Moving to Florida in 2023? Complete Relocation Guide

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

Are you planning to move to Florida?

If you enjoy swimming, sailing, diving, yachting, water sports, or going on a cruise, moving to Florida is perfect for you.

Florida’s cosmopolitan population, sumptuous foods, many attractions, beaches, and theme parks make it a remarkable place to live.

The sunshine state is home to lots of lakes, rivers, springs, nature trails, and reptiles. If you’d like to do away with the cold weather and shoveling snows, moving to Florida is right for you.

Florida is an exciting haven for outdoor enthusiasts and the number of things you can do to have fun outdoor is almost endless.

If you’re wondering if moving to Florida is right for you, this guide contains all the key information you need to know about the state in order to make the right decision.

Demographics

Florida Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Florida.

Male vs Female Population of Florida 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Florida 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Florida 2021

facts of Florida

Quick Facts about Florida

  • You’ll enjoy sunshine all year in Florida
  • There is no state income tax in Florida
  • The largest city in Florida by population is Jacksonville
  • The unemployment rate in Florida is slightly lower than the U.S. average
  • Florida averages zero inches of snow in a year
  • The average hourly pay for the average job in Florida is $24.96 an hour
  • The median age in Florida is 41.6 years
  • Florida’s median home value is $237,100

What’s the population of Florida?

The population of Florida is 21,944,600 people. The state stretches across 65,755 square miles (170,304 square kilometers). Florida is the eighth most densely populated state in the United States with 353.4 people per square mile, (136.4 per square kilometer).

  • Florida’s median age is approximately 41.6 years
  • Florida’s population is made up of 51.1% females and 48.9% males
  • Florida has recorded a 15.18% population growth since 2010
  • Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida by population (900,000+)
  • Miami-Dade County is the largest county by population in Florida

How fast can you commute in Florida?

Florida’s average one-way commute time is 27.0 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. That means commuting in Florida is slightly longer than the U.S. average. Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here’s how people in the sunshine state commute to work:

  • About 79.5% of Floridians drive their own car alone
  • Around 9.2% of Floridian’s carpool with others
  • Up to 5.6% of Floridians work from home
  • About 2.0% of Floridians take mass transit

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How is the weather like in Florida?

If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Florida, the sunshine state has sunny weather. You won’t have to bother about cold or shoveling snow in winter. Here’s a simple analysis of the state of Florida’s weather:

  • Florida’s summer high in July is around 91 degrees
  • Florida’s winter low in January is about 49 degrees
  • Florida’s rainfall averages 55 inches a year
  • Florida averages zero inches of snow a year
moving to florida

Top 10 Reasons to Move to Florida

WWhy should you consider moving to Florida? There are several reasons why moving to Florida is such a great idea.

We’ve made a list of the top ten reasons why people are moving to Florida:

  • There is no state income tax in Florida

    One of the biggest pluses of moving to Florida is the absence of income tax which ensures you a fat paycheque.

  • Florida is a sports lover’s haven

    Florida’s sports culture is robust and the state is passionate about soccer, football, and baseball. But basketball is the most prominent game in Florida. Almost every county in Florida has a basketball team. Even motorsports have got takers in Florida.

  • Florida is home to a wide range of cultures

    Florida is a “melting pot” of cultures and ethnicities and every inch of the state is infused with people from different nationalities – Cuba, Haiti, South America, Caribbean Islands. While living here, it is easy to get immersed in different heritage, rituals, food, music, art, and dance.

  • Florida’s beaches are outrageously beautiful

    The Sunshine state has about 1,200 miles of coastline and this makes the state a perfect choice for beach lovers.

    Here’s a list of the 10 best beaches in Florida.

    • Delray Beach
    • Sanibel Island
    • Clearwater Beach
    • Naples
    • Santa Rosa Beach
    • Fort Walton Beach
    • George Island
    • Amelia Island
    • Panama City Beach
    • Dry Tortugas National Park
    • Key West

  • You’ll enjoy warm weather all-year-round

    On average, Florida’s weather is warm year round. Summers are long, warm, and humid. Winters are short, dry, and mild. During the wet season, the state will be too humid and thunderstorms are normal.

