Why You Should Move To Florida | Bee Mortgage App

April 7, 2023

---

Why move to Florida? 

With up to 300 sun-filled days each year and a close proximity to the beach no matter where you are, they don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing. And while there’s numerous reasons to become a Floridian, Florida is one of the top states to move to due to its low taxes, unrestrictive COVID policies, warm weather, and relaxing, laid back lifestyle. 

Located in the most southeastern part of the country, Florida boasts some of the finest beaches, golf courses, coastline, 37 state forests, 175 state parks, theme parks, naturally preserved areas, exotic animals, and dining and entertainment options in the world. The Florida everglades, the country’s largest subtropical wilderness, has over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests, marches, and sawgrass. Its nature-filled recreational hub is also home to one national scenic trail, three national forests, and 12 national parks (including monuments, seashores, and preserves). 

The theme park epicenter of the world, it also has the most golf courses (1,200) and the World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, in addition to the longest coastline in the country that stretches 1,197 miles and comes with 825 of easy access beaches. As the only state that borders the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, you’re always within a 60 miles radius of the Salt Life.

 

Florida Coastline

The Weather 

Florida has a relaxed and peaceful climate packed with sunshine and sub-tropical weather that make the seasons mild and warm. For those in south Florida, the average temperature ranges from 76 - 80 degrees Farenheit in the winter and 90 degrees in the summer state-wide.

The average annual high temperature is 81 degrees, and the low an easy 60 degrees. The coastal beach breeze on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts create scenic swaying palm trees and long stretches of pristine sandy beaches perfect for cruising on a beach cruiser. The waterways and natural inland escapes combined with the warm sun provide the ideal change of pace from the busy on-the-go life of other states. 

Due to its sub-tropical climate, weather can vary from city to city. And while it can be sunny up to 300 days each year in idyllic beaches all over the state, it gets colder in the northern part of the state in the winter yet stays warm in the southern part year-round. 

Florida cities with the best weather include: 

 

Bonita Springs, Lee County
Bonita Springs gets about 271 days of peak sunshine each year and is undoubtedly one of the best spots in Florida. People looking for the perfect Florida weather year-round should escape to the hidden beach, Barefoot Beach, one of the best in the country. 

 

Fort Myers, Lee County
On the south-central Gulf Coast is another spot located in Lee County, Fort Myers. Known to be an altogether beautiful and attracts people from all over the county with about 271 mostly sunny days each year. Fort Myers is ranked one of the best cities to retire in, which comes as no surprise to anyone who's visited there. 

 

San Carlos Park, Lee County
A census-designated part of Fort Myers, San Carlos Park is located between there and Bonita Springs, and comes with an average of 269 mostly sunny days per year and is known for affordable housing and many family-friendly neighborhoods. 

 

Lehigh Acres, Lee County
While Lehigh Acres is considered its own neighborhood, versus a city or a town, it has about 267 sunshine-filled days per year making it popular for those seeking the ideal Florida lifestyle. Don’t miss the moonlight horseback riding tour, an epic adventure that happens once a month under a full moon! 

 

Punta Gorda, Charlotte County
Located on Florida’s south-central Gulf Coast and with up to 267 sunny days each year, this little town of about 20,000 people has a lot to offer. Many visitors find themselves lazing in the sunshine, shopping waterside, taking leisurely strolls along the Harborwalk, then making it their permanent home. 

 

Immokalee, Collier County
Immokalee, which includes Marco Island and Naples, is one of the best places to live in all of Florida. Located on the south-western Gulf Coast, this area boasts up to 266 sunny days each year and has prime Florida real estate with sandy beaches, shopping, dining, and experiences unmatched anywhere else. 

 

Iona, Lee County
Part of the greater Fort Myers area, Iona is the term locals use to describe where they live, if they live in Iona. Bordering the Caloosahatchee River, Iona has lots of waterfront properties and canals with boat access to the Gulf of Mexico that give the 266 days of sunshine warmth and cool breezes.

