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Moving to Florida in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Florida.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Florida.

Are thinking of moving to Florida?

Florida is located in the southeastern regions of the USA and the capital of Florida is Tallahassee. The city invites a huge number of visitors every year because of its climate and scenic beauty. If you are planning to move to Florida, then you will enjoy the warm weather and diverse culture in the state. Florida has beautiful beaches, incredible foods and theme parks that make it a perfect destination to live in. The state is known as Sunshine State and has a lot of rivers, springs, lakes and reptiles. If you are a summer-loving person and want to get away from piles of snow, then moving to Florida is the right decision. It is home to several amusement parks like SeaWorld, Universal Studio, Disney World and more. There is no state income tax in Florida and has a thriving economy with abundant job opportunities.

Make the Most of All the Information You Need to Know About Moving to Florida Here's a quick summary of what we're going to cover in this Florida state guide:

Florida Demographics

Florida has a diverse population that brings diversity in the culture of the state. In this section we will explore different demographics of the state

Male vs Female Population of Florida 2022

Gender	Population	Percent of Total Population
Male	10,546,135	49.4%
Female	10,805,646	50.6%

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Florida 2022

Age Group	Male	Female
Under 5	654,454	628,469
5-9	675,675	651,465
10-14	675,254	650,456
15-19	685,456	665,456
20-24	745,456	754,545
25-29	745,565	754,554
30-34	705,455	754,554
35-39	745,455	754,546
40-44	745,546	754,456
45-49	804,545	855,454
50-54	895,456	954,545
55-59	844,545	854,554
60-64	654,554	654,545
65-69	545,454	554,545
70-74	454,545	454,554
75-79	354,554	345,454
80-84	245,454	245,454
85 and over	254,545	354,554

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Florida 2022

Ethnicity	Population	Percentage
White	15,154,854	54.7%
Hispanic or Latino	5,754,554	26.4%
Black or African American	3,854,545	16.9%
Asian	454,554	2.9%
Two or more races	454,545	2.4%
Other race	254,554	0.6%
Native American	54,545	0.2%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	15,454	0.03%

Quick Facts of Florida

Before planning a move to the state and digging into the details, we can take a quick look at the facts and features of the state

Florida is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the North Atlantic Ocean on its east, west and south sides.

It is third most populous state in the country.

The capital of Florida is Tallahassee and there are 67 counties in the state.

The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the USA.

The world’s most visited and biggest recreational resort, “The Walt Disney World Resort” is in Florida

Central Florida experiences more lightning strikes than any other place and is thus known as the lightning capital of the USA.

Florida is the largest producer of citrus fruits in the USA and the world’s largest producer of grapefruit.

Florida has the highest number of golf courses in the USA.

Florida has more toll roads and bridges as compared to other states in the USA.

The Florida Keys is a famous tourist attraction which is a group of 1,700 tiny islands.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in Florida.

Top reasons to move to Florida

Florida is a prime choice for many Americans to settle there for a job or family. We have listed several factors that can be the top reasons to encourage you to move to Florida.

No state income tax- This is one of the most important reasons to move to Florida, as you can save more money.

Low cost of living- When compared to other states of the USA, the cost of living in Florida is low makes it the right destination to settle.

Warm weather and beautiful beaches- Florida has warm weather throughout the year where temperature ranges between 65°F to 77°F. The beaches in Florida are the most beautiful.

Population diversity & culture- People from all over the world move to Florida and call it their home, thus there is diversity in the population. There is diversity in culture in Florida.

Outdoor fun and sports- The state offers outdoor activities like biking, hiking, golfing and more. You can cheer for the state teams including Miami Heat, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and more.

Pros & Cons of Living in Florida

Each state offers something to everyone, but there are some negative points about the place as well. So, before moving to Florida check out the pros and cons of living there

Pros of living in Florida	Cons of living in Florida
Low cost of living and no state income tax	The state is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms
Warm weather throughout the year	Summers can be highly humid
Abundant outdoor activities, theme parks and beautiful beaches	Despite economic growth, tourism affects the lives of residents through traffic jams and overcrowding in different locations
Popular destination for Retirees	Reptiles are easily found in Florida which can be dangerous
Home to several professional sports teams

Best Places to Live in Florida

Florida is one of the top recommended states for settling during job life and even after retirement. If you are planning to move to Florida, you must know about some of the best places where you can find your new home. In this section we have compiled the details of different cities-

City	Population	Unemployment Rate	Median Home Value
Naples	21,915	2.5%	$1,254,354
Sarasota	58,514	2.6%	$554,554
Melbourne	85,454	2.7%	$354,545
Tampa	385,454	2.6%	$454,545
St. Petersburg	275,454	2.8%	$354,554
Orlando	310,654

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Florida, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Florida

Florida is a diverse state with distinct people from all over the world. You can find a perfect home in Florida by exploring different neighborhoods including-

Pinecrest, Miami- It is a wealthy suburb located in Miami and has beautiful parks, schools and safe surroundings.

