
The Pros of Living in Florida
- 1. Reduced taxes. When living in Florida you can forget about the infamous state income tax, which is a perk that...
- 2. Mild winters. So many people dream of moving to Florida in hopes of basking in the sunshine during winter.
- 3. Florida is a coveted vacation destination. Receiving an average of 110 million tourists per year, Florida is...
Full Answer
What are the pros and cons to living in Florida?
- If you don’t like winter sports or cold weather, Florida is one of the best places to be in the US weather-wise, from about December to the end of March, ...
- Almost everyone loves living in Florida the first few months or years.
- Almost everyone you know who doesn’t live in Florida will envy you, especially after they have to shovel snow.
What are the best things about living in Florida?
Video: What I like and don’t like about living in Florida
- Weather Back in Chicago, our daughter was born during one of the coldest winters on record. She hardly left the house during the first four months of her life. ...
- Beauty Going hand in hand with the weather is the state’s beauty. Where we live is covered in pine forests and palmetto palms. ...
- Taxes Okay, this is a grownup concern, but it’s a big one. ...
What are the negatives to living in Florida?
Disadvantages of living in Florida: Florida has a high crime rate. According to evidence derived from FBI statistics, the crime rate in Florida is sophisticated and has been for years, than it is in most other states. This negative can be overawed by moving to a city or town in Florida that offers residents a low crime rate.
What are the disadvantages of living in Florida?
The cons or disadvantages of living in Florida
- The quality of healthcare in Florida is rated lower than most states. ...
- Living in Florida means facing a higher risk of natural disasters. ...
- Many residents feel Florida has become too overcrowded. There are now more than 20,000,000 people now living in Florida and 1000 more move in every day. ...
- Florida is known for having terrible drivers. ...

What are the pros and cons to living in Florida?
Let's take a look at the pros and cons of living in Florida.Pros: Beautiful Weather Year-Round. ... Cons: Say Goodbye to Seasons. ... Pros: Reasonable Cost of Living. ... Cons: Public Transportation Isn't the Best. ... Pros: Things to Do and People to See. ... Cons: The Bug Population.
Is living in Florida worth it?
Living in Florida won't break the bank Goods and services, healthcare, and housing in Florida all fall below the national average. If you want to move to a Florida city with a low cost of living, consider Jacksonville, which falls 9 percent below the national average.
What's the cons of living in Florida?
Disadvantages of Moving To Florida:Extreme Weather- That Hurts:Tornados:Hurricanes:Unplanned Growth – Urbanization:Insurance – Cost Of Living:Local Tax- High Sales Tax:Insects Bugs And Wildlife – Regular Visitors:Pros And Cons of Living in Destin Florida:More items...
Is life better in Florida?
Climate and culture, food and diversity, education and low cost of living are the perfect ingredients to a high quality of life in Florida. There are countless reasons why a life in Florida is the best. The state makes it easy to achieve a work-life balance.
What should I avoid in Florida?
This list will show you a few of the things you should try to avoid (and more importantly how badass we are for living here anyway.)...10 Things Everyone In Florida Should Avoid At All CostsHurricanes. ... Gators. ... Sinkholes. ... Sharks. ... Mosquitoes. ... Palmetto Bugs. ... Parking in direct sunlight.More items...•
Why should I not live in Florida?
Florida is known for its natural disasters, like hurricanes and sinkholes. Hurricanes can be deadly, and repairing storm damage done to a home or business could cost a lot. Hurricanes can knock out electrical grids in neighborhoods.
Do you pay state taxes in FL?
Florida does not have a state individual income tax. Florida has a 5.50 percent corporate income tax. Florida has a 6.00 percent state sales tax rate, a max local sales tax rate of 2.00 percent, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.01 percent.
What do I need to know before moving to Florida?
Things You Need to Know About Moving to FloridaWeather. Since this usually tops the list of reasons to move to Florida, let's start with the weather. ... Wildlife. While we're discussing the outdoors, we should cover the area wildlife. ... Housing. ... Cost of Living. ... Insurance. ... Employment. ... Population. ... Cuisine.More items...
Why are houses so cheap in Florida?
Lots of Land Contributes to Lower Prices There's even a surprising amount of coastline that is undeveloped, he said. In South Florida, where there is a scarcity of land, prices are higher. But the abundance of land in the rest of the state results in lower prices for both land and homes.
Which part of Florida is best to live in?
14 Best Places to Live in FloridaNaples. Nestled in the southwest corner of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico, Naples holds the top spot for places to live in Florida. ... Sarasota. ... Melbourne. ... Jacksonville. ... Pensacola. ... Tampa. ... Fort Myers. ... Port St.More items...•
What taxes you pay in Florida?
There is no personal income tax in Florida. Florida Sales Tax: Florida sales tax rate is 6%. Florida State Tax: Florida does not have a state income tax. Florida Corporate Income Tax: Corporations that do business and earn income in Florida must file a corporate income tax return (unless they are exempt).
