Article Overview: Living in Florida
Are you weighing the pros and cons of moving to Florida?
Is the Sunshine State top of mind? Well, with a population reaching almost 22 million people and a surface that is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, there’s no denying that living in Florida feels like paradise.
Today we decided to go the extra mile and gathered all the facts to help you make an informed decision about moving to Florida easier.
So without further ado, let’s cover the HONEST pros and cons of living in Florida.
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Table of Contents
Living in Florida
- The Pros of Living in Florida
- #1. Reduced taxes
- #2. Mild winters
- #3. Florida is a coveted vacation destination (for a reason!)
- #4. Florida is diverse
- #5. Affordable housing
- #6. Great job market
- #7. Access to the beach
- #8. The sports culture
- #9. There’s never a shortage of something fun to do
- #10. An abundance of water recreation
- #11. Stunning flora & fauna
- #12. Prime state for growing produce at home
- Cons of Moving to Florida
- Pros & Cons of Moving to Florida (Post Summary)
Living in Florida
According to the United States Census Bureau, Florida is not only the third most-populated state in the country but also the second (after Texas) in experiencing the largest population increase in the last decade (2010-2020). More than 14% of the population moved to Florida within the last 10 years.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons that make life in Florida appealing for so many Americans.
Note: This post is part of the Local Living Series, wherein locals share honest insights of living in a specific city through comprehensive pros and cons lists. If you’d like to reach out to the author directly with questions, please do so in the comments below and our team will ensure it gets to the right person.
Interesting Facts About Living in Florida
Retirees: Florida is home to the largest population of retirees in the United States with many people moving to the state later in life for its warm climate and low cost of living.
Climate: Florida is the only state in the United States that has a tropical climate.
Longest Coastline: Florida has the longest coastline of any state in the United States, stretching over 1,350 miles.
Space: Florida is home to the Kennedy Space Center, where many of the United States’ most famous space missions have been launched.
Everglades: Florida is home to the Everglades National Park, which is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.
Oldest City in America: Florida is home to the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565.
Oranges: Florida is the largest producer of oranges in the United States.
Amusement Parks: Florida is home to the largest concentration of amusement parks in the world, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
Highest Point: The highest point in the Florida is Britton Hill, which stands at just 345 feet above sea level.
Gators: Florida is home to the largest alligator population in the United States, with over 1.3 million alligators living in the state.
Old Trees: Florida is home to one of the world’s oldest trees, a 4,500 year old cypress tree located in Big Cypress National Preserve.
Top 10 Most Populated Cities in Florida
| City | Population | Median Home Price | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 892,062 | $314,000 | $57,329 |
| Miami | 463,347 | $517,987 | $53,800 |
| Tampa | 399,700 | $420,000 | $59,577 |
| St. Petersburg | 265,098 | $390,000 | $53,470 |
| Orlando | 280,257 | $385,000 | $53,701 |
| Hialeah | 235,563 | $449,000 | $47,840 |
| Tallahassee | 194,500 | $299,000 | $61,858 |
| Port St. Lucie | 184,103 | $390,000 | $45,470 |
| Cape Coral | 179,804 | $447,000 | $42,909 |
| Fort Lauderdale | 179,497 | $600,000 | $51,756 |
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 cannot be overstated.
That’s right, there is no state income tax living in Florida.
This means that more of your paycheck stays with you. Furthermore, Florida is a fast-growing state, and thus, it offers a very robust economy; one of the strongest in the country.
Which means you’ll be able to earn more, pay fewer taxes, and enjoy the difference while living in Florida.
#2. Mild winters
So many people dream of moving to Florida in hopes of basking in the sunshine during winter.
Especially for those used to shoveling snow out of their front door and being trapped inside, moving to Florida will ensure those memories don’t spill over into reality. Winter temperatures average 65°F to 77°F, depending on the city.
In fact, Florida is the warmest state in the country, go figure.
Also worth mention: If you plan on living in Southern Florida (Miami and below), you’ll be able to enjoy beach life all year round. Hard not to like that!