Harbour Island, Tampa- This is a luxury waterfront neighborhood with incredible views of Hillsborough Bay. There are several townhomes and condominiums in this neighborhood.

Little Havana, Miami- This neighborhood is home to the Cuban population and is highly vibrant with cafes, shops and restaurants.

South Beach, Miami- This neighborhood is a popular tourist destination as there are various beautiful beaches, Art Deco Architecture and offers a vibrant nightlife.

Lake Nona, Orlando- This neighborhood is a master-planned community where you can find a mix of residential, commercial and recreational amenities.

Hyde Park, Tampa- This is a historic neighborhood where you can find tree-lined streets and charming bungalows.

These are some of the best neighborhoods of Florida where you can buy or rent a house to start your life in a new state.

Cost of living in Florida

The cost of living in Florida is 1.16 times higher than the national average. The average cost of living in Florida is $50,689 which includes the cost of housing, healthcare, food, grocery and more. Before moving to a new state or city, it is very important to consider the cost of living in the area. In this section we have compiled the data for different costs included in the cost of living -

Cost of Living by Categories in Florida vs USA 2022

Category	Florida	USA
Housing	105.2	100
Utilities	102.4	100
Transportation	102.3	100
Healthcare	99.4	100
Grocery	100.4	100

Median House Price in Florida vs USA 2022

Location	Median House Price
Florida	$415,000
USA	$453,700

Median Rent Price in Florida vs USA 2022

Location	Median Rent Price
Florida	$1,954
USA	$1,827

Note: The source of the above data is Numbeo, Cost of Living Index 2023. Also, the data provided is based on the estimated value available which can vary from region to region in Florida.

Housing Market in Florida

The housing market in Florida is growing year by year and there has been an increase in the sale of houses in 2023 as compared to the previous year. Since 2022, there has been an increase of 2.2% in the sale of houses which is around 141,619 houses.

Average rental cost in Florida

According to Zillow, the median rent for all rooms and all types of properties is $2,500 per month in Florida. This rental price can range between $175 to $300,000. Currently, there are 75,844 rentals available in Florida.

Median Home Value in Florida

The median sale price for all types of houses in Florida was recorded in August 2023 and it is $404,300. This value is a 2.5% increase in the median sale price as compared to the previous year. Some of the most expensive neighborhoods in Florida are Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables, West Palm Beach, and more.

Florida job market

Most people relocate to a new state or city for growth in jobs. If you are moving to Florida for a better employment opportunity or growth in your career you can find abundant opportunities.

In this section we have compiled data related to the job market in Florida.

Number of Households by Income Level in Florida

Income Level	Number of Households
Less than $15,000	854,545
$15,000 to $24,999	1,254,545
$25,000 to $34,999	1,054,545
$35,000 to $49,999	1,454,554
$50,000 to $74,999	1,854,554
$75,000 to $99,999	1,654,554
$100,000 to $149,999	1,954,554
$150,000 to $199,999	1,254,554
$200,000 or more	1,554,545

Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2021-2022

Median Income in Florida vs USA

Location	Median Household Income
Florida	$61,777
USA	$74,580

Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2021-2022

Unemployment Rate in Florida vs USA

Location	Unemployment Rate
Florida	2.3%
USA	3.6%

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 2023

Major industries in Florida

Florida is home to several Fortune 500 companies and Fortune 1000 companies. If you are planning a move to Florida, you must know about the economy of the state. Let us check out the major industries contributing to the state economy-

Information technology

Aerospace and aviation

International Trade

Defence

Agriculture

Manufacturing

Logistics

Life Sciences

Financial and Professional services

Top Career Options in Florida

Since you are moving to Florida, you will be getting a new job or getting a different profile. So, if you want to know what are the high paying jobs in Florida, check out the table below-

Job title	Average salary	Entry level salary	No. of people
Registered Nurse	$81,850	$61,460	195,640
Software Developer	$100,460	$69,450	135,454
Physician	$208,540	$135,450	54,545
Accountant	$75,450	$55,450	125,454
Project Manager	$105,450	$75,450	854,545

Note: The data provided in the table are estimates and the average salaries can vary depending on various factors including company, location, and more.

Biggest companies in Florida by city and number of employees

Florida is home to several Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies. You can find top employers offering high-paying jobs for different profiles. Here we have presented a list of top companies in Florida-

Company	City	Employees
Publix Super Markets	Lakeland	225,000
Walt Disney World	Lake Buena Vista	77,000
Universal Orlando Resort	Orlando	25,000
Florida Hospital	Orlando	23,000
Mayo Clinic	Jacksonville	65,000

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Best things to do in Florida

There are a lot of attractions and activities in Florida. Once you start living there, then you can explore the place-

Take a tour of Everglades National Park and enjoy hiking, wildlife catching and camping

Enjoy marine life coral reefs and shipwrecks at Dry Tortugas National Park.

Visit The Kennedy Space Center and enjoy exhibits to explore space-like experiences.

Watch The Notorious Melting Clock at the Salvador Dali Museum at St. Petersburg.

