01
Define the move
Set the decision before the property search.
Write your target move window and reason for moving
List non-negotiable work, healthcare, airport and school needs
Separate lifestyle must-haves from preferences
Set maximum housing and total monthly-cost targets
List deal-breakers such as commute, density or storm exposure
Identify family, pet, accessibility or caregiving requirements
02
Compare Florida
Narrow the state in a controlled order.
Compare all six Florida living regions
Choose one or two realistic regions
Shortlist three counties using the same criteria
Select at least two communities in each finalist county
Review employment, healthcare, transportation and daily services
Record strengths, tradeoffs and unanswered questions
03
Price the complete life
Build the cost file beyond mortgage or rent.
Estimate mortgage or rent for comparable housing
Research likely property taxes or renter fees
Request representative property-insurance guidance
Check whether separate flood coverage may be appropriate
Add association, utilities, transportation and healthcare
Create moving, storm-deductible and repair reserves
Ask whether the property carries a CDD assessment in addition to any HOA or condominium fee
04
Scout the finalists
Test ordinary life—not only attractions.
Plan an in-person scouting trip
Stay near communities you may actually live in
Drive work routes during realistic commute periods
Visit healthcare, groceries, schools and daily services
Experience morning, evening and weekend conditions
Write a same-day summary for every finalist community
05
Verify the address
Turn county research into property-level facts.
Review flood maps and drainage questions for the address
Confirm evacuation zone and route
Obtain address-specific insurance estimates
Inspect roof, windows, electrical, plumbing and major systems
Review HOA, condominium or rental rules and assessments
Verify school assignment, utilities, broadband and commute
06
Prepare the moving file
Keep documents and confirmations together.
Collect identification and residency documents
Secure housing, insurance and moving contracts
Move prescriptions and request medical records
Collect school, childcare and pet records
Create a household inventory with photographs
Keep essential originals outside the moving truck
07
Transfer and move
Protect the handoff from old home to new.
Schedule power, water, waste and internet
Submit mail and important account address changes
Confirm mover, route, delivery window and payment terms
Pack medication, documents and a 72-hour arrival kit
Check severe weather and tropical conditions
Photograph move-out, move-in and meter conditions
Set up a toll transponder for Florida toll roads
08
First month in Florida
Finish state setup and build local resilience.
Complete driver and vehicle requirements that apply
Register to vote if eligible
Review homestead-exemption timing if you own
Establish local healthcare, pharmacy and emergency contacts
Test commute, services and household routines
Create and practice a hurricane and evacuation plan
Arrange health coverage that applies at your Florida address
What Florida asks of a new resident
Each one is quoted from the office that sets it.
Driver license30 daysto get a Florida driver license after you establish residency. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Vehicle registration10 daysto title and register your vehicles, with insurance from a Florida-licensed agent. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Homestead exemptionMarch 1to file with the county property appraiser, for a home you owned and lived in on January 1. In 2026 it takes as much as $51,411 off the assessed value. Florida Department of Revenue
Personal income taxNoneFlorida does not impose a personal income tax, an inheritance tax or a gift tax. Florida Department of Revenue
Sales tax6% + countyon most retail sales. A vehicle brought in within six months of buying it owes the 6% use tax. Florida Department of Revenue
Hurricane seasonJune 1 to Nov 30with the peak on September 10 and most activity from mid-August to mid-October. National Hurricane Center
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, flhsmv.gov · Florida Department of Revenue, floridarevenue.com · National Hurricane Center, nhc.noaa.gov