 

Marco Island, Collier County
Marco Island is where it’s at. Sitting on a little island just off the coast, Marco Island is home to some big names in business, entertainment, government and those seeking the perfect laid-back Florida lifestyle. With up to 266 sunny days per year, once you see and experience it, you’ll know why people never leave. 

 

Golden Gate, Collier County
Near Naples and with 265 days of sun-soaked fun, Golden Gate is one of the top places to raise a family. With great schools, close water access, activities and entertainment, Golden Gate is one of the most popular places to live in Florida. 

 

Naples, Collier County
Very well-known is Naples, Florida. Perched on the southwest part of Florida, right on the Gulf of Mexico, Naples has something for everyone, including millions or acres of federal and state parks, preserves and wildlife refuges. There’s also high-end shopping, many funky bayside bars, world-class arts and culture family entertainment, sophisticated, elegant dining, Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South.

No State Income Tax & Homestead Exemption

In addition to having no income tax, residents who have their primary residences in Florida can get up to $50,000 off their property taxes along with having their home shielded from creditors claims. The homestead exemption gives Floridians peace of mind, security and savings for living here most of the year. Additionally, sales and property taxes are very low compared to other states making the cost of living in many places lower than the national average. 

But back to no income tax; although it’s not the only state to offer it, when combined with the year round weather, it’s a pretty unbeatable attraction. No income tax means you get to keep more of the dollars you earn, but how is the state able to do this and run a surplus budget? Again, the Sunshine State is the tourist epicenter of the world. Florida can offer residents no income tax because of how much money they make on tourism each year, 7% and 5%, state and county level sales and hotel and short-term rental properties. 

One of the biggest benefits of living in Florida is the lack of a state income tax, which allows you to keep more of the dollars you earn. In lieu of a state income tax, the state of Florida earns revenue from the many millions of tourists which visit our state annually year through a 7% sales tax (state level) and a 5% tourist tax (county level) on revenues from hotel stays and short-term rental properties (for stays of 6 month or less). Once you become an official Florida resident, you will then be thankful for the many tourists as they continue to pay your share of state taxes.

The Beach

Florida has some of the top-rated beaches in America, and is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. From the warm white sandy beaches of Longboat Key and temperate waters of Key West, to the east coast surf of Cocoa Beach (Kelly Slater’s hometown) and the opulence of Palm Beach, the beaches are the undeniable allure of the Sunshine State. The east coast of Florida has the sunrise, the west coast the sunset; and in certain places, you can see both. 

In fact, according to vacation rental management company, Vacasa, Florida has four of the top-10 spots that are best to buy a beach house. They include: 

 

Navarre, Florida

 

Palm Coast, Florida

 

Destin, Florida

 

Highway 30A, a 20-mile stretch of Florida beach towns between Destin and Panama on the Emerald Coast.

Other top Florida beaches according to Tripadvisor include: 

  

Siesta Key
The #2 ranked beach in America by Tripadvisor, this barrier island getaway is a short drive from downtown Saratsota and has been named the best beach in America twice! It is widely known for its white sandy beaches giving visitors relaxation and rejuvenation unlike any other.

 

Hollywood Beach
One of the nicest beaches in South Florida, Hollywood Beach has an “Old Florida” feel with palm lines, brick promenade featuring tiki bars, seafood, eateries, and classic Florida motels and hotels.  

 

Clearwater Beach
Like its name, Clearwater Beach is known for its clear water and long stretch of white sandy beaches that attract visitors from all over the country eager to enjoy the warm, relaxing water or nightly entertainment at Pier 60.  

 

Panama City Beach
With miles and miles of white sandy beaches in Northwest Florida, Panama City Beach is ranked a top 3 beach by Tripadvisor and is a popular waterfront destination for visitors and locals alike. With a sunset view unlike any other, Panama City Beach is a must-see.

 

Fort Lauderdale Beach
A highlight of the Sunshine State, Fort Lauderdale Beach boasts over 20 miles of sandy beaches ideal for sunrise and sunset strolls. Famous for its beaches, arts and culture, plus events, from shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to gondola rides on the canals, this historic place has been called the “Venice of America.”

