I need to change my license when I move to Florida?
Yes. You need to update your driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. You can visit your local Florida DMV branch with proof of identity, residency, and your valid out-of-state license.
Do I have to retake my driver’s test if I move to Florida?
No. A valid out-of-state license means you’ll only need to take the vision test and provide relevant information like proof of address and identity.
How do I prepare to move to Florida?
To prepare for your move, research housing options and neighborhoods in your choice city. Schedule utilities and services ahead of time so everything is ready for your move-in day. Plan for the warm climate and be aware of hurricane preparedness, especially if moving during storm season. Create a moving checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.
