Moving to Florida from NY

Moving to Florida from NY
By
Mohit

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    Florida has consistently ranked as one of the top inbound states, meaning that lots of people have chosen to relocate to Florida. If you have decided on moving from NY to FL, you are in for a treat.

    According to the state’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, between April 2020 and April 2021, 329,717 new residents settled in Florida.

    There are lots of reasons why anyone would favor moving from NY to FL and go through the process of moving to haul their belongings 1,146 miles across the United States; a long expanse of beaches, a beautiful spot between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, major amusement parks, and warm weather are all features worthy of serious consideration.

    Moving to Florida from NY

    The beaches attract more than 100 million visitors a year, making tourism a major contributor to Florida’s GDP. A fun fact that retirees find very attractive, and that has made Florida the nation’s leading retirement haven, is the absence of personal income tax. This is possible because tourism pays a huge share of the state’s sales tax.

    If you’re considering making a move or have already made a decision and need tips on moving from NY to Florida, this blog post is crafted with the sole purpose of giving you relocating tips. You probably already know this, the distance between New York and Florida is 1,145 miles, you’ll need around 17 hours 18 minutes to travel by road.

    It’s a serious move, and it needs serious planning.

    After all, the nickname “The Sunshine State,” says it all. Florida is literally bursting with things to do and can be a great lifestyle change from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. The most difficult part would most likely be cutting ties with New York to become a non-residence and convince the state’s revenue department that you’re no longer living there, then proceed with relocating to Florida from NY.

    Things To Consider When Moving to Florida

    A long-distance move can be costly, and that’s why it’s essential to work with a moving company that is both professional and affordable. The average cost of moving from NY to FL is anywhere from $3000-$6000. The average price to move is $3121.63.

    Of course, there are many variables that will determine the exact cost, such as the precise distance of the move, the number of items being moved, and additional services such as packing and unpacking while relocating to Florida from new york

    Long-distance moves require additional attention to detail to ensure the move is as seamless as possible. It would be best if you started preparing well in advance because, unlike a local move, you won’t have the opportunity to make multiple trips.

    Thus, it would help if you were sure you plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary stress. Due to the complexity of a long-distance move, it is advisable to work with a professional moving company to ensure your action is appropriately executed from start to finish.

    Allied has over 90 years of moving experience, and we know what it takes to conquer a long-distance move. We are available to help you every step of the way to ensure your move is as seamless as possible.

    1. Cost of Living in Florida 

     You will find that the cost of living in Florida is dramatically cheaper than in new york. While real estate costs will vary depending on where you live in the state, even the most expensive cities in Florida are still cheaper than Manhattan.

    Cost of Living in New York & Florida
    Cost of Living in New York & Florida

    The median home cost in Miami is $336,000, while New York is a staggering $662,000. That means New York is 53% more expensive than Miami. In addition to cheaper housing, Florida is also one of seven states that do not have a state income tax. This lack of state income tax allows Florida residents the opportunity to save more of their hard-earned money.

    A salary of $50k is considered good money while living in Florida. However, there’s ample room for improvement if you want to improve your standard of living. The average household income is approximately $63k.

    According to new data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 33,565 NY residents got Florida driver’s licenses between September of last year and March of this year.

    That’s a 32% increase from the same period the year before. Approximately 14,045 New York residents moved to Palm Beach County between September 2020 and March 2022.

    The information provided in this section will help you determine if you can afford a move to Florida, based on your income and budget. It is recommended that you spend only 30% of your income on rent, so you can ensure you’re not overburdened by housing costs. 

    Florida Housing Costs

    Miami: The median price of a one-bedroom apartment is $1,300 while a two-bedroom apartment will cost you $1700.

    Fort Lauderdale: The median price of a one-bedroom apartment is $1,180, and the two-bedroom price is $1,410.

    Tampa: The median rent price for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,160, while a two-bedroom unit goes for $1,410.

    Orlando: A one-bedroom apartment sits at $1,180 and the median price for a two-bedroom unit is $1,400.

