Florida
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Are you planning to move to Florida?

If you enjoy swimming, sailing, diving, yachting, water sports, or going on a cruise, moving to Florida is perfect for you.

Florida’s cosmopolitan population, sumptuous foods, many attractions, beaches, and theme parks make it a remarkable place to live.

The sunshine state is home to lots of lakes, rivers, springs, nature trails, and reptiles. If you’d like to do away with the cold weather and shoveling snow, moving to Florida is right for you.

Florida is an exciting haven for outdoor enthusiasts and the number of things you can do to have fun outdoor is almost endless.

Florida is an exciting haven for outdoor enthusiasts and the number of things you can do to have fun outdoor is almost endless.

Demographics

Florida Demo

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Florida.

Male vs Female Population of Florida 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Florida 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Florida 2021

move to Florida

Quick facts to know about moving to Florida

  • You’ll enjoy sunshine all year in Florida
  • There is no state income tax in Florida
  • The largest city in Florida by population is Jacksonville
  • The unemployment rate in Florida is slightly lower than the U.S. average
  • Florida averages zero inches of snow in a year
  • The average hourly pay for the average job in Florida is $24.96 an hour
  • The median age in Florida is 41.6 years
  • Florida’s median home value is $237,100

What’s the population of Florida?

The population of Florida is 21,944,600 people. The state stretches across 65,755 square miles (170,304 square kilometers). Florida is the eighth most densely populated state in the United States with 353.4 people per square mile, (136.4 per square kilometer).

  • Florida’s median age is approximately 41.6 years
  • Florida’s population is made up of 51.1% females and 48.9% males
  • Florida has recorded a 15.18% population growth since 2010
  • Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida by population (900,000+)
  • Miami-Dade County is the largest county by population in Florida

How fast can you commute in Florida?

Florida’s average one-way commute time is 27.0 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. That means commuting in Florida is slightly longer than the U.S. average. Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here’s how people in the sunshine state commute to work:

  • About 79.5% of Floridians drive their own car alone
  • Around 9.2% of Floridian’s carpool with others
  • Up to 5.6% of Floridians work from home
  • About 2.0% of Floridians take mass transit

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How is the weather like in Florida?

If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Florida, the sunshine state has sunny weather. You won’t have to bother about cold or shoveling snow in winter. Here’s a simple analysis of the state of Florida’s weather:

  • Florida’s summer high in July is around 91 degrees
  • Florida’s winter low in January is about 49 degrees
  • Florida’s rainfall averages 55 inches a year
  • Florida averages zero inches of snow a year
move to Florida

Top 10 reasons to move to Florida

Why should you consider moving to Florida? There are several reasons why moving to Florida is such a great idea.

We’ve made a list of the top ten reasons why people are moving to Florida:

  • There is no state income tax in Florida

    One of the biggest pluses of moving to Florida is the absence of income tax which ensures you a fat paycheque.

  • Florida is a sports lover’s haven

    Florida’s sports culture is robust and the state is passionate about soccer, football, and baseball. But basketball is the most prominent game in Florida. Almost every county in Florida has a basketball team. Even motorsports have got takers in Florida.

  • Florida is home to a wide range of cultures

    Florida is a “melting pot” of cultures and ethnicities and every inch of the state is infused with people from different nationalities – Cuba, Haiti, South America, Caribbean Islands. While living here, it is easy to get immersed in different heritage, rituals, food, music, art, and dance.

  • Florida’s beaches are outrageously beautiful

    The Sunshine state has about 1,200 miles of coastline and this makes the state a perfect choice for beach lovers.

    Here’s a list of the 10 best beaches in Florida.

    • Delray Beach
    • Sanibel Island
    • Clearwater Beach
    • Naples
    • Santa Rosa Beach
    • Fort Walton Beach
    • George Island
    • Amelia Island
    • Panama City Beach
    • Dry Tortugas National Park
    • Key West
  • You’ll enjoy warm weather all-year-round

    On average, Florida’s weather is warm year round. Summers are long, warm, and humid. Winters are short, dry, and mild. During the wet season, the state will be too humid and thunderstorms are normal.

  • Housing is reasonably affordable

    Finding a home is easier and affordable in Florida. The median home value is $237,100. The average rent of a studio apartment in Florida is $832, which is much lower than the national average.

