15 Benefits of Moving to Florida

Should I move to Florida? Is Florida a good place to live? Have you been asking yourself these sorts of questions lately? If so, you’re not alone. Every day, the Sunshine State attracts hundreds of newcomers to its sandy shores – and it’s not hard to see why. No state income tax , sunny weather, its diverse population, delectable food and exciting attractions make it a particularly interesting place to live. Here are 15 benefits of moving to Florida.

The majority of the year is sunny and warm

There’s no state income tax in Florida

Florida beaches are fantastic

There’s plenty of cultural diversity

Locals receive discounts on a number of attractions

Florida has a laidback lifestyle

There’s so much to do outdoors (and indoors!)

Living in Florida won’t break the bank

Housing is affordable

It’s easy to find a job

Florida is a great place to retire

The sports culture is intense

The food and drink are delectable

You can vacation where you live

It’s easy to get away, too

A few things to think about before moving to Florida

Even though Florida is a great place to live, there are a few drawbacks you should be aware of before you move.

There are tourists all year long

Although it does quiet down a bit during the summer, there really isn’t an off season in Florida anymore. That means you’ll have to deal with heavy traffic near tourist attractions, crowded beaches and long waits at restaurants most of the year. You can avoid some of the inconvenience by going out at off-peak times or by frequenting areas that tourists do not.

The weather isn’t always great

Yes, Florida has warm winters and more than its fair share of sunny days. But it can also get extremely hot and humid during the summer. If that wasn’t bad enough, Florida experiences heavy rains from June through September, and the state is the lightning capital of the country, according to the National Weather Service. Lightning is such a big deal that you’ll hear sirens go off to warn you to stay inside when lightning is a possibility in the area.

You need flood insurance

Because Florida is a peninsula, a sizeable part of the state is susceptible to flooding from hurricane surge waters. If you’re in a low-lying area, your insurance company will require you to carry flood insurance, and it isn’t cheap. Depending on the zone you live in, your flood insurance can cost anywhere from $190 to more than $2,000 per year. For example, the average cost for a policy in Tampa is $859.

Allergies are a common problem

There isn’t a season in Florida that isn’t allergy season. From April until October, grass pollen causes problems. Weeds like ragweed and dog fennel trigger allergies from May through December, while trees like oak and pine produce pollen much of the year. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, several Florida cities have allergies issues. In fact, Miami and Jacksonville both make the foundation’s list of Allergy Capitals across the nation.

You may have a wildlife encounter

Forget the fire ants that make an appearance on almost every property at one point or another and the more than 80 species of mosquitoes found in the state. Florida also has snakes and gators. While you’re more likely to spot a snake curled up in your grass as you mow your lawn, it’s not uncommon to see a gator sunning itself on the golf course or by the side of the road. Usually, neither wants anything to do with you, but they are something you may have to contend with.

Moving to Florida?

Think you want to make Florida your new home? For more information about cities within the Sunshine State, check Moving.com’s City Profile Report feature . Our reports include city demographics, real estate information, quality of life factors, and more. Simply enter the zip code or the state and city of your potential move to get a free report at the click of a button. For help finding and booking the best moving company , check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable interstate movers . Best of luck and happy moving!