5 Things to Know Before Moving to Florida in 2025
Before moving to Florida, we’re going to provide some insider tips so that you can better make decisions on if it’s the right place for you. From its year-round warm climate to the absence of state income tax, there are plenty of reasons to relocate to Florida. In addition, the state offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, from beautiful beaches to theme parks, making it a great destination for both retirees and families alike. However, it’s important to consider the unique lifestyle and potential challenges, such as hurricane season, before making your final decision.
Florida, while amazing for retirees, may not be for everyone. While it has great amenities and weather, it may be a little too hot for some and the wildlife can be offputting.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep into 5 tips to know before moving to Florida.
If you’re ready, read on down below.
5 Insider Tips When Considering Moving to Florida
1. Florida is HOT
While it is obvious, until you’ve lived through it, you have no idea how you’re going to react to ultra-humid summers and heat that never cools down. It is called the “Sunshine State” for a reason. Winters are mild, so anyone looking to enjoy some snow should look for a different place to live.
It’s a good idea to invest in sunscreen and purchase a home that has great air conditioning. You do not want to be in an older home with poor insulation, as you’re going to have to either get it repaired or deal with your AC leaking out and causing a higher electric bill.
A good idea before moving to Florida is to check out what the weather is like. Take a small vacation, and feel that heat on your skin. If you can bear it all year round, then Florida is the right place for you. Some folks prefer more moderate temperatures, but Florida is great if you enjoy warm weather.
2. Movers Can Help
Before you decide to break your bag on moving every item you own yourself, you can always check out the best Florida moving company rates and find a suitable moving solution. Rather than breaking your back and moving your belongings in the heat, you can hire a moving service to do everything from packaging and unpackaging, and even throwing away any leftover garbage.
A good idea before moving is to look around and find the best company with the best price. However, do your due diligence when it comes to vetting a moving company, as you want to ensure that they will arrive on time and have the proper certification to run a moving operation.
If you are unsure of a moving company, you can always inquire with the Better Business Bureau, or the Department of Transport to verify the legitimacy of these companies. Never put any money down with any companies that you do not trust, and make sure to shop around before landing on one.
A Florida auto transport company can also help transport your vehicle, and some moving companies double as a transport service. They can help ship your car to and from Florida, all while you can focus on the important aspects of the move.
3. Florida has a LOT of Wildlife
While Florida is well known for having a lot of alligators, there are plenty of other wildlife that can also create problems if you aren’t prepared. Florida has 1.3 million alligators, and it’s not uncommon for people to create entire businesses out of wrangling rogue gators that make their way onto golf courses and homes.
Florida has panthers, manatees, bats, huge bugs, and other nuisances. If you prefer to live without all of these creepy crawlies making a ruckus, then you’ll be better off living elsewhere. Florida also is home to invasive species like iguanas, which can even destroy foundations in homes or tear up sidewalks.
If you are not prepared to face the strange wildlife that Florida has to offer, then you may want to look into a more moderate climate that doesn’t attract the amazing plants and animals that Florida has.
4. Hurricanes are a Fact of Life
Hurricanes are one of those things that you never have to deal with until you’re in a location that commonly gets slammed by hurricanes. Once every three years, Florida is affected by a tropical storm or hurricane. While this is just a statistic, many hurricanes can pass through in a single year.
What’s more concerning is that climate change has been creating more severe weather patterns, and hurricanes are likely to get stronger and more frequent in warmer climates. If a hurricane does come through, you will have time to evacuate, but you will need to board up your house and head out.
This sort of event does happen, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared if you want to live in Florida. Stock up on water, food, and survival supplies and invest in the proper insurance, and living in Florida shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
5. Florida is Home to Many Cultures
You may be surprised to visit Miami, only to be met with hordes of people who only speak Spanish. As many Cubans have made their way to Florida, many other cultures like Russians and even some Asian cultures spread throughout.
What’s great about these many cultures is that you can enjoy a variety of different cuisines. Don’t be surprised to eat at an Argentinian place, and then the next day eat at an arepa at a Colombian joint and then head down to your local Russian supermarket.
In Miami alone, 70% of the population speaks Spanish. That means that as an English speaker, you are going to be in the minority! Florida is always bringing in new immigrants, and it adds to the appeal, as there is always something new and interesting to explore and learn.
Final Thoughts
Florida is not for everyone. However, if you enjoy warm climates, warm people and a diverse culture all across the state, it’s for sure a place you want to consider when moving to. Hurricanes are a bit of a problem, but you do have fair warning before they make their way over.
Before moving to Florida, it’s a good idea to check out the weather by taking a quick vacation. You can scope out new neighborhoods, and then decide if Florida will be your next time.
