When Relocating to Florida

Be prepared for warm humid weather. regardless of the place you decide to live in Florida, there are certainly some good things and some less-than-good things (as with anywhere you move). Take your time to do some research and think about how these factors can affect your life now and down the road.

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What so good about Florida. First, there is no state income tax. Second, housing costs can be more reasonable than some parts of the US (depending on where you move). There’s plenty of outdoor entertainment and some of the most beautiful beaches. There’s no snow, no winter chills, live in the warmth of the sun throughout the year. Residents enjoy heavy discounts on local attractions. Many communities have snowbirds and retirees.

Research Top Places to Move in Florida & Housing Costs (if you have a choice)

• Finding the right place for you and your family is very subjective and requires you to weigh the positives and negatives thoroughly.
• If you are young, you might like a city like Tallahassee or Miami. If you are retired, then you may enjoy somewhere like Fort Myers. If you have a family & love the beach, then you may love the Sarasota area best.
• Even if you are on a budget, you can find a great place to move in Florida that will give you the quality of life you are looking for.
• Once you’ve shortlisted the best cities in Florida according to your lifestyle requirements, do some thorough research about living in the area to find out whether it’s the right choice for you or not.

You should have a comprehensive review, things like:

• Schools & locations
• Commutes to work
• Grocery stores & other stores you frequent
• Local banks
• Safety & crime
• Childcare / Daycare options
• Housing costs as well as community HOA and CDD fees, etc.

In general, jobs in Florida tend to pay less than many other states.

This is something to keep in mind when you consider your overall cost of living. While home prices and state taxes may seem reasonable, you need to factor in the costs of groceries, transportation, healthcare, utilities, etc. as well as your new estimated salary to see if moving to Florida is really worth it for you and your family.

Having Your Experienced Real Estate Agent is an Advantage

Definitely get help from an experienced, helpful, and trustworthy real estate agent to help you find what you are looking for. It will save you SO much time and headache, especially once the deal is in the works. Having a great realtor on your side can be a HUGE help when you are relocating to Florida. It’s their job to know the market and the neighborhoods so they can identify homes that will be a perfect match for you and your family. They can save you a lot of time, energy, and frustration – especially during the initial searching process. 

Moving is costly and so is buying a house. Even if your home appreciates it takes time to recoup the initial moving and closing costs. We specialize in helping people relocate to Florida.

Biggest industries in Florida:

• Tourism
• Health Sciences / Healthcare
• International Trade
• Sales and Marketing
• Aerospace and aviation

Residency Steps

Once you’ve arrived in Florida, it’s time to set up your residency and become a lawful resident of the state. This part always gets a little confusing for people, so here we’ve outlined the basic steps you should take:

• Purchase homeowners /renters insurance
• Set up your utilities, phones, etc. in your name
• Change over your car insurance to a new policy with your new address/state.
• Visit the DMV to obtain your Florida drivers license. Every county is different, so check their websites to see if you can show up or if you need to make an appointment. Typically if you have a valid license from another state you do not need to retake the test. They will transfer it over to the new state. NOTE: You will typically need forms of ID (such as a passport, birth certificate, etc.) + proof of address which would be some of your utility bills, etc. with your name on it and the new address. You will also need to have proof of your insurance too (which is why you need to change it in advance).
• Register to vote (often they can do it at the same time you get your drivers license)
• Enroll your kids in the school
• Continue to update any addresses that you forgot (as your forwarded mail comes to you)

Finding Health Professionals

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1. Do online research and take into account the user reviews and references of the selected healthcare service. If your company offers health insurance, then you’ll want to check to see what doctors and hospitals in-network are before selecting one.
2. Ask your Realtor where she goes
3. Ask your Insurance doctor ratings
4. Ask people at your job
5. Ea et eum quo

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Beaches and Theme Parks

In Florida you are basically surrounded by some of the best beaches you can find. If you live or visit the coastal areas of Florida, chances are you will be spending a ton of time in, on, and around the water. From simply relaxing at the beach, surfing, boating, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, treasure hunting and even shark tooth hunting.

Sunshine State Lifestyle

Local communities offer cultural experiences:

1. Museums
2. Farmers markets
3. Concerts on the beach or in the park.
4. Broadway-style shows
5. Golf
6. Boating
7. Fishing
8. Exploring parks
9. Vineyards
10. Theme parks
11. Beaches
12. Horse Trails