    Florida Transportation Costs

    The cost of transportation in Florida depends on how you choose to move and the size of your family. According to MIT’s living wage calculator, a single adult can expect to spend $5,113 on transportation annually. A family of four on the other hand should budget around $13,896 for transportation costs annually.

    There aren’t a lot of public transportation options to choose from, generally, but major metropolitan areas have functional public transportation networks that make it easy for residents to move around. 

    Florida Food Costs

    Florida offers a lot of dining options, with delightful food spots and interesting cuisine. However, eating out can prove to be a strain on your pocket if you’re living on a budget. Here’s how much two adults can expect to spend if they eat out one time monthly and prepare the rest of their meals at home.

    • Miami: $365
    • Jacksonville: $333
    • Tampa: $340
    • Orlando: $321
    • Saint Petersburg: $335
    • Florida Healthcare Costs

    Accurately representing healthcare costs can be really challenging because healthcare costs vary greatly depending on your personal health, medication costs, the number of people in your household, and whether you have employer-provided or personal health insurance. 

    Single Adult Annual Healthcare Costs: $2,792

    Family of Four Annual Healthcare Costs: $9,249

    Florida Utilities cost

    For basic utilities including electricity, water, and gas, the average monthly bill across the U.S. is $157. The average cost of basic utilities in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando is listed below:

    • Miami: $141.97
    • Tampa: $165.07
    • Orlando: $167.84

    2. Taxes in Florida

    1. No income tax

    Florida is one of only seven states that doesn’t collect an individual income tax. The other six are Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.  Relocating to Florida from NY can save someone in a high-income tax bracket many thousands of dollars each year in taxes.

    Taxes in Florida

    Florida is one of the few U.S. states with no state income tax, so it’s no surprise that people from the high-income tax states are among the top relocators. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has left some people looking to improve their tax position. 

    Before the TCJA, individuals in higher-taxed states were able to benefit from State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions on federal income tax forms. But now, the TCJA limits the SALT deductions to $10,000 annually. SALT deductions have historically represented big tax breaks for individuals who itemized their Schedule A deductions. For those in high-income tax and property tax states, this has been a big hit.

    2. Asset Protection Benefits

    You shouldn’t have to worry about losing your assets to a creditor or in a lawsuit if you live in Florida. The state offers many asset protection benefits, including:

    • Homestead creditor protection
    • Tenancies by the entirety for real property, as well as for personal property
    • Protection of the cash value of life insurance
    • Protection for IRAs and annuities
    • Protection of assets held in a properly structured business entity

    A creditor can’t claim your home to satisfy a debt unless it’s the mortgage lender who holds the property as collateral for the loan.

    3. Property Tax Benefits

    You’ll also receive two property tax breaks if you buy a home in Florida and declare that the residence is your primary “homestead.”

    First, you’ll receive an exemption for the first $50,000 of your home’s value for property tax purposes, except for school district taxes which only receive a $25,000 exemption.

    3. Florida Housing 

    Florida Housing administers the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP), which provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing.

    Housing

    The program was designed to serve very low, low, and moderate-income families. Many things in life are expensive, but finding a good place to live shouldn’t be one of them. Renting a subsidized or section 8 apartment is the best way to find affordable housing in Florida. 

    Searching for low-income housing and no credit check apartments in Florida is the first step toward finding a new home that you both love and can afford. Find out information about neighborhoods, schools, nearby public transit, and more by checking on any of the 3,930 Florida income-restricted apartments.

    Once you’ve found your next income-based rental, the next step is moving in and making it your own.

    4. Healthcare  in Florida

    Florida Health Information Exchange (HIE) Services

    Florida HIE Services are transforming health care in Florida through the use of health information technology. Offer services that enable the secure electronic exchange of patient health information among health care providers. Getting this information to providers when and where it is needed offers numerous benefits to health care providers, health care systems, patients, and others.

