6 Important Things To Know Before Moving To Florida

expat network

6 Important Things To Know Before Moving To Florida

Florida is the third most popular state to live in the USA. Florida’s nickname ”Sunshine State”attracts many who want to live in warmer areas. In addition to being a popular place to move for Americans, foreigners often move to Florida. Here are six important things to know before moving to Florida.

Each new chapter of life brings with it new surprises and experiences. So if you are planning to move to Florida, there will be surprises that you can not prepare for. However, keep reading to get some important things in mind before moving to Florida and to make the process easier for yourself.

The State of Sunshine

A lot of people who decide to move to Florida do so precisely because of the weather. Summers in Florida are long, warm, and humid, while temperatures during the winter are slightly low, and are quickly replaced by warm weather and high temperatures. If you are a fan of warm weather and high temperatures, then Florida is a great choice for you!

Also, as far as extreme weather is concerned you should know that hurricanes can hit Florida. However, this should not scare you. You may happen to live in Florida and have never experienced a hurricane. Just in case, hurricane safety is one of the things you should pay attention to before moving to Florida.

Pack light clothing, flip flops and sandals, and a bottle of water to always carry with you. If you are looking for your new home, air conditioning is a must-have item to help you withstand high temperatures.

Tourist state

Before moving to Florida, you should know that it is one of the most visited US states. Florida is attractive to tourists because of its beautiful beaches, parks, and a large number of activities for tourists. So if you are planning to move to Florida, be prepared for a lot of tourists throughout the year. Also, not all cities in Florida have the same number of tourists, and Orlando is currently the most visited city in Florida.

Your health is in good hands

If you are planning to move to Florida but are afraid that if some health problems occur, you will not get adequate help, relax! Florida is considered a country that has a large number of medical professionals. No matter what health problem you have, in Florida, you will be able to get the help of specialists. If you are pregnant or looking for your new gynecologist in Florida, don’t worry, women’s health specialists of Florida are ready to take care of you.

Florida is home for gators

Florida is known for being inhabited by a lot of alligators, as many as 1.3 million. Florida is also the only place in the world where you can find these two animal species in one place: American crocodiles and American alligators. But this should not scare you and delay your relocation plans. Experts claim that attacks by these animals in Florida are extremely rare. In addition to these species, in Florida, you can also find various types of snakes, sharks, bats, etc. In Florida, you can also find many plant species, and thus Florida is considered one of the states with the most biodiversity.

Low taxes

Florida is one of the states that does not have a state income tax. Yes, you read that right, there is no income tax in Florida. This means that you will be able to save money for various things such as travel, excursions, a new car or house, etc. However, in Florida, for example, gas taxes are high. Therefore, when looking for a job, look for those that are close to your home so you don’t have to drive far. Also, there are some other additional costs that are mandatory in Florida. One of those things is flood insurance, which is mandatory in only a few countries, including Florida.

Many food options

If you are a seafood lover Florida is the right place for you. Since Florida is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico and has access to seafood, this type of food is the most common. However, in addition to this type of food, Florida has a diverse offer for all lovers of different tastes. Basically, whatever type of food you like, you will find it in Florida.

Wrapping up

If you are preparing to move to Florida, remember that summer lasts a little longer than usual, and therefore bring adequate clothing. Be prepared for the crowds, considering a large number of tourists, but also the various animal and plant species. All in all, life in Florida really sounds like a great idea!

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.