#3. Florida is a coveted vacation destination (for a reason!)
Receiving an average of 110 million tourists per year, Florida is the second most visited state in America.
Welcoming tourists from surrounding states and visitors from all corners of the world to enjoy the beautiful the coveted Florida lifestyle; even if it is for 15 days at a time.
Needless to say, after moving to Florida, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from some of the best beaches in the country that are world-class destinations for tourists every year. Enjoying beach life as a local is definitely another big perk of moving to Florida.
#4. Florida is diverse
Florida is one of the most diverse states in America. This is largely in part to the influx of residents from the neighboring countries.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state’s population is approximately 60% white, 22% Hispanic or Latino, 16% African American, and 2% Asian.
You’ll have opportunities to meet people that are very different from you while living in Florida. And you know what they say, variety is the spice of life.
#5. Affordable housing
The median home cost in Florida is $232,000, which puts it way below the national average of $428,700. If you plan on purchasing a home after moving to Florida, you’ll be happy to learn that your investment is worth while.
With that being said, prices have escalated faster than these numbers indicate. The average home selling price in Florida is currently around $361,000 which is still well under the national average but catching up rapidly.
Home prices in Florida have increased nearly 20% over the past year, so the value of a home is appreciating nicely.
#6. Great job market
Florida’s unemployment rate is a good indicator of a strong job market. In fact, Florida is one of the best states for job seekers.
Even more impressive is that Florida had one of the fastest rates of job growth in 2020. Living in Florida you’ll find the it’s the third best state to land a gig.
Landing your dream job in paradise might be easier than you thought when living in Florida.
#7. Access to the beach
Spanning 1,200 miles, Florida’s impressive coastline (the largest in the continental US) is a big draw for a lot of folks moving to Florida. Home to some of the best beaches in the world, if you love the ocean then life in Florida is hard to beat.
How so? Well, besides the obvious destinations such as Miami, Florida boasts two distinct coasts: one facing the Atlantic Ocean and the other facing the Gulf of Mexico.
There’s no shortage of great beaches to choose from!
#8. The sports culture
Whether you like basketball, soccer, football, or any other sport, you’ll have at least one team playing in the highest national league to root for after moving to Florida.
The Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Buccaneers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Florida Panthers, the Orlando City SC, the Miami Marlins, the Dolphins, and many more.
Sports fans will never be bored with a sports team to support while living in Florida.
#9. There’s never a shortage of something fun to do
Although daily beach lounges are practically a law while living in Florida, there is plenty more to see in the state than just a blue-painted pool.
You can choose from great parks with springs, lakes, and rivers or you can go hiking, fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
Besides natural beauty, you can also visit a plethora of great amusement parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, LEGO Land, and Sea World.
These amusement parks are proof that life in Florida is a great option for families.
#10. An abundance of water recreation
Those who enjoy more than just the usual beach life can go deeper into the seaside lifestyle while living in Florida.
You can sail, dive, surf, canoe, snorkel, kayak and even hop aboard a yacht from time to time.
If you’ve practiced any of these before and would like to make them a part of your lifestyle, Florida offers you a plethora of spots and opportunities to master your skills.
Also worth mention, for those who love diving, Florida’s reef spans 350 miles and is the only living coral barrier in the continental USA and the third-largest in the world.
#11. Stunning flora & fauna
Half of the state’s land area is covered by forests (26,000 square miles) which boast a staggering 3,000 different types of wildflowers. This includes, of course, our beloved palm trees.
From the alligators in the Everglades to the West Indian manatees, Florida’s fauna is a delight for those who love animal contact.
Furthermore, Florida has over 500 nonnative animal species that include some very exotic (and beautiful) animals such as the Indian peafowl.
#12. Prime state for growing produce at home
One of my favorite parts of living in Florida is being able to actually grow fruit right in my backyard! Because of the weather conditions and the lack of freezing temperatures, many fruits and vegetables will grow, blossom, and give you food you can consume straight from the source.
Eating healthy, organic, and fresh isn’t this easy anywhere else in the country.
Another perk of living in Florida? You can grow oranges and grapefruit in your yard. How cool is that?