Should I move to Texas or Florida?
While both states are about average in terms of cost of living, Texas is slightly cheaper. From a lack of income and property taxes to more variance in weather, you can't go wrong with Texas. But if you prefer warmer weather and don't mind the slightly higher costs, Florida might be right for you.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Florida
Learn the real pros and cons of living in or retiring to Florida from someone who has actually lived there for a long time, and has sold homes for...
Here Are Two Different Pro vs Con Lists of What It’S Like to Live in Florida full-time.
1. It’s warm and sunny all the time, after all they call it the sunshine state. 2. The beaches, I love going to the beach. 3. The golf courses. Flo...
Before Moving to Florida: Does Living in Florida Even Have Any negatives?
Ask anyone thinking of moving to Florida about the pros and cons of living in the sunshine state, and they will probably be able to give you a long...
11,000,000 Have Moved Out of Florida and Every Month About 30,000 More Follow
In March 2010, the University of Florida published the results of a study done by Stanley Smith and Scott Cody titled “An Analysis of Annual Migrat...
When is the best time to visit Florida?
If you don’t like winter sports or cold weather, Florida is one of the best places to be in the US weather-wise, from about December to the end of March, for warm weather. Almost everyone loves living in Florida the first few months or years.
How to avoid the Florida sun?
To avoid the Florida sun’s damaging rays, you have to wear a huge hat and dress like it’s winter or constantly grease yourself up with sunblock. Can you say “premature wrinkling”. Drivers can buy beer at almost every gas station, convenience, grocery an corner store in the state, and many do.
Why are Florida beaches closed?
Water at Florida’s beaches isn’t always as clean as it looks and the beaches can be closed because of high bacteria counts. When Florida real estate prices shoot up, so will your real estate taxes. The more often you go to Florida’s theme parks, the less of an enjoyable escape they’ll become.
Is a condo worth more in Florida?
The house or condo you buy in Florida will be worth more, then less, then more, then less and so on, than you paid. To make up for a lack of a state income tax, things like car registration in Florida, a drivers license as well as other fees and sales taxes will probably cost a lot more than where you moved from.
Can Florida residents buy a home on a waterway?
Florida residents are often offered “Florida resident only” special discounts on theme park admission. You can buy a home on a waterway where you can keep your massive boat right in your backyard and leave right from there and motor to the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. You can grow a palm trees right in your yard.
Can you golf in Florida in the winter?
After the winter “season” and the snowbirds leave Florida, the price of a round of golf drops considerably. You can golf, bike, ride your motorcycle, swim or do any other outdoor activity that doesn’t involve snow or cold temperatures, all year long. You can grow oranges and grapefruits in your yard.
The landscape is outrageously beautiful
Boasting 825 miles of accessible beach space, Florida isn’t lacking in pristine beaches with turquoise water. But the benefits of living in Florida reach far beyond its beautiful beaches.
No state income tax
Yes, really! Florida is one of 7 states that doesn't collect state income tax. While you'll still have to pay federal tax, you'll get to put away more money compared to living in other states. For comparison, California has among the highest taxes in the nation, with a base sales tax rate that's higher than 7.5% vis-a-vis any other state.
Better protection of financial assets
By establishing your primary residence in the state, you'll benefit from the best asset protection laws nationwide. Florida has generous creditor exemption laws that provide unlimited protection of the homestead and other assets, including retirement accounts, life insurance, annuities, and more.
A pretty reasonable cost of living
Is it really cheap to live in Florida? While Florida is not the cheapest state to live in, it is one of the more affordable states – especially considering how populous and popular it’s become in recent decades.
The Everglades
Yup, the Everglades are deserving of their own spot in this list. It isn't just a place to see alligators. You'll be hard-pressed to find another place that offers so much history and serenity all in one. Visiting the Everglades might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it's definitely a place you should go every so often.
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What are the industries in Florida?
Florida’s industries include a strong mix of tourism, agriculture, finance, aerospace, international trade and life sciences providing economic stability and a wealth of career opportunities – a big advantage if you’re looking to live and work in the sunshine.
What is the most famous attraction in Florida?
Walt Disney Resort is Florida’s most famous attraction and remains a huge draw for tourists from across the globe. Set amid miles of stunning, manicured grounds it truly is a magical place…imagine having that on your doorstep!
What are the beaches in Florida?
Notable beaches include Clearwater, Delray and of course, Palm Beach. Siesta Key has won awards for having the softest and whitest sand in the world. Your new home in Florida could be right by one of these iconic beaches. Florida coasts offer everything you can imagine and more.
What are some hobbies that people in Florida enjoy?
Water sports and activities feature heavily on the agenda of most Florida residents when they’re not working. Boating, fishing, swimming, surfing and scuba diving are just a few of the commonplace hobbies Florida residents enjoy in their downtime.
How long is a flight from the UK to Florida?
