Moving to Florida: A Starter Guide for Buyers Moving to the Sunshine State

Why Everyone's Talking About Florida

Florida isn't just a vacation state anymore — it's become one of the top destinations in the country for people actually packing up and moving. No state income tax, warm weather nearly year-round, and a job market that keeps expanding have made Florida a magnet for retirees, remote workers, families, and international buyers alike.

Every corner of Florida offers something different. Miami is a genuine international hub, drawing finance and business relocations alongside a huge international buyer base. Tampa and Orlando offer more affordable entry points with strong job growth. The Gulf Coast — Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers — draws retirees and second-home buyers chasing beach living. Whatever brought you to Florida in your search, there's likely a region that matches it.

The Market Snapshot

Florida's real estate market varies significantly by region:

• Miami & South Florida — the highest-demand market in the state, with a deep international buyer base, particularly from Latin America and increasingly from Europe. Expect premium pricing in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Brickell.
• Tampa Bay — a more affordable major metro with strong job growth in finance, healthcare, and tech, drawing a steady stream of relocators from the Northeast and Midwest.
• Orlando — anchored by tourism and a growing tech sector, Orlando offers relatively accessible pricing with strong rental demand.
• The Gulf Coast (Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers) — Florida's top choice for retirees and second-home buyers, with beachfront and golf-community properties commanding premium pricing.
• Jacksonville & North Florida — the most affordable major metro area in the state, increasingly popular with families and first-time Florida buyers.

The buying process is straightforward for both domestic and international buyers. Florida places no residency or citizenship requirements on property ownership — international buyers can purchase property in Florida as easily as U.S. citizens, though cash purchases are more common among foreign buyers since financing options can be more limited for non-residents. Most buyers work with a Florida-licensed real estate attorney or title company to handle closing, and property taxes, insurance costs (particularly flood and hurricane coverage), and HOA fees should all be factored into total cost of ownership.

(Note: Florida's property insurance market has undergone significant changes in recent years due to hurricane risk — insurance costs vary substantially by region and property type, and this is worth discussing directly with a local advisor before finalizing a purchase decision.)

Where to Visit

You can't fully understand a place from a spreadsheet, so here's a taste of what makes Florida worth falling for:

• The Florida Keys — a string of islands connected by the Overseas Highway, ending in Key West. Turquoise water, laid-back energy, and some of the best sunset views in the country.
• St. Augustine — the oldest continuously occupied European-founded city in the U.S., with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a genuinely different pace than South Florida's energy.
• Everglades National Park — a completely unique ecosystem of mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. A must for anyone considering a move to South Florida.
• Naples' Fifth Avenue South — a walkable strip of upscale shopping, galleries, and waterfront dining that captures the Gulf Coast's quieter luxury.

What to Eat

Florida's food scene reflects its mix of cultures — Latin, Southern, and coastal all at once.

• Stone crab claws — a Florida seasonal specialty (October through May), best enjoyed simply with mustard sauce at a classic seafood shack near the coast.
• Cuban sandwich — Miami and Tampa both claim it as their own, layered with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard, pressed until crisp.
• Key lime pie — the real version is pale yellow, not green, and tart enough to make you understand why it's the state's signature dessert.
• Fresh stone-cold oysters and grouper sandwiches — staples up and down the Gulf Coast, especially at waterfront spots where the catch comes straight off the boat.

Follow Along: Top Instagram Accounts for Florida

• @visitflorida — the state's official tourism account, a reliable source for statewide inspiration and hidden gems.
• @floridatraveling — a well-followed independent account focused on Florida's beaches and lesser-known spots.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make When Relocating to Florida

• Underestimating insurance costs. Florida property insurance, particularly for flood and windstorm coverage, can add thousands of dollars annually to the cost of ownership and varies dramatically by location, so buyers should get an insurance estimate before making an offer, not after.
• Assuming "no state income tax" means no taxes. Florida has no state income tax, but property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees can still make total carrying costs comparable to or higher than a higher-tax state, depending on the property and region.
• Skipping a flood zone check. Many desirable Florida properties sit in flood zones that require separate flood insurance; buyers should confirm flood zone designation early in the search process, not at closing.
• Overlooking HOA and condo association financials. Following recent statewide reforms to condo safety requirements, buyers should review a condo association's reserve funding and any planned special assessments before purchasing, since unfunded reserves can lead to significant unexpected costs.

Your Global Search Advantage

This is exactly where a referral-based approach pays off. Rather than navigating a large, regionally varied state alone, Global Search Executive Real Estate Advisory connects you with Sotheby's affiliated advisors on the ground in Florida — agents who know the neighborhoods, understand the insurance and tax nuances, and can walk you through the process from first search to closing day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international buyers purchase property in Florida? Yes, international buyers can purchase property in Florida without restriction. Florida places no citizenship or residency requirements on property ownership, though foreign buyers typically face more limited financing options and often purchase with cash.

Do I need to live in Florida to buy property there? No, Florida does not require buyers to live in the state to purchase property. Non-residents can legally own Florida real estate and use it as a vacation home, a rental investment, or a future residence.

Is it true Florida has no state income tax? Yes, Florida has no state personal income tax, which is one of the state's biggest draws for relocating buyers. However, buyers should still budget for property taxes, insurance, and other ownership costs, which can be substantial depending on the region and property type.

How much does property insurance cost in Florida? Property insurance costs in Florida vary significantly by region, property age, and flood zone designation, and coastal or older properties can carry substantially higher premiums than inland or newly built homes. Buyers should obtain an insurance quote during the search process, not after making an offer.

What's the best region in Florida for a first-time buyer relocating from out of state? The best region depends on the buyer's goals: Miami suits buyers prioritizing international connectivity and urban energy, the Gulf Coast suits those focused on retirement and beach living, and Tampa or Jacksonville offer strong value for buyers prioritizing affordability and job growth.

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