Cons of Moving to Florida
Not everything is high waves, beautiful beaches, and smiles; there are also some caveats to bear in mind about moving to Florida. Let’s take a look at some of the cons of living in Florida.
#1. High cost of living
Although housing is cheaper in Florida than it is in most other states in America, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research the overall cost of living in Florida is on the high side.
Weighing it against other perks of moving to Florida, this con might not change the equation for you, but it is good to take into account when planning.
#2. Healthcare rating
The US Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality create a ranking of the 50 states according to healthcare quality. In this ranking, Florida comes out 36 out of 50 states.
Furthermore, most hospitals in the state are ranked below the country’s average according to medicare.com. That being said, there are still plenty of facilities ranked among the top in the nation you can attend to.
#3. Overall crime rate
Although this is an average resulting from a combination of small towns and big urban areas, the overall crime rate in Florida is above the national average.
Again, that being said, if you hand-pick the town you’re going to and check its crime rate, you can choose a place to live with a crime rate far below the national average.
#4. Florida is prone to natural disasters
Moving to Florida might mean facing natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, drought, wildfires, and more. Indeed, every year the state has to deal with weather inclemency that can go from a mild storm all the way to a hurricane.
If you’ve ever been involved in such an event, you’ll know that it can be quite damaging to property. Thus, insurance is a must in Florida and fees tend to be higher than in most other places.
#5. You’ll need a car while living in Florida
Having a car is a must while living in Florida because things are spread far apart and the public transportation leaves much to be desired. Plus, the traffic is some of the worst in the country.
Plus, as you can imagine, a state receiving over 100 million tourists every year is bound to be accident prone. Sadly, Florida has the third highest traffic fatality rate in the country.
Furthermore, there’s a higher percentage of residents in their 80s and 90s who live in Florida and choose to get a driver’s licenses even though they have reduced reflexes. If you decide to go walking or cycling while living in Florida, beware of the grizzly statistic.
#6. The heat & humidity
As much as people rely on thick clothing, warm accessories, and heating devices in most US states, Florida demands air conditioning everywhere and loose fitting fabrics.
If you’re not used to hot weather then living in Florida can be intense, especially in the summer. The weather will make you sweat even if you are relaxing in the shade.
Likewise, you need your car’s and house’s air condition system to be fully functional, a non-negotiable statement during the summer season.
Finally, humidity can turn out to be oppressive when mixed with the high temperature. Still, it is nothing a good dive into the ocean after a hectic day can’t solve.
#7. The landscape is (completely) flat
The highest elevation in Florida is Britton Hill and at only 345 feet (105 meters), it tells you everything you need to know about the type of landscape you can expect while living in Florida.
If you love mountains, hiking, and climbing then you will have a very hard time getting your fill after moving to Florida.
That being said, the 1,200 miles of astonishing beaches and the 2,800 hours of sunlight a year might make you want to grab the board and hit the ocean rather than getting into your hiking gear anyways.
#8. Moving to Florida? Prepare for bugs
It won’t take long after moving to Florida to realize that it’s considered the buggiest states in the country for a reason.
But the fun doesn’t stop with bugs. The list includes snakes, rats, and lizards too. Moreover, if you’ve been to Florida as a tourist and been in tourist locations only, you enjoyed the weather in places sprayed with pesticide to make your stay better.
Don’t expect the same luxury as a local though!
When living in Florida year round, you get to experience the true mosquito population in the southern part of the nation. And no, mosquitos are not the official state bird of Florida, no matter how many you see daily.
Retiring in Florida FAQ
Is Florida a good place to live?
Florida is an especially good place to live for folks who love sunshine, retirees, and people looking to pay less in income taxes.
Natural disasters complicate the question a bit with millions (often billions of dollars in damage done each year) but overall Florida is a good place to live.
Is Florida a good place to retire?
Yes, Florida is a great place to retire. In fact, Florida is the most popular place to retire in the US and for good reason.
Retiring in Florida you’ll find there’s no state income tax, the weather is constantly warm (although the heat & humidity can be a bit oppressive), and the sun is almost always shining.