  • Housing is reasonably affordable

    Finding a home is easier and affordable in Florida. The median home value is $237,100. The average rent of a studio apartment in Florida is $832, which is much lower than the national average.

  • If you like golf, you’ll enjoy Florida

    With the Sun throughout the year, Florida is one of the best places to golf. The Sunshine State has more golf courses per capita than any other place in the country

    We’ve got the best golf courses in Florida.

    • Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club
    • World Golf Hall of Fame
    • Disney's Palm Golf Course
    • The Breakers Palm Beach - Rees Jones Course
    • Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
    • South Seas Island Resort Golf Course
    • Florida's First Coast of Golf Courses
    • Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course
    • Fisherman's Cove Golf Course
    • The Lagoon Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

  • You won’t have to bother about dealing with snow anymore

    Florida is snow-free and it is warm throughout the year. This means you don’t need to worry about cleaning up the snow in winter mornings.

  • You can live the pirate life

    Florida has got a history of pirates and there are many stories of shipwrecks and treasure. The state hosts many pirate festivals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers games, and expeditions for hidden treasure off the coasts.

  • Homes are affordable in Florida

    Florida is home to the vacation houses of many celebrities including Michael Jordan, John Travolta, Tom Cruise, and Jodie Foster. The mansions of celebrities are always hotspots for visitors and often you may come across the luxury vehicles of your favorite celebrities and if fortunate, a glance of them.

florida pros and cons

Pros & cons of living in Florida

Considering the pros and cons of living in the sunshine state can make it easier for you to decide if moving to Florida is right for you.

We’ve made a list of the various pros and cons of living in the state to give you an idea of what to expect.

Pros of living in Florida Cons of living in Florida
You’ll enjoy the sunny weather in FloridaThe sunny weather can become unbearable sometimes
You don’t have to bother about shoveling snow in the winterYou may have to put up with hurricanes in Florida
Florida has no state income taxFlorida crime rate is above the US average
Lots of state parks and world-class beaches in FloridaFlorida healthcare quality is lower than most states
You’ll enjoy lots of outdoor sports in FloridaThe cost of living in Florida is relatively higher
Florida is home to lots of theme parksFlorida is somewhat overcrowded
You’ll find plenty of interesting and exotic animal lifeFlorida is susceptible to natural disasters
Florida is a cosmopolitan state with a mixed populationYou’ll have to put up with reptiles in Florida
Homes are affordable in FloridaFlorida is dangerous to pedestrians and other road users
You can easily grow oranges and grapefruit in your own yardFlorida is known for having terrible drivers
Florida is home to top-quality schools
place in florida

Best Places to Live in Florida

Moving to Florida means getting the chance to live in some of the best places in the state.

Since you’re planning to move to Florida, here are the ten best places to live in the state.

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1Palm Beach8,7232.3%$1,177,100
2Key Biscayne12,9155.3%$1,211,000
3Sanibel7,3191.5%$721,200
4North Palm Beach13,0292.5%$328,100
5Satellite Beach10,8732.9%$300,200
6Naples21,8123.2%$988,500
7Lighthouse Point11,1953.1%$538,700
8Longboat Key7,2833.1%$740,500
9Tequesta6,0712.6%$381,100
10Parkland31,4543.6%$611,800

Florida Cities Moving Guides

cost of living in florida

Cost of Living in Florida

Florida’s cost of living is rated 102.8, the national average is 100. That means the cost of living in Florida is higher than the national average.

Median House Price in Florida vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Florida vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Florida vs USA 2021

Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in the state:

Cost of living Florida United States
Overall102.8100
Grocery102.8100
Health98100
Housing102.6100
Median Home Cost$237,100$231,200
Utilities101.3100
Transportation112.6100
Miscellaneous96.9100
The national average is 100.

