Are You Moving to Florida? This is your Ultimate Guide.

Are you about to move to Florida, and you are wondering if it’s the right decision?
Every month, thousands of people pack their suitcases and move to Florida for a job opportunity or for retiring. However, it is essential to spend some researching the state and understanding how relocating will impact your life.
Follow the guide below to know more about living in the Sunshine State and to facilitate the job :

1 – The advantages and disadvantages of living in Florida :

It doesn’t matter where you are moving in Florida, most pros and cons apply to the whole state. It is important to think about each factor of moving and decide how it can affect your life in the long term. For example, you should ask yourself if you have a high tolerance against hot weather? Even though it may seem insignificant, but details like this can have consequences on the quality of your life.

Advantages of Living in Florida
These are a few reasons why you should move to Florida

No personal income tax
Cheaper housings options
Premium beaches and entrainment points beaches
Warm weather year-round
Discounts for residents.

Disadvantages of Living in Florida
Many people have high expectations when they move to Florida, but they end up moving out eventually. These are some of the possible reasons why people leave Florida:

Hurricanes, humidity and the heat
Lack of mountains and valleys.
The huge number of tourists
High insurance costs
Bugs, snakes, and alligators.

2 – Look for the Best Cities in Florida :

Finding the right city, village, or neighborhood is completely subjective and differs from one person to another. That is why it’s crucial to conduct comprehensive research and consider each place’s pros and cons. Luckily, Florida has cities and areas for all tastes and lifestyles. We’ve arranged for you a list of famous Florida cities to get your research started.

– Northwestern Florida (The PanHandle)

Pensacola: With a small population (53,779 residents), the city has a small-town feel and easy access to the Gulf Coast. It is military-friendly, and the schools are highly rated. Pensacola is ideal for small families. The median home price is $136,300.

– North Florida

Jacksonville: It’s one of the most populated cities in Florida (880,619 residents). It has a low cost and a culturally diverse city life. The median home price is $154,700.
Tallahassee: Even though the city is not as close to the beaches as most Florida cities, it has a unique college-town feel and a vibrant nightlife. Tallahassee is home to 190,894 residents, and the median home price is $168,800.

– Central Florida

Orlando: It is one of the hottest and most famous attractions in Florida. With a population of 277,173 residents, Orlando is not as populated as most Florida major cities. Tourists from all over the globe come to Disney World and other local spots. The median home price is $171,000.

– Western Florida

Clearwater: The city is located on the west coast, and it’s a top destination for retirees. The median home price is $208,400.
St. Petersburg: It’s known for festivals and culture. There is always an event happening in St. Petersburg. The median home price is $185,000.
Tampa: It’s known for its active sports scene, restaurants, and festivals. The job market is also the rise, and it’s ideal for young people. The median home price is $187,400.

– Southwest Florida

Fort Myers: It is situated ideally between two major cities: Miami to the south and Orlando to the north. With a population of only 77,146 residents, the community is culturally and ethnically vibrant. The median home value $204,100, is a bit higher than other places
Sarasota: It’s famous among retirees and tourists. Even though it’s relatively small, Sarasota is considered the cultural center of West Central Florida. The median home price: $272,800

– Southeast Florida

Fort Lauderdale: Known as the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale is one of the best cities in Florida. With a population of 178,752 residents, the city is a hub for young professionals, families, and even retirees. Fort Lauderdale is also famous among boating enthusiasts. Thanks to the many inland waterways, many residents choose to live on the waters. The median home price is $289,300.
Miami: The Magic City is truly unique. With an immensely high level of diversity, there is so much to do in Miami. The median home price is $303,000.

3 – Consider your housing options

People usually move to Florida for retirement, the weather, or solely for the lifestyle the city offers. Before moving to Florida, you need to decide whether you will buy or rent a property and what housing option fits you most. Here are a few tips to help you make up your mind:

The Housing market in Florida changes depending on how many people are moving in and out. To avoid overpaying for a house, your real estate agent can help you find an opportunity during the offseason.
If you are going to buy instead of rent, you should be willing to invest for a few years. If you buy in a high market, it ill be hard to sell at a good price.
If you decide to rent, you should know your rights as a tenant in Florida to understand how to deal with any unacceptable landlord behavior.

4 – Decide What You Like About Florida

Many people end up moving out of Florida only a few years after moving on after they decide that the lifestyle is not for them. However, Florida is just not beaches and sunshine. It has many other facilities that make it such an excellent place for residency. Here are a few gems that you can visit in Florida :

Drive to The Florida Keys for a relaxing vacation.
Enjoy a family day trip to Universal Studios or Busch Gardens.
Spend time in the Florida State park system.
Watch rockets launch Kennedy Space Center or visit Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
If you are a racing fan, spend a weekend at the Daytona 500.

5 – Plan to deal with the hot weather and hurricanes

Florida’s weather is both a positive and negative factor. It’s perfect for beach days and sunbathing; however, sometimes, the sun and the humidity can get too intense. If you are moving to Florida, you should always be prepared to deal with some weather-related unfortunate situations.

These are few tips to better deal with Florida’s weather:

SUNSCREEN! Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin, especially if you are a northerner.
AC! Make sure your home has an AC and always be ready to deal with its maintenance.
Research if your neighborhood is a mandatory evacuation zone for hurricanes, and keep a hurricane kit nearby.
Get insured against floods and weather damages.

6 – Look for a Job

Finding a job before moving anywhere is crucial. In Florida, especially, the job market is quite competitive, and that’s why it’s essential to find a good job position before relocating. The most popular industries in Florida are tourism, international trade, aerospace and aviation, marketing, and sales.
Since hunting out for a job before moving to the state is not easy, there are few tips you can follow to facilitate the process :

Avoid including your state address in your resume. Some recruiters consider it a red flag.
Ask for a Skype interview and tell the recruiters that you intend to move to Florida.
Prepare to pay for trips to meet potential employers in person.
Connect with a recruitment company that will help you find a job according to your skills and experience.

7- Officialize your residency

If you have decided to move to Florida, you need to make it official. If you intend to spend most of the year in Florida, you have to become a resident and understand all the benefits that come along with it.

To make it official, you need to follow these steps:

Get a Florida driver’s license or an ID. If you obtained your driving license from another state, you only need to present a form of identification, a social security card, a utility bill, and an apartment lease to confirm your address.
Update your insurance to register your car. Get this done within a few days of your move.
If you have earned an income in both states, you need to file taxes you are coming from and in Florida. Since each state has specific regulations, you might need the help of a tax advisor.

Relocating from state to state can be overwhelming and stressful. It is necessary to stay on task by having checklist items. When done correctly, moving to Florida can be a fantastic stress-free experience.