Is marijuana legal in Florida?
No, as of 2023, marijuana is not legal for recreational use in Florida. However, the state has a medical marijuana program that allows qualified patients to access marijuana for medicinal purposes.
In order to participate in the program, patients must have a qualifying condition and a recommendation from a doctor. Qualifying conditions include cancer, epilepsy, and PTSD, among others.
Medical marijuana is available in various forms, including oils, edibles, and vaporizers.
What are the best cities in Florida?
There are a bunch of great cities in Florida, and the best one for you depends on your personal preferences and needs. Some of the best include:
- Miami: Known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife, Miami is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.
- Tampa: Located on the west coast of Florida, Tampa is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse population, and thriving arts scene.
- Orlando: Home to world-famous theme parks and attractions, Orlando is a top destination for families and tourists.
- Gainesville: Located in north-central Florida, Gainesville is home to the University of Florida and has a thriving arts and music scene.
- Tallahassee: As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee is home to many state government agencies and institutions of higher learning. It is also known for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreation opportunities.
What are people that live in Florida called?
People who live in Florida are called Floridians. The term Floridian is the preferred demonym, according to the Florida Department of State.
Florida is the what state? (nickname)
Florida is known by several nicknames, including the Sunshine State, the Orange State, and the Alligator State. Living in Florida I can say there are a few others which I won’t mention here but the official one is The Sunshine State.
The Sunshine State nickname is the most widely recognized and is often used to promote tourism in Florida. This nickname refers to the state’s generally warm and sunny climate.
The Orange State nickname is a reference to the state’s history as a major producer of oranges.
The Alligator State nickname refers to the large population of alligators that live in the state.
What’s the population of Florida?
The population of Florida is estimated to be around 21.78 million people. Florida is the third most populous state in the United States, after California and Texas.
The state has a diverse population, with residents hailing from all over the world. Its large population and abundance of sunny days make it a popular destination for tourists and retirees.
How is the weather in Florida?
Living in Florida, the weather can vary widely depending on the region of the state. Generally speaking, Florida has a warm and humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
The average summer temperature in Florida is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), while the average winter temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
Florida is known for its sunshine, with an average of around 237 sunny days per year. However, the state is also subject to occasional thunderstorms, which can bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Florida is also vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes, which can occur during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November. Overall, the weather in Florida is generally warm and pleasant, making it a popular destination for tourists and retirees.
What’s the cost of living in Florida?
Overall the cost of living in Florida is slightly higher than the national average by a little over 3%. However, this varies tremendously depending on where you live in the state.
The cost of living in coastal cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota, and Tampa is much higher than other cities in central Florida such as Ocala and Gainesville.
What’s the median home price in Florida?
The median home price in Florida is currently $232,000 according the the Census Bureau, however recent sales prices indicate the actual median home price is closer to $361,000.
What are the top industries in Florida?
Tourism: Florida is a top vacation destination, with millions of visitors each year. The state’s warm climate, beautiful beaches, and many theme parks and attractions make it a popular choice for tourists.
Agriculture: Florida is a major producer of a variety of crops, including oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, and sugarcane.
Aerospace: Florida is home to a number of aerospace and defense companies, as well as several military bases.
Manufacturing: Florida has a large manufacturing sector, with companies producing a variety of products, including medical devices, aircraft parts, and electronics.
Real estate: Florida’s warm climate, beautiful beaches, and many tourist attractions make it a popular place to live, and the state has a large real estate market.
Finance and insurance: Florida is home to a number of banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions, and has a large financial services industry.
Healthcare: Florida has a large healthcare industry, with many hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Median salary in Florida
The median salary in Florida is currently $48,601.
Is Florida a tax-friendly state?
Florida is a very tax-friendly state. Living in Florida there is no state income tax, which means that residents of Florida do not have to pay state taxes on their personal income.
Florida also has relatively low property taxes, with the average effective property tax rate in the state being 1.02%. In addition, the state has a relatively low sales tax rate of 6%.
