9 things to know before moving to Florida
Planning a move to the Sunshine State? Here's everything you need to know before packing up the moving truck.
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Florida is one of the most popular destinations for Americans on the move. According to reporting from Orlando-based News 6 using data from Florida's Office of Economic and Demographic Research , the state is on track to receive an average of 200,000 new residents annually in the coming years, which shakes out to about 650 new residents per day. While overall migration rates to the state are slowing compared to a 2024 peak, Florida remains one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S.
If you're considering a move to the Sunshine State, there are a few things to consider first. From intense weather to the high cost of living, Florida may not be for everyone. However, this coastal state has a lot to offer to those who take the plunge.
Before you start packing, check out our picks for the best movers in Orlando , Miami and Jacksonville . You can also read our guide to the information you'll need for an accurate moving estimate to make your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible.
9 key factors to consider before moving to Florida
The Miami skyline with a beach and palm trees in the foreground
This list provides a clear overview of key factors to consider before deciding to move to Florida.
1) From heat to hurricanes, Florida weather is no joke
Severe weather and natural disaster risk are likely the first things you'll be thinking about if you consider moving to Florida. This coastal state is infamous for its intense heat and humidity throughout most of the year, as well as its status as one of the most hurricane-prone states in the U.S.
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Anyone planning to settle in Florida should be prepared to hurricane-proof their home with things like hurricane-resistant roofing and hurricane tie-downs. If you live in Florida for more than a few years, you are likely to experience a hurricane.
Extreme heat and humidity are also real concerns, making air conditioning an absolute must for Florida homes. Don't forget to factor this in when calculating home-energy costs ahead of your move. Florida's temperatures and weather conditions may also impact the timing of your move. With intense heat during summer and hurricane risks in fall, planning your Florida move during the spring may be your best bet.
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If you're using a storage pod or container for your move, read our guide on how weather can affect your portable storage unit . Florida's heat and storms can cause delays in delivery times and impact storage conditions, so planning ahead is key.
Note that weather conditions vary throughout the state, and temperatures tend to be higher in South Florida than in North Florida. If you're moving to South Florida, local experts like the best movers in Fort Lauderdale or the best movers in West Palm Beach can help you plan for the area's heat and hurricane season. Our guide to Florida moving company licensing and regulations can help make sure you hire a proper mover.
However, temperatures throughout the state rarely get below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, even during winter in northern cities like Tallahassee, according to U.S. Climate Data . This makes Florida an ideal place for people who prefer warmer year-round temperatures.
2) There's no state income tax
Close-up of a person doing their taxes
Florida does not have a state income tax, which means that the individual tax burden is lower for most Florida residents. This may be a motivating factor for some people considering a move to the Sunshine State.
Only nine U.S. states do not collect state income taxes. If you live in Florida, you will still be required to file federal taxes.
3) The cost of living is higher than the national average
Before you pack your bags and head south, consider that Florida has a relatively high cost of living compared to other U.S. states.
According to World Population Review , Florida ranks among the top 20 states with the highest cost of living in the U.S. According to a 2025 study from Florida Atlantic University's College of Business , nearly 50% of Floridians have considered leaving the state due to its high cost of living.
This affects things like housing and utility costs, groceries, healthcare costs and more. For groceries and health-related expenses, Florida is the 10th-most-expensive state in the country, according to World Population Review.
4) Florida has high insurance rates across the board
Cars waiting in traffic on a street lined with palm trees in Miami, Fla.
Whether it's car insurance, home insurance or flood insurance, your rates will most likely be higher than you're used to if you move to Florida.
Based on a range of sources, including Forbes , LendingTree and Insure , Florida consistently ranks among the top 10 for the highest auto insurance rates in the country. This can be attributed to multiple things, including Florida's higher-than-average rate of car accidents and its no-fault insurance system, according to Florida Today .
Florida also had the highest home insurance rates in the country in 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors , using data from Insurify. However, rate increases are beginning to cool in 2025, according to Orlando news outlet WESH 2 . Hurricanes and natural disaster risk are the key reasons behind Florida's high home insurance rates. Unfortunately, Florida also leads the nation in non-renewal rates for home insurance, according to Central Florida Public Media .
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Note that home insurance and standard renter's insurance in Florida do not include flood insurance. If you want to be covered for flood events — which are a notable risk in the state, according to Florida Health — you will need to purchase coverage separately.
5) HOAs are common in Florida
A homeowners' association (HOA) is a private organization that governs a community of homeowners, collects dues for maintenance, repairs and other services, and sets and enforces certain rules. In Florida, HOAs are very common.