  • If you like golf, you’ll enjoy Florida

    With the Sun throughout the year, Florida is one of the best places to golf. The Sunshine State has more golf courses per capita than any other place in the country

    We’ve got the best golf courses in Florida.

    • Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club
    • World Golf Hall of Fame
    • Disney's Palm Golf Course
    • The Breakers Palm Beach - Rees Jones Course
    • Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
    • South Seas Island Resort Golf Course
    • Florida's First Coast of Golf Courses
    • Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course
    • Fisherman's Cove Golf Course
    • The Lagoon Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
  • You won’t have to bother about dealing with snow anymore

    Florida is snow-free and it is warm throughout the year. This means you don’t need to worry about cleaning up the snow in winter mornings.

  • You can live the pirate life

    Florida has got a history of pirates and there are many stories of shipwrecks and treasure. The state hosts many pirate festivals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers games, and expeditions for hidden treasure off the coasts.

  • Homes are affordable in Florida

    Florida is home to the vacation houses of many celebrities including Michael Jordan, John Travolta, Tom Cruise, and Jodie Foster. The mansions of celebrities are always hotspots for visitors and often you may come across the luxury vehicles of your favorite celebrities and if fortunate, a glance of them.

pros

Pros and Cons of living in Arizona

Considering the pros and cons of living in the sunshine state can make it easier for you to decide if moving to Florida is right for you.

We’ve made a list of the various pros and cons of living in the state to give you an idea of what to expect.

Pros of living in Florida
  • You’ll enjoy the sunny weather in Florida
  • You don’t have to bother about shoveling snow in the winter
  • Florida has no state income tax
  • Lots of state parks and world-class beaches in Florida
  • You’ll enjoy lots of outdoor sports in Florida
  • Florida is home to lots of theme parks
  • You’ll find plenty of interesting and exotic animal life
  • Florida is a cosmopolitan state with a mixed population
  • Homes are affordable in Florida
  • You can easily grow oranges and grapefruit in your own yard
  • Florida is home to top-quality schools
Cons of living in Florida
  • The sunny weather can become unbearable sometimes
  • You may have to put up with hurricanes in Florida
  • Florida crime rate is above the US average
  • Florida healthcare quality is lower than most states
  • The cost of living in Florida is relatively higher
  • Florida is somewhat overcrowded
  • Florida is susceptible to natural disasters
  • You’ll have to put up with reptiles in Florida
  • Florida is dangerous to pedestrians and other road users
  • Florida is known for having terrible drivers

Best Places to Live in Florida

Moving to Florida means getting the chance to live in some of the best places in the state.

Since you’re planning to move to Florida, here are the ten best places to live in the state.

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1 Palm Beach 8,723 2.3% $1,177,100
2 Key Biscayne 12,915 5.3% $1,211,000
3 Sanibel 7,319 1.5% $721,200
4 North Palm Beach 13,029 2.5% $328,100
5 Satellite Beach 10,873 2.9% $300,200
6 Naples 21,812 3.2% $988,500
7 Lighthouse Point 11,195 3.1% $538,700
8 Longboat Key 7,283 3.1% $740,500
9 Tequesta 6,071 2.6% $381,100
10 Parkland 31,454 3.6% $611,800

Florida Cities Moving Guides

Florida Cities Moving Guides

Cost of Living in Florida

Florida’s cost of living is rated 102.8, the national average is 100. That means the cost of living in Florida is higher than the national average.

Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in the state:

Cost of living Florida United States
Overall 102.8 100
Grocery 102.8 100
Health 98 100
Housing 102.6 100
Median Home Cost $237,100 $231,200
Utilities 101.3 100
Transportation 112.6 100
Miscellaneous 96.9 100
The national average is 100.

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Florida Housing Market

Florida’s median home value is $237,100. Over the last ten years, homes in Florida have appreciated by 33.7%. At the moment, home appreciation in Florida is up by 7.8%.

Florida’s median home rental cost

Around 27.0% of Floridians are renters, while about 2.7% of homes and apartments in Florida are available to rent. Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here are the state’s median home rental cost:

  • The average cost of a studio apartment in Florida is $832
  • The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Florida is $945
  • The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Florida is $1,174
  • The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Florida is $1,584
  • The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Florida is $1,903

Median House Price in Florida vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Florida vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Florida vs USA 2021

How is the job market in Florida?