Map of Florida
Pros & Cons of Moving to Florida (Post Summary)
Moving to The Sunshine State might mean starting the next chapter in your life; a chapter full of love, outdoor activities, beach, water, and endless days of fun. Indeed, Florida has something to offer every member of the family; from Disneyland to Miami Heat matches.
- Reduced taxes
- Mild winters
- Florida is a coveted vacation destination
- Affordable housing
- Florida is diverse
- Great job market
- Access to the beach
- Sports culture
- Always something to do
- Water recreation
- Stunning flora and fauna
- You can grow produce at home
- High cost of living
- The healthcare rating
- Overall crime rate
- Florida is prone to natural distasters
- You’ll need a car while living in Florida
- The heat and humidity
- The landscape is completely flat
- Bugs galore
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Pros & Cons of Living in Florida (Post Overview)
| Pros of Living in Florida | Cons of Living in Florida |
|---|---|
| Reduced taxes | High cost of living |
| Mild winters | The healthcare rating |
| Florida is a coveted vacation destination | Overall crime rate |
| Affordable housing | Florida is prone to natural disasters |
| Florida is diverse | You’ll need a car while living in Florida |
| Great job market | The heat and humidity |
| Access to the beach | The landscape is completely flat |
| Sports culture | Bugs galore |
| Always something to do | |
| Water recreation | |
| Stunning flora and fauna | |
| You can grow produce at home |
I hope you found these pros and cons of living in Florida helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or comments, happy to help!
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Cheers!
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I am strong in my consideration to move to Florida. I would be coming from Lincoln, Nebraska. My main worry are the basic costs of living-rent, utilities, insurance, fees, food, internet, fuel. The extra’s are not my main concern, since I already live a frugal lifestyle.
In Lincoln, I am used to paying the 3rd lowest electric rate in America, little to no traffic, and pretty low unchanging rent. Not used to paying fees for extra things associated with renting. I am single, no pets. So hope to find a decent apartment starting no more than $750-900 per month.
I guess my question is, what is the basic cost of living for a single man, leaving out entertainment and excursions? Looking forward to answers. Also looking forward to having near year round access to fresh produce!
Florida has become overcrowded and trying to drive anywhere is taking your life in your hands along with the need to plan lots of extra time for accidents. Also, add snakes to the bugs section. I’v e lived in 3 homes in 9 years here and always had snakes to deal with on the grounds.
Yes! Lots of people forget about the snakes! Not to mention, the iguanas that tend to damage property.
You will not find a rental under 1500. Most are over 2000 a month. My rent just increased this year to 2300 from 1700.
There are fees for everything as well.
The cost of living is much higher. In my experience about %25 higher.
A simple example: a gallon of water in Oregon could be purchased for 1.00. The same week in Florida it was an advertised special at 1.29.
Eggs 2.99 a doz in Oregon were 3.89.
It can be nice moving away from winter, but expect to lower your standard of living or earn some extra cash.
bugs,hot weather,humidity just go to Louisiana or South Alabama everything is cheaper and you can wade in the gulf to cool off (watch out for jellyfish)Michigan my Michigan!(more room for us )
Great! You move to Florida and let the bugs eat you alive with the humidity running down your cheeks as you over-pay for your gas, groc’s, utilities, etc., and I’ll move to Lincoln, Nebraska.
I might consider it but it would be a hard sell knowing that every few years you could end-up being completely wiped out of everything you own & having to start over again from scratch! That, and the alligators crawling up on your front porch to ring the door bell holds me back.
I’ve lived in Florida since 1976. I am a Southerner with a long family lineage in the South. Florida was a nice place until around 2005 or so. Miami, Orlando, and the Tampa area has been overpopulated for years prior. Today it seems almost every city in Florida is overcrowded. The city of St Augustine is all but destroyed with excessive growth. A home selling for. $120,000 ten years ago is now $300,000. The Southern culture is overrun with northern transplants and over development. It is no longer worth living here. I can’t wait to leave Florida. Don’t buy that lie about how great Florida is. All I see now is a bunch of miserable dreamers here.