It’s not like the old days when flying from the UK to Florida was a huge undertaking. The flight’s just 9 hours long so you could leave the UK in the afternoon and be in Florida in time for dinner and drinks! Prices keep going down too as more airlines compete for the busiest times of the year.
What is Tampa known for?
16: The cultural smorgasbord that is Tampa. Tampa, well known for its museums and arts is also home to Busch Gardens, an amazing African-themed amusement park. The historic Ybor City area which has its history deeply rooted in Florida’s Spanish and Cuban community is a big draw.
When is the rainy season in Florida?
The rainy season from May through to October is dramatic and ensures that Florida’s lush flora continues to add a dramatic and beautiful touch to the landscape. Tropical plants and flowers thrive here and the parks and gardens simply glow with colour for much of the year.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in Florida?
The advantages and disadvantages of living in Florida include: No state income taxes. Reasonable cost of living. Robust economic opportunities. Plenty of recreational options. Lots of sunshine and warm weather. High probabilities for extreme weather. Negative effects of urbanization. High costs for insurance.
Why is Florida not a good place to live?
Because of sunny weather, a robust economy, reasonable costs, and plenty of fun things to do. Make Florida a great place to live. But, the state is not for everyone. Since there are good reasons not to live in Florida. The drawbacks include severe weather, heat, humidity, sales taxes, and the negative effects of urbanization.
What are the drawbacks of Florida?
Drawbacks To Florida Living: Hurricanes. Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form over warm ocean waters. And the peak season for these storms runs from June through November in Florida. Historically, the state has the most hurricanes in the country.
Where is the Big Bend region in Florida?
Specifically, the Big Bend Region located in the Northwest part of the state. And between these 2 examples. You can find everything in between. This makes the average cost of living in Florida. Well, average. When compared to the rest of the United States. Now, regardless of the pros and cons of Florida.
Does Florida have state income tax?
No State Income Taxes. The tax benefits of living in Florida are very good. So, state income taxes top my list of pros. Since it is one of the perks of living in Florida. Specifically, Florida residents pay no state income taxes.
Does Florida have corporate taxes?
While not having to pay individual income taxes saves you money in Florida. And corporate tax rates are some of the lowest in the country. On the other hand, the state can ding residents with other taxes and fees. Realize the combined average state and local sales tax rate is high.
Does Florida have tornadoes?
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Florida produces the 3rd most tornadoes of any state in the nation. Because unlike in the Midwest, Florida tornadoes can and do occur all year-round. On the other hand, these weather events are not as severe and deadly. When compared to other places in the Midwestern United States.
What are the best things to do in Florida?
Regardless of where you live in Florida, chances are you are not that far from a view of the water. The coastal life is a unique and enjoyable way to live, and it brings many people to the state of Florida. 12. Boating. The opportunity for boating is plentiful in Florida.
Is there a medical care in Florida?
Medical Care. Since there are so many retirees and elderly people living in the state of Florida, there is a wide range of access to medical care. Regardless of your ailment, you should be able to find a doctor of every kind on almost every corner.
Is Florida a tourist state?
Florida is filled with tourists. People love to travel to Florida, especially in the winter months. The tourists, unfortunately, crowd areas of Florida and make it more challenging to enjoy the state. In addition, many places will raise prices in the winter when the tourists come to take advantage of the great weather.
Is Florida a state park?
Florida has plenty of state park options for you to enjoy. The state parks offer education and information about the state and wildlife . If you enjoy nature and animals, the state parks are a great thing to explore in the state of Florida.
Is boating a hobby in Florida?
People enjoy large cruiser-type boats and also smaller fishing boats where they can go around and catch smaller fish. Boating is a tremendous hobby, but it is also a lifestyle in Florida.
Is Florida a good place to live?
Outdoor Entertainment . If you like spending time outdoors, Florida is a great place to live. You can enjoy time at restaurants and even listen to outdoor concerts. The outdoor entertainment in Florida is plentiful, and sometimes it even comes free of charge.
Does Florida offer a resident discount?
Florida Resident Discounts. Since Florida is such a big state, there is a lot of travel that goes on within the state. If you are living in Miami and want to travel to Jacksonville, chances are there will be a Florida resident discount.
Is Florida the same as the national average?
In addition to FL tax benefits for retirees, the cost of living in Florida is roughly the same as the national average. While obviously you should compare the cost-of-living in Florida to where you currently live, it’s helpful to know that the cost of goods and services more or less meets the national average.
Is Florida a state tax exempt state?
The good news is that because there is no state income tax in Florida, retirement income is tax exempt. Here is other great information on Florida taxes for retirees: Florida has no state income tax. No state taxes on pension income & income from an IRA or 401K. No state taxes on Social Security.
Is Florida tax friendly?
Is Florida Tax-Friendly for Retirees? The short answer is an enthusiastic yes, Florida is very tax-friendly for retirees. The state of Florida has done their best to entice seniors to retire here. You can see in the section below some of the specific information on Florida taxes for retirees. In addition to FL tax benefits for retirees, the cost ...