Florida has a healthy job market and the unemployment rate in the sunshine state is lower than the national average.

Since you’re considering moving to Florida, the following is a breakdown of the state’s job market:

What’s the unemployment rate in Florida?

  • How soon can you get a job if you’re moving to Florida? Let’s find out!
  • Florida’s unemployment rate is 3.5%. The national average is 3.7%
  • Florida’s job growth has been positive so far
  • Over the past year, jobs in Florida have increased by 2.1%
Employment Information Florida United States
The income per Cap $28,774 $31,177
Household Income $50,883 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 3.50% 3.70%
Recent Job Growth 2.06% 1.59%
Future Job Growth 41.64% 33.51%

What’s the median salary in Florida?

How much will you most likely earn if you move to Florida? Whether you’re interested in getting a job after moving to Florida or not, having an idea of the average pay in the state can give you a glimpse of the state’s economy.

Here are the average salary and income in the sunshine state since you’re considering moving to Florida:

  • The average annual pay for the average job in Florida is $51,909 a year
  • The average hourly pay for the average job in Florida is $24.96 an hour
  • The average weekly pay in Florida is $998 a week
  • The average monthly pay in Florida is $4,326 a month
  • Salaries in Florida could be as high as $114,894 and as low as $17,319
  • Top earners (90th percentile) earn $76,033 annually in Florida

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Florida, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Who are the largest employers in Florida?

Florida is home to several large employers. If you’re considering working for some of the largest companies in the sunshine state, moving to Florida will be perfect for you. Here’s a list of the top ten employers in Florida:

Rank Company City Employees
1 Publix Lakeland 191,000
2 Darden Restaurants Orlando 178,729
3 Jabil Saint Petersburg 177,000
4 Carnival Doral 97,200
5 Bloomin’ Brands Tampa 94,000
6 Navarro Discount Pharmacies Medley 80,000
7 Genesis Doral 68,700
8 G4S Secure Solutions Jupiter 68,000
9 Royal Caribbean Cruises Miami 65,950
10 Sykes Enterprises Tampa 54,550

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What are the top career options in Florida?

Moving to Florida could mean switching to a new career or getting a new job. That means you’ll most likely be interested in the top career options in the sunshine state. Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here’s a list of the top 10 top career options in the state:

Rank Job Description Growth % Entry Level Salary # of Employmen
1 Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons $282,650 $205,080 250
2 Anesthesiologists $268,470 $82,070 1,180
3 Obstetricians And Gynecologists $249,380 $128,530 1,090
4 Orthodontists $242,130 $147,200 170
5 Airline Pilots, Copilots, And Flight Engineers $226,930 $101,790 5,290
6 Family Medicine Physicians $217,870 $102,360 11,830
7 Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $212,780 $62,120 27,380
8 General Internal Medicine Physicians $204,690 $66,020 1,240
9 Psychiatrists $203,830 $47,960 1,240
10 Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists $189,260 $37,060 1,580

What are the top industries in Florida?

Florida is home to 18 Fortune 500 companies and 20 Fortune 1000 companies. Since you’re considering moving to Florida, here’s a list of the various industries powering the state’s economy:

  • Tourism
  • Agriculture
  • International Trade
  • Aerospace and Aviation
  • Life Sciences
  • Financial and professional services
  • Information Technology
  • Cleantech
  • Defense and homeland security
  • Headquarters
  • Logistics and distribution
  • Manufacturing

Number of Households by Income Level in Florida

Median Income in Florida vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Florida vs USA

How are taxes like in Florida?

Taxes are always part of the key things to consider before moving to Florida.

Depending on where you’re moving from, moving to the sunshine state could mean paying more or less in taxes. Here’s a simple breakdown of taxes in the state if you’re moving to Florida:

  • There is no income tax in Florida
  • Florida sales tax is 6% - 8.50%
  • Florida property tax: 0.83% average effective rate
  • Florida gas tax is 4 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline

Best things to do in Florida

Florida is home to some of the most exciting places on earth. Moving to Florida means getting the chance to have as much fun as you want, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.

Here are the best things to do if you’re moving to Florida:

  • Visit the Everglades National Park

    The 1,508,976-acre Everglades National Park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and is a World Heritage State. The park is the most significant breeding ground for tropical wading birds in North America and contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere, The park is also home to about 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles.