 

St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach has everything you need for the ideal beach vacation that won’t break the bank. Nestled in St. Johns County and with access to the oldest city in America, St. Augustine Beach is the historic place to explore and relax. St. Augustine Beach has everything you need for the ideal beach vacation, including tropical seaside dining, beachfront park with a big fishing pier, large beachside pavilion, a splash park and volleyball court.

 

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Truly a one-of-a-king experience that pre-dates the Civil War, this national historic landmark in the Florida Keys and southernmost state park is known for white sandy beaches and a rich military history. Catch a guided tour of the fort or spend the day picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, or fishing in the magnificent natural setting.

 

St. Pete Beach 
Home of award winning beaches and the famous, Florida-pink hotel, the Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach is where you catch a break in the balmy Gulf of Mexico waters with up to 361 sunny days per year. Near Orlando, and even closer to the cosmopolitan attractions of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa, St. Pete Beach hits the right notes for the casual laid-back beach vacation and entertainment seeker.

 

Henderson Beach State Park
Located in Destin, Florida, Henderson Beach State Park has sugary white sandy beaches and over 6,000 feet of scenic shoreline that borders the emerald green water of the Gulf of Mexico. With six pavilions for grilling and chilling, boardwalks provide easy access to the beach. 

 

Pensacola Beach
For the whitest sand, bluest/greenest clear water, perfect sunsets, and clear air, visit Pensacola Beach, located in Northwest Florida. This award winning place also offers an array of lodging, shopping, fine dining, beach bars, and entertainment.

One of our favorite vacation spots is Long Boat Key

Just south of Anna Maria Island, between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is almost equally divided between Manatee and Saratsote county; and is known for beautiful weather, white and warm sandy beaches, along with some of the best dining, entertainment, and shopping you can find in all of Florida.

Just minutes away is St. Armand’s Circle, an outdoor mall with a coastal view, high end retail and entertainment that’s home to over 130 shops, restaurants and galleries. St. Armand’s Circle is built on an island in Sarasota Bay, adjacent to Lido Key, and it’s fun, entertaining, circular shape and layout was designed by John Ringling, the man behind the modern day circus.

The Florida Lifestyle 

Living in Florida is laid back, casual, and chill. Days are often spent in or around water, perhaps in your own beautiful pool or beach and intercoastal down the street. There’s a reason Florida was ranked the #2 state for retirees looking for the ideal place to relax and enjoy the good life. Climate and culture, fine dining, entertainment, diversity, premier education, and low cost of living are the perfect ingredients for living your best life in Florida. 

  

With a booming economy, it’s easy to achieve an ideal work-life balance, letting you focus on your faith, family, and career with great respect and care. Backdropped by great weather, recreation, culture and cost of living, the quality of life in Florida is unmatched anywhere; that’s why people come here.

Days are often spent in or around water, perhaps in your own beautiful pool or beach and intercoastal down the street. There’s a reason Florida was ranked the #2 state for retirees looking for the ideal place to relax and enjoy the good life. In addition to the beaches, there’s many other water activities due to the many major rivers, lakes, inlets, and intercoastal waterways making for ideal moments near water. For guys the dress code is pretty much shorts, flip flops, a SaltLife t-shirt, and a Pub-sub.

For women it’s sundresses and sandals almost all year long. Everyone’s in shades, moving at a casual pace, and with something to do on or near water, you’ll find just about everyone chilling and enjoying the many diverse experiences Florida offers. Golf and fishing sun tan lines are common; as are great spots to eat overlooking the water. If you’re coastal, there’s the beach and offshore fishing; if you’re inland, there’s rivers, lakes and trails for walking and biking to explore. No matter where you go, you've got the best weather around. 

Stuff To Do

There’s always something to do in Florida, many things to explore and discover; and many within a single-day trip. With over 300 days of sunshine per year in many places, residents can spend much of their time outdoors swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, boating, scuba diving, or playing in one of the many youth sports leagues. Florida is also a worldwide tourist destination with many theme parks, art deco-inspired hotels, restaurants, and art shows of Miami. There’s Las Olas Blvd, and the Ringling State (ca’ d’Zan), in addition to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. 