    Housing in Florida

    Encounter Notification Service (ENS)

    ENS provides subscribers with timely notifications about their patients’ health care encounters. ENS receives admit, discharge, or transfer reports from over 300 hospitals and other healthcare facilities in Florida, matching the information to patient lists provided by subscribers.

    When one of the listed patients receives care at a participating health care facility, subscribers receive an alert containing details about that patient’s hospital encounter.

    Miami

    Miami is so much more than nightclubs and spring break tourists. It is the most vibrant and culturally diverse city in Florida and has become one of the largest international business hubs in the world.

    Miami draws young professionals working in the trade and financial industries, but its suburbs also cater to families. While there is certainly no shortage of partying going on in this vibrant city, residents also enjoy spending time at the beach and enjoying nearby natural areas such as the Everglades and Biscayne Bay.

    Tampa

    Tampa is among the most popular inbound cities thanks to its thriving economy, low cost of living, and variety of recreational activities. It has drawn the attention of Major League Baseball, with a number of teams making it their home for spring training. It also boasts a large military presence as well as a number of small businesses.

    Jacksonville

    Jacksonville is ranked among the Top 50 Best Places to Live thanks to its pristine coastlines, affordable cost of living, culturally diverse communities, and thrilling attractions. Jacksonville offers loads of family fun and great neighborhoods that are affordable. The city also boasts a host of excellent restaurants, thriving nightlife, and a short drive from other major cities.

    Orlando

    Aside from Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and an abundance of other attractions, Orlando has plenty to offer its residents. It is a prime location for businesses, living, and recreation.

    While the cost of living in Orlando is slightly higher than the national average, it is still very affordable compared to New York. The city is also home to four professional sports teams, great shopping and restaurants, loads of concerts and outdoor festivals, and ideal weather.

    Cape Coral 

    Cape Coral has an area of 120 square miles, making it the largest city between Tampa and Miami. Coral is an appealing destination for visitors and home to vibrant and friendly communities. Fishing and water sports made easily accessible with more than 400 miles of canals increase the quality of life in Cape Coral. 

    Gainesville

    Gainesville is home to The University of Florida, so it’s more like a college town, but with lots of fun things to do and nature all around. Gainesville has over 30 miles of biking and hiking trails, and you can spot wildlife like birds, bison, wild horses, or alligators in seven areas of Florida State Parks.

    Gainesville is peaceful and relaxed, great for those seeking a slower place. 

    6. Benefits of Moving from NY to FL

    Florida is the southernmost state in the country and is known for its tropical climate, diverse wildlife, and plentiful beaches. However, the state is quite large and has more to offer residents than just white sandy beaches. The Sunshine State is also home to large metropolises such as Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, which can be pretty reminiscent of a big city like NYC.

    Moving from NY to Florida

    Other parts of the state, such as Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Sarasota, and Palm Beach, provide a more southern feel. This diversified state offers a little something for everyone and has enormous incentives for New Yorkers who are looking for a new home. Here are just a few of the incredible benefits the state of Florida has to offer.

    Great Weather

    Florida has a sub-tropical climate with long summers and short, mild winters, so the weather is a big factor to consider; you might need to change your wardrobe to be appropriately dressed for the new weather. You won’t need snow boots in the winter, but you might need a light jacket.

    Hurricane safety is one of the things you should know if you’re moving from NYC to Florida as there is a potential for hurricanes. You might not experience one during your stay, but it’s best to be prepared in case one happens.

    It would be impossible to talk about the benefits of living in Florida without first mentioning the weather. Florida is nicknamed “The Sunshine State” because it is warm and sunny most days. While residents can expect heat and humidity during the summer months, they are treated to warm and breezy days in the winter.

    The means New Yorkers who move to the state can say “goodbye” to shoveling snow and get ready for t-shirts and flip-flops year-round. The pleasant weather also means you can plan an outdoor activity any time of the year which is one of the moving from NY to Florida advice.