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Florida Housing Market

Florida’s median home value is $237,100. Over the last ten years, homes in Florida have appreciated by 33.7%. At the moment, home appreciation in Florida is up by 7.8%.

Florida’s median home rental cost

Around 27.0% of Floridians are renters, while about 2.7% of homes and apartments in Florida are available to rent. Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here are the state’s median home rental cost:

  • The average cost of a studio apartment in Florida is $832
  • The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Florida is $945
  • The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Florida is $1,174
  • The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Florida is $1,584
  • The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Florida is $1,903
jobs in florida

How is the job market in Florida?

Florida has a healthy job market and the unemployment rate in the sunshine state is lower than the national average.

Since you’re considering moving to Florida, the following is a breakdown of the state’s job market:

What’s the unemployment rate in Florida?

  • How soon can you get a job if you’re moving to Florida? Let’s find out!
  • Florida’s unemployment rate is 3.5%. The national average is 3.7%
  • Florida’s job growth has been positive so far
  • Over the past year, jobs in Florida have increased by 2.1%
Employment Information Florida United States
The income per Cap$28,774$31,177
Household Income$50,883$57,652
Unemployment Rate3.50%3.70%
Recent Job Growth2.06%1.59%
Future Job Growth41.64%33.51%

What’s the median salary in Florida?

How much will you most likely earn if you move to Florida? Whether you’re interested in getting a job after moving to Florida or not, having an idea of the average pay in the state can give you a glimpse of the state’s economy.

Here are the average salary and income in the sunshine state since you’re considering moving to Florida:

  • The average annual pay for the average job in Florida is $51,909 a year
  • The average hourly pay for the average job in Florida is $24.96 an hour
  • The average weekly pay in Florida is $998 a week
  • The average monthly pay in Florida is $4,326 a month
  • Salaries in Florida could be as high as $114,894 and as low as $17,319
  • Top earners (90th percentile) earn $76,033 annually in Florida

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Who are the largest employers in Florida?

Florida is home to several large employers. If you’re considering working for some of the largest companies in the sunshine state, moving to Florida will be perfect for you. Here’s a list of the top ten employers in Florida:

Rank Company City Employees
1PublixLakeland191,000
2Darden RestaurantsOrlando178,729
3JabilSaint Petersburg177,000
4CarnivalDoral97,200
5Bloomin’ BrandsTampa94,000
6Navarro Discount PharmaciesMedley80,000
7GenesisDoral68,700
8G4S Secure SolutionsJupiter68,000
9Royal Caribbean CruisesMiami65,950
10Sykes EnterprisesTampa54,550

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What are the top career options in Florida?

Moving to Florida could mean switching to a new career or getting a new job. That means you’ll most likely be interested in the top career options in the sunshine state. Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here’s a list of the top 10 top career options in the state:

Rank Job Description Growth % Entry Level Salary # of Employmen
1Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons$282,650$205,080250
2Anesthesiologists$268,470$82,0701,180
3Obstetricians And Gynecologists$249,380$128,5301,090
4Orthodontists$242,130$147,200170
5Airline Pilots, Copilots, And Flight Engineers$226,930$101,7905,290
6Family Medicine Physicians$217,870$102,36011,830
7Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$212,780$62,12027,380
8General Internal Medicine Physicians$204,690$66,0201,240
9Psychiatrists$203,830$47,9601,240
10Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists$189,260$37,0601,580

What are the top industries in Florida?

Florida is home to 18 Fortune 500 companies and 20 Fortune 1000 companies. Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here’s a list of the various industries powering the state’s economy:

  • Tourism
  • Agriculture
  • International Trade
  • Aerospace and Aviation
  • Life Sciences
  • Financial and professional services
  • Information Technology
  • Cleantech
  • Defense and homeland security
  • Headquarters
  • Logistics and distribution
  • Manufacturing
taxes in florida

How are taxes like in Florida?

Taxes are always part of the key things to consider before moving to Florida.