  

St. Augustine, Florida 

Central Florida, especially Orlando, is known as the theme park epicenter of the world. With the finest resorts, dining, shopping, special offers, once-in-a-lifetime family experiences and other world class accommodations, Florida’s renown theme parks include: 

Walt Disney World

What more can we say? It’s Disney World. The grand vision of Walt Disney, the most visionary man in American history, Disney World is top of the list for family entertainment. Families from all over the world come to Disney to see the iconic characters, stroll Main Street USA and slip into another world where you relive beloved Disney movies. You can go many times and still have a new experience, which is why many Florida families buy yearly passes or take advantage of the Florida resident discount park hopper tickets. 

Disney Parks include: 

• The Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom Park
• Typhoon Lagoon water park
• Blizzard Beach water park
• Disney’s Boardwalk
• Disney Springs
• ESPN Wide World of Sports

Other theme parks include:

• Universal Orlando Resort
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure 
• Universal Studios
• Universal’s Volcano Bay
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
• LEGOLAND
• Seaworld
• Discovery Cove Orlando
• Peppa Pig Theme Park
• Old Town
• Fun Spot America 
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Gatorland
• Ripley’s Believe It Or Not St. Augustine
• Aquatica Orlando
• Dinosaur World
• Universal’s Epic Experience 
• Adventure Island
• Star Wars Launch Bay
• Shipwreck island waterpark
• Orlando Watersports Complex
• Daytona Lagoon 
• NASCAR Racing Experience Daytona 
• Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach
• and many others

Some of the best sports teams in the world call Florida home.

NFL

• Miami Dolphins
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Jacksonville Jaguars

NBA

• Miami Heat
• Orlando Magic

NHL

• Florida Panthers
• Tampa Bay Lightning

MLB

• Florida Marlins
• Tampa Bay Devil Rays

College Football

Before you move to Florida, you need to understand something about the southern sports culture in the state, especially when it comes to Saturdays. Depending on where you are in the state, there’s three gods in Florida; the Almighty, Ronnie Van Zant, and either Tim Tebow, the 2001 Huricane’s team, or Bobby Bowdan. The South has dominated the college football landscape for over the past half century, and continues to be the one thing that native Floridians are die-hard passionate about. The unprecedented success of Florida’s three major universities, The University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Miami in every sport, has produced intense inner state rivalries, unforgettable moments (think wide right), and devotion that has been rightly compared to religion.

Long time Alcorn State and Southern University hall of fame coach, Marino Casem, summed it up best when he said this apt summation of the game’s significance in the South:

On the East Coast, football is a cultural experience. In the Midwest, it’s a form of cannibalism. On the West Coast, it’s a tourist attraction. And in the South, football is a religion, and Saturday is the holy day.  

  

The University of Florida

  

Florida State University

  

The University of Miami

Racing

 

Daytona 500                                             

• The Daytona 500
• The Rolex 24

Attractions & Events

  

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Miami

  

Winterfest Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale

  

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, Fort Pierce

  

The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg

 

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Jacksonville

  

Bike Week, Daytona Beach

  

Amelia Island Shrimp Festival, Amelia Island

  

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Jacksonville

  

Tampa ZooQuarium, Tampa

 

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jacksonville

• Daytona Beach Bike Week
• Piratefest 
• Silver Spurs Rodeo
• Carnival Miami, Calle Ocho Festival 
• Seafood Festivals 
• Shrimp Festivals 
• Florabama Interstate Mullet Toss
• Florida Folk Festival 
• Blues Festivals
• Dancing In The Streets 
• Mug Race
• Sunfest
• Fiesta of Five Flags
• Scalloping Seasons
• Florida/Georgia Game (formerly known as The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party)
• FSU/Miami Game
• Florida/Florida State Game
• Winterfest Boat Parade 
• and many others

Golfing 

With more than 1,250 golf courses, golf fans will find some of the finest courses in America exclusively in Florida. The Sunshine state was destined to be one of the nations premier golf destinations. From luxurious Palm Beach and Jupiter, to Destin and Naples, both sides of the state are bathed in year-round sunny weather along miles and miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Bountiful natural vegetation and trees, from palms in the south to pines and oaks in the north, provide unforgettable backdrops as lakes, rivers, canals, and the intercoastal waterway add scenic beauty to the challenges of the crouse design. 