    Beautiful Beaches

    Even if you live inland, the beaches are never far away when you live in Florida. Residents of the state have easy access to some of the world’s best and most beautiful beaches. Some of these award-winning beaches include Sarasota’s Siesta Beach, Clearwater Beach, Pensacola Beach, Delray Beach, Grayton Beach, and Miami Beach, just to name a few

    Thanks to its ample sunshine, residents have plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors swimming, boating, fishing, scuba diving, or just relaxing on the beach. Residents also have easy access to incredible attractions, including Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios in Orlando.

    Further south in the state, residents can explore Everglades National Park, the Florida Keys and experience some of the best fishing in the world. Miami’s art deco district is also filled with incredible restaurants, shopping, and exhilarating nightlife. If that’s not enough, sports lovers will have their fill cheering on the state’s many professional sports teams.

    Food

    If you’re very particular about cuisine and the food you eat, the local cuisine is one of the things you should pay attention to before moving from NY to FL. As it’s located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, there is an abundance of seafood. Other important things to consider are the cost of living, insurance, and employment.

    It is important to know what job opportunities are available in the state, how much you can possibly make, and if your potential income will cover your living expenses based on the cost of living in Florida. Now, let’s dive into the relocating to Florida tips that’ll ensure your move is well-planned and executed in a stress-free manner.

    7. Cost of Moving from NYC to Florida

    How much it will cost to move from New York to Florida depends on a couple of factors such as when you want to move, the distance that will be covered, the total weight of your belongings, extra services, and more.

    Cost of Moving from NYC to Florida
    Cost of Moving from NYC to Florida

    You can go one of two ways: hire a professional moving company (which will cost you anywhere from $3000-$6000), or rent a truck or use a moving container (which will save you more money but will be more stressful and hands-on for you). Whichever way you choose, you should expect to spend around $1700-$3000 on moving from New York to Florida.

    What it will cost you is highly affected by time. The cost of moving from NY to FL is high in summer because almost everyone moves in summer. You can save some money if you can move during the offseason such as fall or early spring.

    You can spend as much as $8000 for professional movers from New York to Florida at the peak of the moving season, for example, early June. To be more specific so you can have something to reference, you’ll need to set aside between $2000 to $6000 (depending on the size of your apartment and your belongings) to hire a professional moving company from New York to Orlando.

    If you have a car that you’ll like to ship instead of drive, you can expect to pay between $700 and $1400. The size of weight of your furniture is also something you should consider. Moving a lot of furniture will cost you more money, whether you rent a truck or container or hire a moving company.

    So, put that in mind when working out your moving budget, the more furniture you have, the more you might have to spend on moving. 

    Moving from NYC to Florida Advice 

    1. While packing for your new life, make room for the future. Leave a lot of your heavy winter staples behind.
    2. Move during the summertime, instead of the winter. This is how you can avoid the “snowbirds” (a local pet term for people from the north who spend their winters in the warmer climate).
    3. There’s lots of available parking in Florida. Moving vehicles do not require special parking permits.
    4. Try not to consume all of the good food and beverages in your new state at once. Though, if you want to try, we recommend fresh seafood and a local craft beer. A slice of key lime pie can also begin your local culinary adventures.
    5. Find a great moving company, with exceptional cross-country moving experience.

    Establishing a domicile in Florida and establishing residency is a complicated process. Ideally, you can make a clean break by selling all real estate, moving all business activities, and entirely investing in your life in Florida by buying a home in Florida.

    This is the best way to indicate intent to make Florida your domicile, and this makes the process of moving from NY to Florida and becoming a resident not tricky or complicated. It’s just a matter of taking some basic steps. If you’re not living there, you can’t be taxed there.

    Conclusion

    All the major factors that you need to pay attention to when moving from NY to FL have been discussed. All you have to do is put all the knowledge you’ve gained into action and start getting ready for the long haul.

    A good thing to do is to start sorting out your belongings six weeks before the date you’ll be moving so you can know what’s going with you and what’s getting left behind. Good luck with your move.