Depending on where you’re moving from, moving to the sunshine state could mean paying more or less in taxes. Here’s a simple breakdown of taxes in the state if you’re moving to Florida:

  • There is no income tax in Florida
  • Florida sales tax is 6% - 8.50%
  • Florida property tax: 0.83% average effective rate
  • Florida gas tax is 4 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline

How safe is Florida?

You’ll most likely be interested in crime rates in the sunshine city before making up your mind about moving to Florida. Here are key data about crime rates in Florida:

  • The property crime rate in Florida is 37.3. The national average is 35.4
  • The violent crime rate in Florida is 24.4. The national average is 22.7

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.

10 Safest places to live in Florida

You’ll most likely be interested in living in some of the safest places if you’re moving to Florida. To make it easier for you to streamline your searches while house hunting, we’ve made a list of the 10 safest cities in the sunshine state. Here are the safest places to live in if you’re moving to Florida:

Rank City Population Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K
1Parkland, FL35,24425536
2Marco Island, FL18,12438457
3Weston, FL71,94645503
4Sanibel, FL7,52539598
5Longboat Key, FL7,3790799
6Lake Alfred, FL6,12348604
7Flagler Beach, FL5,15758795
8Bay Harbor Islands, FL6,01849847
9Indian Harbour Beach, FL8,61646986
10North Palm Beach, FL13,27375836
florida

Best things to do in Florida

Florida is home to some of the most exciting places on earth. Moving to Florida means getting the chance to have as much fun as you want, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.

Here are the best things to do if you’re moving to Florida:

  • Visit the Everglades National Park

    The 1,508,976-acre Everglades National Park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and is a World Heritage State. The park is the most significant breeding ground for tropical wading birds in North America and contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere, The park is also home to about 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles.

  • Tour the Walt Disney World

    The entertainment resort complex, Walt Disney World comprises 4 theme parks, 27 themed resort hotels, nine non-Disney hotels, several golf courses, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues, including the outdoor shopping center Disney Springs. One of the largest entertainment centers in the world, Disney World is also the most visited in the world.

  • Explore the Universal Studios

    A Hollywood-styled theme park in Orlando, Universal Studios has unlimited rides, shows, attractions, character appearances, dining outlets, and merchandise stores at each of its entertainment zones and is one of the most visited theme parks in the world.

  • Visit the Kennedy Space Centre

    The John F. Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s primary launch center of human spaceflight. The 144-acre center has about 700 facilities and buildings including the Launch Control Center and Vehicle Assembly Building. The space center was the location for the Apollo program.

  • Explore the Busch Gardens Tampa

    The 335-acre animal theme park has multiple roller coasters and thrill rides and attracts about 4 million visitors annually. Its zoo is home to about 200 species of animals.

  • Spend quality time at the Miami Beach

    The coastal resort city is famous for its miles-long white sandy beach. But Miami Beach doesn’t end with the golden sands. It also boasts of a vibrant nightlife that needs to be experienced. The city is also a popular shopping destination.

  • Visit the Dry Tortugas National Park

    Situated almost 70 miles west of Key West, the 100-square-mile Dry Tortugas National Park is home to seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is famous for magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of birdlife that frequents the area.

  • Experience the Daytona 500

    The 500-mile annual motor race at Daytona Beach is one of the most important and prestigious races on the NASCAR calendar. It is also one of the most watched races on American television.

  • Explore the Salvador Dali Museum

    An art museum in St. Petersburg, dedicated to Salvador Dali has a massive collection of 96 oil paintings, over 100 watercolors and drawings, 1,300 graphics, photographs, sculptures. The museum building is an architectural wonder with a large glass entryway and skylight made of 1.5-inch thick glass.

  • Visit the St Augustine’s Historic District

    A National Historic Landmark District, it gives the relic history of Florida. The district is home to many buildings and landmarks dating back to the 1700s, including the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and González–Alvarez House.

  • Explore the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

    Constructed between 1914 and 1922, Vizcaya boasts Italian Renaissance gardens and extensive landscaping. It was once a villa and an estate and is a mixture of Mediterranean Revival architecture with Baroque elements.

