The sunshine state boasts some of the world’s best beaches, nearly perfect weather, parrot heads, and of course, Florida man. It’s the third most populous state, with nearly 1,000 people moving to Florida daily. It may be famously popular with retirees, but people of all ages are drawn to the sunshine state for a myriad of reasons.
Florida is eccentric, diverse, and uniquely… Florida. Before diving into your move, dip your toes in and learn about what makes moving to Florida different from moving anyplace else.
Read on for some essential things to keep in mind before moving to the sunshine state and the best reasons to move to Florida ASAP.
Things to Keep in Mind about Moving to Florida
Florida has some pretty gnarly storms
In addition to the state’s well-documented hurricanes, Florida is also the nation’s lightning capital. You’ll want to prepare yourself for the possibility of a hurricane.
While it is possible to live in Florida and never experience a hurricane, it’s always better to be prepared.
It’s wet
The humid heat of Florida takes some getting used to. During the summer, it usually rains every afternoon. Once you live here, it’s relatively easy to work your day around the afternoon storms.
Tourists are everywhere
While tourism drives Florida’s economy, their constant presence can be a bit of a nuisance, especially on the road. All in all, the benefits of having tons of tourists outweigh the negatives (you’ll find out why further down).
The Best Reasons to Move to Florida
You’re surrounded by water
It’s the only state that’s bordered by both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, watersports, diving, surfing, or just lazing on the shore, the beach is never too far.
In addition to its world-renowned beaches, Florida has more than 700 stunning freshwater springs scattered across the state. They’re perfect for swimming, diving, rafting, and you may even swim alongside manatees. The springs stay at a pleasant 70-75 degrees year-round.
Snow thank you. We prefer sand.
As its nickname, “the sunshine state” implies, Florida gets a lot of warm and sunny weather. The majority of the state is categorized as subtropical, with long summers and mild winters.
No parkas are required for winters in Florida. You’ll probably only need a light jacket on most winter days. Average lows range from 65 degrees in the Southernmost point in Key West to near 41 degrees in Tallahassee.
The best part? You’ll never have to shovel snow again.
The nature is incredible
In the sunshine state, you can explore prairies, forests, and swamps, all of which are home to various species. Nearly 500 native bird species call Florida home, including the state bird, the Northern Mockingbird.
The Florida Everglades is an international treasure. It’s the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It’s home to rare and endangered species like the Florida panther, the American crocodile, and manatees.
The Florida Everglades is the only place on earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist. One of the best ways to see these prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat is to take an airboat tour of the Everglades.
Florida’s colorful reefs are the third-largest barrier reef in the world and the only living reef in the country. It’s a beautiful place to go diving or snorkeling.
In addition, Florida is home to mysterious caves that should be on everyone’s bucket list. You can tour an air-filled cave or opt to put on some flippers and explore some cool underwater caves.
Each area of Florida is unique
The panhandle and North Florida have more of a Southern vibe, think Georgia but a bit warmer. South Florida is known for its sun, sand, and culture. Central Florida has theme parks and beautiful beaches of its own.
Florida is also home to the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine. It’s a history buffs utopia, and an overall fantastic destination. It’s full of historical landmarks, great beaches, tasty fare, and old-town charm. If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can opt to learn about the city’s eerie past on a ghost tour or a haunted pub crawl.
Living in Florida allows you the opportunity to explore all of its distinctive regions without having to travel far.
Florida is diverse
Florida is incredibly culturally diverse. It’s the eighth most diverse state in the country.
Florida has no state income tax
The sunshine state is one of only nine states that doesn’t collect individual income tax. It’s even written in the state’s constitution. We have our abundance of tourists to thank for this. Instead of an income tax, the state earns through its sales taxes and tourist taxes. Their infamously poor driving somehow doesn’t seem as bad when this is taken into account.
Grab your Mickey ears, because residents qualify for Disney discounts.
Everyone has to go to the most magical place on earth at least once in their life. If you have kids, they’ll probably insist relentlessly. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando offers amazing deals just for residents of the sunshine state.
- But wait, there’s more!
Disney World isn’t the only famous theme park here. In Orlando, you can visit Universal Studios (an absolute must for movie lovers and thrill-seekers alike), SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND.
You can ride Florida’s tallest roller coaster at Tampa Bay’s Busch Gardens and go on an off-road safari all in one day.
You’ll be able to visit the “Venice of America”
Fort Lauderdale has about 165 miles of canals that weave through the city. The water taxis can take you just about anywhere, and the scenic trip will be far more memorable than an Uber. You can even glide through the water in an authentic Venetian gondola, where you can take in a picturesque sunset and have a glass (or two) of wine.
The sunshine state has some seriously good food
Florida has amazingly fresh seafood. It is bordered by the Gulf and Atlantic, after all. During harvesting season, stone crab claws are a delicacy. Florida has different climate zones and is a hot spot for fresh produce, especially citrus. The state also has a heavy Cuban influence, making authentic Cuban eats easy to find. Florida’s food is diverse, just like its culture.
An unusual item you may see on a restaurant’s menu is gator bites. If you’re the adventurous type, you should try it at least once. Like many seemingly strange cuisines, it’s described as tasting a lot like chicken.
No matter where you are in Florida, there’s bound to be fresh and delicious food nearby.
Ready to move to Florida? We don’t blame you. Get a free moving quote today, and get ready to enjoy all that Florida has to offer.
