Define the life, compare regions and choose three counties.
2026 COMPLETE EDITION
A real moving guide—not a page of reminders.
Florida is a state where the wrong sequence can get expensive. Decide what daily life needs to look like, compare regions and counties, price the full cost, scout the finalists and verify the exact property before committing.
Build the total-cost file and research representative communities.
Scout the finalists and begin property-level verification.
Finalize records, services, coverage and move logistics.
Protect documents, essentials, weather awareness and arrival access.
Complete Florida setup, local connections and household preparedness.
01
Before choosing a city
Define the Florida life you actually want
Write the daily-life requirements before looking at property. Include work location, healthcare, airport access, schools, boating or beach access, housing type, budget, pace, traffic and storm tolerance.
- Separate must-haves from preferences
- Set housing and recurring-cost limits
- List the weekly routes that matter
VERIFYAsk whether the location still works on an ordinary Tuesday—not only during a vacation.
02
90+ days before
Choose a region before a county
Florida changes substantially from the Panhandle to the Keys. Compare Atlantic, Gulf, Central, South, North and Panhandle patterns before a famous city or one property listing narrows the search.
- Open all six regional guides
- Compare coast, climate, pace and access
- Select one or two realistic regions
VERIFYCheck distance to family, airports, work markets and recurring healthcare.
03
75–90 days before
Build a three-county shortlist
Keep enough alternatives to reveal tradeoffs. Compare communities, housing, healthcare, education, commute, airports, beaches, emergency planning and the kinds of neighborhoods available.
- Compare three counties side by side
- Choose two communities in each
- Record strengths, tradeoffs and open questions
VERIFYUse the same comparison questions for every county.
04
60–90 days before
Price the complete monthly life
Mortgage or rent is only the starting number. Add property tax, insurance, flood coverage, association fees, utilities, transportation, healthcare, maintenance and a storm reserve.
- Request representative insurance guidance
- Estimate taxes and association charges
- Calculate transportation and utilities
VERIFYDo not assume the seller's tax or insurance bill will become yours.
05
30–60 days before
Plan a resident-style scouting trip
Stay near the communities you may actually live in. Drive real routes at realistic times, visit essential services and compare at least two communities inside each finalist county.
- Book lodging near the shortlist
- Drive mornings, evenings and weekends
- Visit groceries, healthcare and work routes
VERIFYInclude one ordinary day with no attraction itinerary.
06
Before signing
Verify the exact address
County averages cannot answer property-level questions. Flood, evacuation, wind exposure, roof condition, insurance availability, HOA or condo rules, school assignment and internet can change within a few miles.
- Check flood and evacuation information
- Inspect roof, windows and major systems
- Review association documents and restrictions
VERIFYObtain quotes and official lookups using the complete street address.
07
30 days before
Build the moving file
Keep identity documents, contracts, insurance, estimates, medical information, school records, pet records, inventory and provider contacts together in paper and secure digital copies.
- Create a document checklist
- Photograph valuable household items
- Keep essential papers outside the moving truck
VERIFYConfirm what identification each Florida office requires before visiting.
08
2–4 weeks before
Transfer services and coverage
Schedule power, water, waste, internet, mail, prescriptions, insurance and financial address changes. Confirm start dates, deposits, appointments and any equipment delivery.
- Schedule utilities and internet
- Move prescriptions and medical records
- Update insurance and address records
VERIFYDo not cancel existing coverage until replacement coverage is confirmed in writing.
09
Move week
Protect moving day and arrival
Keep medications, documents, chargers, water, weather information, pet supplies and first-night essentials with you. Photograph the condition of both homes and record meter readings when appropriate.
- Confirm mover, route and arrival window
- Pack a first-72-hours kit
- Check weather and tropical conditions
VERIFYKnow the building, community or elevator rules before the truck arrives.
10
First 30 days
Complete Florida setup
Finish the state-specific items that apply to you, establish local healthcare and services, test the commute, review homestead timing and create a household storm plan before hurricane season forces the issue.
- Complete driver and vehicle requirements
- Register to vote if eligible
- Review homestead-exemption timing
- Create a household hurricane plan
VERIFYUse current state and county offices; deadlines and required documents can change.
KEEP WITH YOU
Your essential moving file.
Carry originals or secure copies of documents you may need before the moving truck is available.
- Photo identification and residency documents
- Housing contract, lease or closing records
- Insurance policies and property quotes
- Medical, prescription and vaccination records
- School, childcare and pet records
- Mover inventory, estimates and receipts
- Utility confirmations and account numbers
- Emergency contacts and evacuation plan
DECISION DESK
Use 1stFlorida while you work through the guide.
The guide gives the sequence; the worksheet keeps your shortlist and notes; the checklist keeps the tasks from getting lost.
OFFICIAL FLORIDA SOURCE DESK
Verify the items that change.
Use official sources as the final authority for current deadlines, documents, maps, exemptions and public guidance.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor VehiclesFlorida new-resident driver and vehicle guidanceOpen official source ↗Florida Department of RevenueHomestead and property-tax exemptionsOpen official source ↗Florida Division of Emergency ManagementState emergency planningOpen official source ↗FEMA Map Service CenterFlood mapsOpen official source ↗National Flood Insurance ProgramFlood-insurance educationOpen official source ↗Florida Office of Insurance RegulationHurricane insurance resourcesOpen official source ↗
VERIFY THE ADDRESS
1stFlorida is a planning gateway. Flood, evacuation, insurance, school assignment, property condition, association rules and other address-specific facts should be verified with current official sources and qualified professionals before you sign.
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