Some of the best planned, designed, and constructed residential golf course communities also take advantage of all the scenic wonder Florida’s courses have to offer living there. Everyone, from part-time residents to vacationers and full-time Floridaidans can find a course to enjoy whether they’re just beginning or advanced, accomplished players.

 

Calusa Pines, Naples

 

The Biltmore Golf Course

Top courses include: 

• Seminole, Juno Beach
• TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach
• Streamsong-Red, Bowling Green
• Streamsong-Blue, Bowling Green
• Calusa Pines, Naples
• McArthur, Hobe Sound
• Mountain Lake, Lake Wales
• Jupiter Hills-Hills, Tequesta 
• Indian Creek, Indian Creek
• Streamsong-Black, Bowling Green

Affordable Housing & Living 

Most importantly, living in Florida won’t break the bank, and you tend to get more bang for your buck in the Sunshine State. While the cost of living in major metro areas such as Miami or Orlando can be on the higher end, most places in Florida are very affordable. The cost of living in Jacksonville, for example, is 9% lower than the national average. 

 

Jacksonville, Florida

Although interest rates have increased a lot over the past year, the real estate market in Florida continues to remain strong to quite strong as many new housing developments continue to break ground. The strong housing demand has caused home prices to rise with the average home price being $378K, as of February 2023. Even though the average home price in America is $328K, Florida houses are still reasonably priced at just 15.3% over the national average. What’s attracting people from states like New Jersey, New York, and California is the strength of the economy, overall housing market and affordability where those states are 34%, 89% and 119% above the national average. 

Simply put, $350,000 in Florida gets you a lot more house than $350,000 in New Jersey, New York, California, and many other places. That’s why almost 1,000 people move to Florida every day, and it shows no signs of slowing; which is good for the long term property values. Certain areas of Florida are much hotter than others, however.

Many people are also flocking from all over the country to St. Johns County which is home to the #1 place to live in Florida, Nocatee. Located in Ponte Vedra, Florida, Nocatee is a top destination for families and is minutes away from the beach and the oldest city in America, historic and super scenic St. Augustine. An afternoon in St. Augustine exploring the old fort and dining at many of the nice restaurants overlooking the intracoastal is a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon that’s very close to Nocatee and Ponte Vedra Beach.

No matter where you choose to live, there’s a home style, size, and price range ideal for your budget. Not only is Florida home to the finest beaches, but if you go inland you’ll find the country life with quaint small towns filled with charm, farmland, equestrian ranches, dirt roads, woodland country, swamps, rivers, lakes, streams, some of the best fishing in America, fresh water springs, and down home classic Southern hospitality.

Florida Housing Market

                                   Q4 2021         Q4 2022          %
Median Sales Price        $365,000        $400,000     +9.6%
Inventory                     30,344           65,786         +116.8%
Closed Sales                 85,157           57,004         -33.1%
Times to Sale                54 days         76 days        +40.7%
15-year Fixed Rate        2.33%           5.68%          +143.78%

Florida Businesses 

Florida offers many low-tax advantages you can’t find anywhere else. From property and income, to estate and a low corporate tax rate, Florida’s economy is booming because of the rewards the Sunshine state offers. 

A Business Friendly State
With over 20 million residents of all types, Florida is one of the top states for businesses, large and small. By making living in Florida so enjoyable, with no income taxes and less than 1% property tax rate, Florida is a great place to have a successful, rewarding career. With tax advantages, access to capital from a large angel investor network, a strong talent base to recruit from, and growing tech hubs like Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville, the Sunshine State is on the move. 