Pay a visit to the Southernmost Point of the Continental US at Key West.

Schools in Florida

Florida offers quality education with top schools, colleges and universities. If you are moving to Florida with children then you can check out the list of top elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities.

Elementary Schools in Florida
Pine View School, Osprey
Jacksonville Beach Elementary School, Jacksonville Beach
Morikami Park Elementary School, Delray Beach
Somerset Academy Elementary School South Miami Campus, Miami
Pinecrest Elementary School, Pinecrest

Middle Schools in Florida
Pine View School, Osprey
Doral Academy of Technology, Doral
Okaloosa STEMM Center, Niceville
West Shore Junior/Senior High School, Melbourne
Terrace Community Middle School, Thonotosassa

High Schools in Florida
School for Advanced Studied (SAS), Miami
Pine View School, Osprey
Archimedean Upper Conservatory Charter School, Miami
Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa
Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy, Hialeah

Colleges and Universities in Florida
University of Miami, Coral Gables
University of Florida, Gainesville
Florida State University, Tallahassee
Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
Rollins College, Winter Park

We hope this list of top schools, colleges and universities can help you find the best educational option for your child.

Type of insurance required in Florida

An insurance policy assures any mishappening due to various events. If you buy an insurance policy you can get compensation against any loss or damage. In this section, you will find different types of insurance you will need in Florida.

Homeowners Insurance

Florida is prone to hurricanes and several other natural disasters. So, the average cost of homeowners insurance is around $3000 per year in Florida. The cost can vary depending on several factors like property type, location of the property, and more.

Along with homeowners’ insurance, you might be interested in purchasing insurance coverage against floods and windstorms. Windstorm insurance is required to protect your home from damage due to hurricanes.

Auto Insurance

In Florida, you will need auto insurance of a minimum amount of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL).

When you buy auto insurance you might be interested in purchasing uninsured motorist coverage that will protect you if you are hit by a driver who does not have any insurance.

Health Insurance

In Florida, you can find several options for health insurance like employer-sponsored plans, Medicaid, and individual plans and you can also buy it from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.

The average cost of health insurance in Florida is around $400 per month.

Taxes in Florida

Florida is one of the states with no state income tax. If you are moving to Florida then you might have to pay several other types of taxes. In this section we have listed different types of taxes in Florida-

State Income Tax- No state income tax in Florida can help you save a lot of money.

Sales Tax- The sales tax rate is 6% in Florida which means you have to pay 6% sales tax on any purchase in the state.

Property tax The average effective property tax rate in Florida is 0.83% which is comparatively low.

Excise Taxes- In Florida you have to pay excise taxes on cigarettes, gasoline and alcohol.

Additional points about taxes in Florida

There are a few tax implications in Florida if you are moving to Florida.

You can save a significant amount of money in Florida as there is no state income tax.

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FAQs

1. How much money do you need to move to Florida?

Ans: The cost of relocating can differ greatly depending on several key factors. These include your departure location, the amount of belongings you plan to transport, the method of transportation, and the time of year you decide to move. For a standard move, you might expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000.
2. What’s it like to actually live in Florida?

Ans: Life in Florida is a perfect blend of outdoor fun, sunny weather, and other benefits that stand out among other U.S. States.

Here are some benefits of living in Florida: Affordable housing and the perk of having no state income tax can contribute to a lower overall cost of living.

Safe and Vibrant: The state has a comparatively low crime rate, which enhances its attractiveness as a place to settle down. For entertainment, Florida is unmatched with attractions like Walt Disney World, offering endless fun for families and visitors.

Hub for education: Florida is home to numerous highly-rated universities and colleges, making it an ideal locale for students and academics.
3. What is a livable salary in Florida?

Ans: Livable Salaries in Florida In Florida, the average annual salary is approximately $56,879, which breaks down to an hourly wage of around $27.35. However, the cost of living and the size of a household play significant roles in defining what is truly "livable."

For a single adult living in Florida: Daily Needs: Roughly $17.24 is required per day to meet basic living standards.

For a family of four (assuming two working adults):
Daily Requirements: Each earning member would need to provide about $23.62 daily to adequately support their living conditions.In Comparison With State Income Levels

Those earning between $34,348 and $61,719 per year find themselves within the income bracket that about 60% of Floridian residents fall into. The average state income provides a general benchmark, exact figures for a livable salary can vary. Factors such as household size and specific local living costs heavily influence these numbers. Thus, individuals and families need to consider these variables when calculating the necessary income to live comfortably in their specific situations.
4. What is the median salary in Florida?

Ans: The median salary in Florida varies, reflecting a range across different jobs and industries. On average, the typical annual pay in Florida is around $51,909. Salaries in the state can reach as high as $114,894 and dip as low as $17,319.
5. How fast can you commute in Florida?

Ans: Florida has an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes, which is slightly above the national average of 26.4 minutes. This minor difference could be influential depending on your daily travel needs.

Popular Commuting Methods in Florida

Driving their car

Carpooling

Remote Work

Public Transit

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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