What are the pros and cons of moving to Florida? Are you considering moving to Florida? Moving to a new state is a big decision, and if you’re not sure what you’re walking into, it can be very overwhelming. It’s always a great idea to look at a new adventure from all angles, especially when that idea involves you uprooting your entire life. Luckily, we’ve already done the heavy lifting for you and prepared a list of major pros and cons to consider for your big move to Florida. We’re covering everything from the weather to tax information. Grab a notebook and prepare to take notes; these are things you’re going to want to reference before making your big decision.

 

What are the pros of relocating to Florida?

What are the pros and cons of moving to Florida? In the spirit of our love for Florida, let’s start with the pros. Aside from the fact that it’s home to two world-famous theme parks Disney World and the East Coast’s Universal Studios, there are so many other things Florida has got going for itself. Check them out.

  1. Sunny Weather. Florida is known for its sunny weather. It never snows, and it’s warm most of the year. This is great if you love being active and going out for lots of adventures. This means that between the beaches, nightlife, and an unlimited number of places and activities available, you will never be bored or cold.
  2. The housing market is still relatively low. Notice how we said “still.” Although the housing market has increased by over 30% over the last five years, Florida realtors still consider buying real estate in Florida a great investment. So Florida is still a great place to invest in despite nationwide real estate trends.
  3. Florida State Tax: Florida does not have a state income tax. If you currently live in a state with a high-income tax, you’ll love this one. This is a great perk that helps you save money (or rather keep it). This is especially great news if you’re in a higher income bracket.
  4. Unlimited Entertainment. Nothing goes better with sunny weather than lots of entertainment options. Between the world-class Florida beaches, the nightlife, and the hiking trails, there are more than enough choices to keep you entertained year-round. You can live in Florida your whole life and never run out of things to do.
  5. Great for Retirees. Sure, Florida is full of nightlife, but did you know it also holds many retiree communities? So if you’re looking for a peaceful place to settle down, Florida is a great retirement choice.

What are the cons of relocating to Florida?

What are the pros and cons of moving to Florida? Of course, every rose has its thorns. Florida is not for everyone, and if you are seriously considering moving there, you should consider some of its downsides. Some of them might not seem like a big deal, and some might be complete deal-breakers. Keep reading to see if you think you can handle the downsides of relocating to Florida.

  1. Hurricanes. California has fires, Alaska has earthquakes, and Florida has hurricanes. Florida ranks as the most hurricane-prone state in the country. If you’re considering a permanent address in Florida, be prepared for (mostly annoying and inconvenient) hurricane warnings, particularly from August to October.
  2. Lots of Bugs. You might have heard about the crazy humidity in Florida. But you might not have heard about the number of bugs or the size of them that the humidity draws. Moving to Florida means you’ll have to get comfortable with your eek factor and learn to be ok with all kinds of creepy crawlies.
  3. High Insurance Cost. It’s a good thing you’ll be saving some money in income tax because you’ll be needing it to pay the high Florida home insurance rates. The state’s susceptibility to hurricanes and a rising insurance fraud rate contribute to the state’s high insurance cost. Florida residents paying almost double the amount of home insurance than other states.
  4. So much Tourism. If you’re going to settle down in Florida, you need to consider the amount of tourism and everything that comes with it. You can expect to be dealing with a lot of heavy traffic and crowded places. There is so much tourism that locals reportedly have the best places under wraps to avoid tourists taking over their favorite spots.
  5. A Media Circus. This one is only a deal-breaker if you’re overly sensitive, but we thought we’d let you know what you’re getting yourself into. Over the last decade, Florida has become somewhat of a national and worldwide joke. Of course, we’re talking about the infamous “Florida Man.” So if you become a Florida resident, expect to have a number of jokes made at your expense. Embrace it! Also, be prepared for Florida to be on the news a lot.

There you have it: all the good, the bad, and the ugly. But, at the end of the day, we love it here. Living in Florida can be great. Why else would so many people go out of their way to make it their home away from home? And why would thousands of others make it their tourism choice? They do it because when it’s good, it’s great. The vibe is always top-notch, and the culture and food are phenomenal.

We encourage you to dig a little deeper into Florida life. Take virtual tours, research the beaches, look up the homes. We have a feeling you’ll be in awe of all the hidden beauty in Florida. And if you’re worried about the cons, know that there are hundreds of services and products to help you prepare for everything from cockroaches to hurricanes. So, after reading this list, how do you feel you would do as a fellow Floridian? Check this article out for some more reasons.

If you’re looking for a moving company to help with your move to Florida, click here for a free quote.