With a small 5.5% corporate tax rate, and no payroll tax, and access to top talent from many universities, some of the largest corporations and hedge funds in the world are headquartered in Florida. The Sunshine state does not tax limited partnerships or LLCs, and provides favorable exemptions for clean energy operations. This alluring business environment is causing Florida to have one of the country’s biggest, resilient, and growing economies. 

Florida is also a great place for entrepreneurs to start a business, especially fintech start-ups, that have made Miami and Tampa popular.  Florida has some of the largest employers you’ll ever find with a GDP that’s estimated to be equal to Mexico’s. Top industries include information technology, aviation, clean tech, financial services, hedge funds, manufacturing, distribution and boasts some of the top Chamber of Commerce organizations in America.

No State Income Tax & No Retirement Benefits Tax 
If you’re leaving a high-tax state, living in Florida can offer some instant financial benefits. The state constitution expressly prohibits any individual income tax, resulting in a net positive for your wallet. There’s a reason Florida is a top destination for retirees, and has entire master planned communities that cater to the ideal lifestyle. Retirees love Florida due to the zero income tax that applies to retirement income, including Social Security benefits. Florida cities like Pensacola, Port St. Lucie, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Daytona Beach are ideally suited for retirees thanks to their inviting community spirit.

According to Florida For Boomers, the best places to retire in Florida are: 

• Lakewood Ranch
• Ocala
• The Villages 
• Tampa
• Port St. Lucie
• Babcock Ranch 
• New Smyrna Beach 
• Jacksonville 
• Watersound
• St. Augustine 
• Boynton Beach
• Naples
• Winter Garden 
• Melbourne 
• Fort Myers 
• The Nature Coast 
• Delray Beach 
• St. Cloud
• Clermont 
• Venice 
• Kissimmee 
• Palm Beach County
• The Florida Keys
• Daytona Beach 
• Amelia Island

 

The Villages, Florida

Property Tax Exemptions 

When you buy a home in Florida, and declare it as your primary residence, Florida gives you two property tax benefits, the Homestead Exemption and “Save Our Home”. The Homestead Exemption lets you qualify for up to $50,000 in tax exemptions by decreasing the taxable value of your home. And the “Save Our Home” cap helps limit the annual increases to the assessed value of your property to 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lowest. These two tax benefits are of high value as inflation drives prices upward. 

No Estate Tax

An additional tax benefit is that there is no estate or “death tax” charged on the transfer of the estate or any assets of a person who dies. This is a big benefit to the loved ones inheriting the estate by shielding them from an additional tax burden.

It’s clearly obvious why Florida is growing! From the sunshine and the economy, to a lifestyle unmatched anywhere else in the country, Florida has something for everyone!

Florida Oranges 

Everyone knows the best, juiciest oranges come from Florida. Just like America and apple pie, when you think of Florida, you think of oranges. In the mid-1800’s citrus was first farmed commercially in Florida, and the first orange trees were planted in St. Augustine, Florida in the mid-1500s. Ever since, oranges have thrived in Florida due to the state’s sub-tropical climate, warm temperatures, abundant rainfall, unique sandy soil, and lot’s of sunshine. These natural conditions are why Florida oranges are juicier and taste and look different from other oranges. 

The four major varieties of oranges include navel, Valencia, Hamlin and Pineapple oranges. And even though these four are grown in other places, such as California, the warm Florida climate allows their oranges to have distinct advantages the others don’t. For instance, Valencia oranges, which are best for juicing, are predominantly associated with Florida because of their thin peels and considerable juiciness. Valencia oranges come from places where the weather is drier and milder, which is why they have thicker peels and tend to be smaller. Florida oranges are simply better in taste than others when squeezed for juicing. In fact, more than 90& of the oranges grown in Florida are used to make 100% Florida orange juice.

Other Blog Posts

         

      

    

         

      

      

      

  

_____________________

Bee is a leading Florida mortgage broker with over 10 Florida local offices that’s been featured heavily in the local and national news for its instant pre-approvals, low rates, fast closings, and new mobile technology. For more news and resources, click here.