  • Catch a glimpse of the Coral Castle

    This is an oolite limestone structure made of megalithic stones, mostly limestone formed from coral, each weighing several tons. Coral Castle is believed to be built single-handedly and is a popular tourist attraction.

  • Explore the Museum of Science and Discovery

    The Museum of Discovery and Science at Fort Lauderdale has its own AutoNation IMAX theater that shows different science programs videos. The museum also displays a large number of animals, reptiles and birds which visitors can watch from the close.

schools in florida

Best Schools & Universities in Florida

Moving to Florida means getting the chance to have access to some of the best schools in the United States.

We’ve made a list of the ten best universities and colleges in the state since you’re considering moving to Florida:

Best Elementary Schools in Florida

  • Archimedean Academy
    Miami-Dade, Charter, K-5 | 646 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Doral Academy
    Miami-Dade, Charter, K-5 | 1076 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Aventura City Of Excellence School
    Miami-Dade, Charter, K-8 | 1021 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Western Academy Charter School
    Palm Beach, Charter, K-8 | 500 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Ada Merritt K-8 Center
    Miami-Dade, Public, PK-8 | 743 students, Rating: 10/10

Best Middle Schools in Florida

  • Pine View School
    Sarasota, Public, 2-12 | 1967 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Don Estridge High Tech Middle School
    Palm Beach, Public, 6-8 | 1275 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Archimedean Middle Conservatory
    Miami-Dade, Charter, 6-8 | 330 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Challenger K-8 School Of Science And Math
    Hernando, Public, K-8 | 1474 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Henry S. West Laboratory School
    Miami-Dade, Public, K-8 | 353 students, Rating: 10/10

Best High Schools in Florida

  • Polk State College Collegiate High School
    Polk, Charter, 11-12 | 296 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Clark Advanced Learning Center
    Martin, Charter, 10-12 | 249 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Pine View School
    Sarasota, Public, 2-12 | 1967 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Doral Performing Arts & Entertainment Academy
    Miami-Dade, Charter, 9-12 | 395 students, Rating: 10/10

  • Chain Of Lakes Collegiate High School
    Polk, Charter, 11-12 | 305 students, Rating: 10/10

Best universities and colleges in Florida

  • University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

  • University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

  • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL

  • Stetson University, DeLand, FL

  • Rollins College, Winter Park, FL

  • Florida Institute of Technolog, Melbourne, FL

  • Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL

  • Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

  • Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL

  • University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is moving to Florida a good idea?

Moving to Florida is a good idea when you consider the climate, living standards, affordability, and jobs. Both many young professionals and retirees prefer calling Florida their home. It is not just year-round pleasant weather that plays a catching factor but even the home affordability and easy availability of jobs allure young people to Florida. And interestingly, the state levies no income tax.

What’s so great about living in Florida?

It is a known factor that Florida has a more pleasant climate with the sunniest days than any US state. However, Florida is not just about a warm climate and long pleasant beaches but the state is also home to many amusement parks and entertainment options including Disneyland. In addition, the property rate in the state is also highly affordable. This means, moving to Florida, it is easier to own a home than in any neighboring state.

What is a livable salary in Florida?

The average salary in Florida is $56,879 per year or $27.35 per hour. A single adult can survive on $17.24 a day and would need $23.62 if there are two earning members in a family with 2 children. And if you get somewhere between $34,348 and $61,719, your salary would match what almost 60% of the state residents earn.

What’s it like to actually live in Florida?

The long coastline with sandy beaches with a sunny climate makes Florida a great place to move in. Living in Florida is different from any US state as it is year-round sunny, houses are cheaper to own and there is no income tax. In addition, the state ranks low in crime rate and boasts of world-class entertainment options including Disneyland. It is also a popular center for higher education.

How much money do you need to move to Florida?

Though moving cost to Florida may vary based on your current destination, the volume of items you move, mode of moving, and the season, on average, it costs somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000.

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