  • Tour the Walt Disney World

    The entertainment resort complex, Walt Disney World comprises 4 theme parks, 27 themed resort hotels, nine non-Disney hotels, several golf courses, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues, including the outdoor shopping center Disney Springs. One of the largest entertainment centers in the world, Disney World is also the most visited in the world.

  • Explore the Universal Studios

    A Hollywood-styled theme park in Orlando, Universal Studios has unlimited rides, shows, attractions, character appearances, dining outlets, and merchandise stores at each of its entertainment zones and is one of the most visited theme parks in the world.

  • Visit the Kennedy Space Centre

    The John F. Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s primary launch center of human spaceflight. The 144-acre center has about 700 facilities and buildings including the Launch Control Center and Vehicle Assembly Building. The space center was the location for the Apollo program.

  • Explore the Busch Gardens Tampa

    The 335-acre animal theme park has multiple roller coasters and thrill rides and attracts about 4 million visitors annually. Its zoo is home to about 200 species of animals.

  • Spend quality time at the Miami Beach

    The coastal resort city is famous for its miles-long white sandy beach. But Miami Beach doesn’t end with the golden sands. It also boasts of a vibrant nightlife that needs to be experienced. The city is also a popular shopping destination.

  • Visit the Dry Tortugas National Park

    Situated almost 70 miles west of Key West, the 100-square-mile Dry Tortugas National Park is home to seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is famous for magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of birdlife that frequents the area.

  • Experience the Daytona 500

    The 500-mile annual motor race at Daytona Beach is one of the most important and prestigious races on the NASCAR calendar. It is also one of the most watched races on American television.

  • Explore the Salvador Dali Museum

    An art museum in St. Petersburg, dedicated to Salvador Dali has a massive collection of 96 oil paintings, over 100 watercolors and drawings, 1,300 graphics, photographs, sculptures. The museum building is an architectural wonder with a large glass entryway and skylight made of 1.5-inch thick glass.

  • Visit the St Augustine’s Historic District

    A National Historic Landmark District, it gives the relic history of Florida. The district is home to many buildings and landmarks dating back to the 1700s, including the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine and González–Alvarez House.

  • Explore the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

    Constructed between 1914 and 1922, Vizcaya boasts Italian Renaissance gardens and extensive landscaping. It was once a villa and an estate and is a mixture of Mediterranean Revival architecture with Baroque elements.

  • Catch a glimpse of the Coral Castle

    This is an oolite limestone structure made of megalithic stones, mostly limestone formed from coral, each weighing several tons. Coral Castle is believed to be built single-handedly and is a popular tourist attraction.

  • Explore the Museum of Science and Discovery

    The Museum of Discovery and Science at Fort Lauderdale has its own AutoNation IMAX theater that shows different science programs videos. The museum also displays a large number of animals, reptiles and birds which visitors can watch from the close.

Best Schools & Universities in Flod

Moving to Florida means getting the chance to have access to some of the best schools in the United States.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Moving to Florida is a good idea when you consider the climate, living standards, affordability, and jobs. Both many young professionals and retirees prefer calling Florida their home. It is not just year-round pleasant weather that plays a catching factor but even the home affordability and easy availability of jobs allure young people to Florida. And interestingly, the state levies no income tax.

It is a known factor that Florida has a more pleasant climate with the sunniest days than any US state. However, Florida is not just about a warm climate and long pleasant beaches but the state is also home to many amusement parks and entertainment options including Disneyland. In addition, the property rate in the state is also highly affordable. This means, moving to Florida, it is easier to own a home than in any neighboring state.

The average salary in Florida is $56,879 per year or $27.35 per hour. A single adult can survive on $17.24 a day and would need $23.62 if there are two earning members in a family with 2 children. And if you get somewhere between $34,348 and $61,719, your salary would match what almost 60% of the state residents earn.

The long coastline with sandy beaches with a sunny climate makes Florida a great place to move in. Living in Florida is different from any US state as it is year-round sunny, houses are cheaper to own and there is no income tax. In addition, the state ranks low in crime rate and boasts of world-class entertainment options including Disneyland. It is also a popular center for higher education.

Though moving cost to Florida may vary based on your current destination, the volume of items you move, mode of moving, and the season, on average, it costs somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000.

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