According to the 2024 U.S. National and State Statistical Review from the Foundation for Community Association Research, Florida has the second-highest number of HOAs, as well as the second-highest number of residents living in HOAs, next to California. Approximately 40% of Florida's population resides in HOA-governed communities.
For older adults moving into HOA neighborhoods or communities for those 55 years of age and up, consider working with a mover experienced in senior relocation. Helping Hand Movers , one of the best moving companies in Naples , specializes in senior moving services.
While you can certainly find a home outside of an HOA in Florida, it will be trickier than in most other states. For those who want full control over how they style and maintain their properties, living in an HOA will likely be a no-go.
6) Yes, Florida's wildlife is as wild as it seems
A large alligator rests next to a swamp in Everglades National Park
If you're not from Florida, it's easy to imagine this swampy state as a surreal jungle full of alligators, manatees and giant insects — and you wouldn't be wrong. Florida's natural habitat is full of larger-than-life flora and fauna, some of which can be pretty dangerous.
Thankfully, alligator danger is almost entirely preventable, as the majority of alligator attacks involve some form of risky human behavior. Researchers have found that "in 96% of recorded incidents, some form of human inattention or risk-taking preceded the attack," according to the University of Florida . To keep yourself safe, pay attention and always be respectful and cautious around wild animals. If you have kids, take extra care to impress upon them the importance of being careful around wildlife.
Florida is also well known for its abundance of insects, including palmetto bugs (otherwise known as flying cockroaches), biting flies, mosquitoes and other pests. If you plan to live in Florida, get ready to battle the bugs.
7) Florida faces notable threats due to sea-level rise
"Florida is one of the states most threatened by sea-level rise," according to U.S. News and World Report , and some of the state's infrastructure is at risk as a result. "The at-risk infrastructure includes public and affordable housing, public health and safety buildings and industrial contamination facilities."
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists , "as many as 170 of today's critical infrastructure assets [in Florida] would be at risk of being flooded, on average, twice annually by 2050."
While Florida has ample coastline real estate, it may be wiser to purchase property further inland to mitigate flood risks down the line.
8) Expect crowding — and lots of tourists
Pensacola Beach crowded with lots of people on a summer day
Florida's population has grown by 8% since 2020, according to U.S. News and World Report , and the numbers are expected to keep climbing. As a result, Florida's resources, infrastructure and school systems are experiencing strain, according to Gulf Coast News . If you value wide open spaces with minimal crowds, Florida may not be the right place for you.
The Sunshine State is also a popular tourist destination and vacation hotspot, attracting hundreds of millions of tourists each year, according to Visit Florida , the state's tourism department. While easy access to beautiful beaches, amusement parks and wildlife areas is a huge perk of living in Florida, be aware that these attractions are usually quite busy, especially during summer.
9) Florida has endless things to do, both indoors and outdoors
For many people, Florida's biggest draw is its endless supply of opportunities for recreation, nightlife, culture and family fun.
Theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld are obvious favorites, but the state also has hundreds of museums, including the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg and the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West. Once you're a Florida resident, you can access special discounts for Orlando's amusement parks.
If you prefer being outdoors, Florida is home to some of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in the country, including Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park and Blue Spring State Park.
That said, if you're a fan of hiking in the mountains, you may be a bit disappointed by Florida's flat landscape. This coastal state has plenty of beaches, springs and swamps, but no alpine regions. In fact, Florida's highest point, Britton Hill, sits just 345 feet above sea level, according to Visit Florida .
Should you move to Florida?
Aerial view of Miami's South Beach
Florida has a lot to offer new residents, including lower taxes, world-class entertainment and a gorgeous natural environment. That said, it also has some notable drawbacks.
If you move to Florida, your home and auto insurance rates will most likely increase. You might also end up spending more on housing, utilities, groceries and health-related costs. This is because the cost of living in Florida is higher than in most other states, especially when it comes to insurance and food.
It's also important not to underestimate the severity of Florida's weather. Prepare for extreme heat and humidity during summer, as well as the potential for hurricanes in fall and winter. If you purchase a home in Florida, you will likely end up spending more on roofing costs than you would in a state with milder weather.
Some of the upsides of living in the Sunshine State include the lack of state income tax, access to discounts on amusement parks and convenient proximity to natural areas like beaches and springs. If you like warm weather, sunny beaches and having lots of activities to choose from, moving to Florida could be a great choice. Just be prepared for the increased costs and storm risks.
If you're ready to start planning your move, check out Yahoo Local's vetted moving company recommendations , starting with the best national moving companies for long-distance moves .
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