Florida
Living in Florida: why so many people make the move
Sunshine, no state income tax, beaches and lakes, and in-state university tuition about half the national average. Here's what makes Florida different, what to budget for, and where to explore.
The advantages of living in Florida
Tap any box for more detail.
No state income tax
- No state tax on wages, pensions or Social Security
- No state estate or inheritance tax
- 6% sales tax plus a small county surtax; groceries and prescriptions exempt
More detail
Example: a household earning $120,000 that moves from a state with a 5% income tax keeps roughly $6,000 more a year, before other differences such as property tax and insurance.
Florida funds itself mainly through sales tax, tourism and property taxes.
Homestead tax savings
- Up to about $50,000 off the taxable value of the home you live in
- Yearly increases in assessed value capped at 3% (Save Our Homes)
- Move within Florida and take up to $500,000 of that saving with you
More detail
Apply with your county property appraiser by March 1 after you buy and move in. The cap means your taxes rise slowly even when home values jump.
Year-round warm weather
- January highs in the low 70s °F in Central Florida
- Warm water for swimming most of the year
- Summer afternoon storms that cool things down
More detail
Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Newer homes built to Florida's code, impact windows or shutters, and good insurance make a real difference.
Longer winter days
- About 10½ hours of daylight in Orlando on the shortest day
- About 9¼ hours in New York on the same day
- More time outdoors after work all winter
More detail
The further south you go, the less the days shorten in winter. Around the winter solstice Orlando gets roughly an hour and a quarter more daylight than New York, Chicago or Boston.
School choice
- Public, magnet, charter and virtual schools (Florida Virtual School)
- Scholarships every K-12 student can apply for
- Free pre-K for every 4-year-old
See how Florida compares
| Florida | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rate | 92.2% (2024-25, a state record) | About 87% (latest national figure) |
| Free pre-K for every 4-year-old | Yes (VPK) | Only some states |
| Scholarships any K-12 student can apply for | Yes | Only some states |
| U.S. News education ranking (2025) | #2 overall, #1 for higher education | |
| In-state university tuition and fees | About $6,000 a year | About $11,950 a year |
Sources: Florida Department of Education (Jan 2026); U.S. Department of Education; U.S. News & World Report Best States 2025; Florida Board of Governors; College Board 2025. Individual schools vary; visit any school you're considering.
Affordable universities
- In-state tuition and fees about $6,000 a year: roughly half the U.S. average
- Bright Futures scholarships cover up to 100% of tuition
- Florida Prepaid plans lock in future costs
See university costs
| University | Florida resident |
|---|---|
| University of Florida (Gainesville) | $6,381 |
| Florida State University (Tallahassee) | $6,507 |
| University of Central Florida (Orlando) | $6,368 |
| University of South Florida (Tampa) | $6,410 |
| Florida International University (Miami) | $6,561 |
| All 12 state universities, average | $6,002 |
| U.S. average, public 4-year, in-state | $11,950 |
- Bright Futures: Florida Academic Scholars get 100% of tuition and applicable fees; Medallion Scholars get 75% at universities.
- Out-of-state students pay much more (about $28,700 a year at UF), so becoming a Florida resident before college can save a family tens of thousands.
- Florida's state colleges (two-year) cost even less, and many students transfer to a university after two years.
Tuition and fees only; housing, books and meals are extra. Sources: Florida Board of Governors 2025-26 tuition report; College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2025.
- More than a thousand miles of coastline
- Freshwater springs, lakes and about 175 state parks
- Theme parks, the Space Coast and the Keys
Moving from out of state? We make it easy
- Video tours and virtual showings before you travel
- Get pre-approved before you arrive
- Help with areas, schools to visit, insurance and closing remotely
How we help
Bill is a Realtor and a mortgage loan originator, so one person can line up your loan, show you homes by video, and coordinate inspections, insurance and closing, even while you're still in another state.
Explore Florida: regions and things to do
Click a region, a county or a city on the map, or choose a city from the list.
County boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau. Regions are informal groupings for exploring.
Pick a region or a city to see things to do there.
Central Florida area guides
We work across Central Florida. Each guide covers getting around, things to do, the kinds of homes you'll find and the costs to plan for.
Get matching homes sent to you How much can I afford? Moving to Florida checklist
Common questions
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No. Florida has no state personal income tax, which is a big reason many people move here. There is also no state estate or inheritance tax.
What is the sales tax in Florida?
The state sales tax is 6%, and most counties add a small local surtax. Groceries and prescription medicines are generally exempt.
How much does a Florida state university cost?
For 2025-26, in-state tuition and fees at Florida's public universities average about $6,000 a year (about $6,400 at UF, FSU, UCF and USF), roughly half the U.S. average for public four-year colleges. Bright Futures scholarships can cover up to 100% of tuition for qualifying Florida students.
What should I budget for that people don't expect?
Homeowners insurance (especially wind and flood), HOA or CDD fees in many communities, and air conditioning in summer. Our Florida homeowner costs guide explains each one.
General information as of 2026; tax rules, tuition and programs change. Places are listed for things to do only. Photos are loaded from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, with credits shown.
Thinking of moving to Florida?
We can help you compare areas, budgets and commutes, and line up your loan before you arrive, even from out of state.
Bill McElhill
- Realtor®, RE/MAX Titanium
- Loan Originator, NEXA Lending · NMLS #2176490
- Call or text 352-988-4900
- WhatsApp Bill
- Mortgages: BillMc@NEXAMortgage.com
- Real estate & general: Bill@HomesCalculator.com
Educational information only. This page gives general information to help you learn and plan. It is not legal, tax, financial or other professional advice, or an offer to lend. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed professional. Terms of use