Thinking about moving to Florida from another state in the country? We don’t blame you. Florida has long been considered a popular destination, especially for those looking to enjoy a lower cost of living or escape the cold in the northern states. The state is also notoriously appealing to snowbirds and retirees alike.
Home to over 800 miles of stunning beaches, 1,200 miles of coastline, sunshine galore, and Mickey Mouse, people from all over the world are drawn to the state of Florida. Whether it’s a new job, the weather, the cost of living, or simply a change of pace that makes Florida appealing to you, here are some things you should know before you make the big move.
What’s the weather like in Florida?
Nicknamed the “Sunshine State,” there certainly is no shortage of sunshine in Florida. However, since the state is so big, the weather varies slightly based on where you’re at. The weather in Florida essentially depends on your proximity to the coast, in addition to longitude and latitude. Though, generally speaking, you can anticipate summers throughout Florida to be long, hot, and rather humid. They last from May to October, featuring regular thunderstorms.
Winters in the state, however, are short, dry, and lasts from December to February. Florida’s climate is greatly impacted by the fact that the state is a peninsula that is enclosed by sea. The sea has the ability to store warmth, which causes the coastal areas of Florida to have slightly higher temperatures in the winter than central locations of the state.
Florida is also known for having a wet and dry season. The wet season coincides with summer, where the state typically endures high levels of humidity which are followed by heavy, quick, thunderstorms on basically a daily basis. Statistically speaking, Florida has more thunderstorms on average than any other state in the country. The state’s north-western coastal areas are particularly disposed to heavy rainfall. So, for those who prefer drier locations, Florida’s southwestern coastal and interior areas are ideal.
What can I expect to move from another state to Florida?
Whether you’re relocating to Florida to retire, for a career opportunity, or to escape the cold in another state, here are some things you can expect:
- Taxes in Florida are low. One of the greatest advantages to living in Florida is the fact that there is no state income tax. On top of that, the state’s overall cost of living is relatively low. However, Florida’s gas taxes are higher than average.
- The affordable housing costs. Housing costs in Florida are lower than many other areas of the country. Of course, this depends on where you specifically choose to live in the state.
- North Florida vs. South Florida. The northern part and southern part of Florida may as well be two different states. South Florida is generally warmer and is heavily influenced by Caribbean and Latin American culture. This is also where the state’s nightlife happens. North Florida, on the other hand, has a cooler climate and his home to the state’s capital. The further north you go, the more southern influence (i.e. country music and barbecue) you’ll see.
- Florida resident discounts. Undeniably, there are tons of attractions throughout the state of Florida and residents enjoy discounts to nearly all of them.
- The tourists are necessary. While a large influx of tourists during certain times of the year may sound unappealing, it’s actually necessary to the state’s economy. In fact, tourism is the leading industry in Florida. To put things in perspective, for every 85 visitors that Florida gets, one local gets a job.
- Hurricanes are a major threat. Before you head to Florida from another state, you should educate yourself on hurricane safety. During hurricane months, you always want to keep a close eye on the weather and have an evacuation plan drawn up, should it ever come to that point.
- There’s more to Florida’s nature than beaches. The nature scene in Florida extends far beyond its gorgeous beaches. The Everglades, for instance, boasts two million acres of subtropical wetland ecosystem. However, this isn’t the only place you can go boating, as there are lakes all throughout inland Florida. Some of the lesser known outdoor adventures in the state include zip lining, hiking, kayaking, and even hot air balloon riding.
- Florida is a swing state. When you live in Florida, your vote has a lot of influence in presidential elections. Since Florida is a swing state, you’ll likely be exposed to more political ads and potentially more frequent phone calls or knocks on your door.
Don’t forget to check out the theme parks. Life in Florida would not be complete without a visit to Walt Disney World, even if it’s just once. Combine your trip with a visit to Universal Studios, if desired. Although a trip to Disney alone can be expensive, it is quintessential to the Florida experience.
Where should I move to in Florida?
There are more than 400 cities and towns in Florida, which can make it difficult to settle on a place to live. From breathtaking beachside towns and quaint central country locales to energetic coastal cities, there truly is something for everyone in the state of Florida. If you work in the hospitality industry or want to live close to all the theme parks, Orlando may be ideal. It’s also only about an hour to the beach to enjoy a relaxing weekend.
If you gravitate more towards city life, you’ll love the bustling, faced-paced lifestyle that Miami has to offer or possibly St. Petersburg’s progressive culture. Like St. Petersburg, Tampa is experiencing rapid growth with entrepreneurs, remote workers, and transplants for states in the northeast. Or, consider neighbouring Sarasota, which is rich in arts, culture, fine dining, and even outdoor recreation.
Located on the northeast coast of Florida, the city of St. Augustine is a nod to “Old Florida”. With its cobblestone streets and stunning Spanish Colonial architecture, St. Augustine is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the state. It also happens to be the oldest European settlement in the country, delivering a rich historical atmosphere and old-world charm.
The western gulf coast and the Florida panhandle are home to some of the state’s most picturesque beaches, while the Florida Keys will make you feel like you’re on vacation year-round.
Florida Relocation Tips
As you start preparing for your big move to Florida, consider the following tips and tricks to help get the process started off on the right foot.
Start the process as early as possible. It’s very common to underestimate how much stuff needs to be moved and the last thing you want is to find yourself in a scramble on the day of your move. To avoid this, begin all the preparations and packing as early as you can.
Declutter and purge your stuff. This is one of the best pieces of advice that we can give you. During the packing process, take the time to go through your home and decide what it is you want to keep, donate, sell, or place in storage. By getting rid of some of your stuff before the move, you can reduce moving costs and also put some extra cash in your pocket if you choose to sell items.
Label or colour-code your moving boxes. While you may already be labelling as you pack, it is crucial that you are as detailed as possible. Try to establish some sort of labelling system to avoid any confusion during the unpacking process. Describe the contents of each box on the box itself or a separate sheet of paper. You can also choose to assign different coloured markers or stickers based on each room of your home.
Pack an essentials bag or box. Set aside important documents, medications, toiletries, clothing, and any other essentials that you’ll want to have quick access to during your move. This box or bag should stay with you at all times and not go in the moving truck.
Submit your change of address. You want to ensure that all the mail that you receive at your old address gets forwarded to your new address. To do this, you need to fill out an official USPS Change-of-Address form, which can be done online or in-person at your local Post Office.
Avoid weekends and peak moving season, if possible. If you have some flexibility with your moving date, try to choose a date between October and April, in the middle of the month, and on a weekday. Weekends, summer months, and holidays tend to be the busiest times of the year to move. Also, the first and last weeks of every month are popular, since this is typically when leases end or start.
However, keep in mind that a lot of people – namely ‘snowbirds – move to Florida for the winter. This increased demand for moving services can raise the final cost of your move.
Hire a professional moving company. Whether you’re overwhelmed by all the tasks involved with moving from another state to Florida, or you don’t have the time to manage the relocation on your own, consider hiring a professional moving company for the job. Websites such as https://threemenandatruck.net/florida/ let you compare Florida moving rates before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to transfer my out-of-state license to Florida?
When you move to Florida, to drive on Florida roads, you are required to get a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency.
How do I transfer my Out-of-State License to Florida?
To transfer your out-of-state license to Florida, you first need to make an appointment at your local DMV. At the appointment, you will need to provide them with all the necessary documents, including proof of address, proof of identity, and proof of your social security number.
Then, you must pass a vision test, surrender your out-of-state license, and pay the license fee. Once all of this is complete, you will receive a temporary driver’s license and then receive your permanent license in the mail within two to four weeks.