Moving to Florida: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Florida, you’re not alone. The Sunshine State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Jacksonville and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Florida, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Florida to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Florida information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to FL
Top car shippers to FL
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Florida

Like any big move, relocating to Florida comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Sunshine State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in FL

✓Fantastic weather
✓Abundant water recreational activities
✓Ample economic opportunity
✓World-leading entertainment
✓Beautiful flora and fauna

Cons of living in FL

✖High cost of living
✖Poor healthcare
✖Natural disasters
✖Heat and humidity
✖High crime rate

Things to do in Florida

Whether you’re moving to Florida work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Florida has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in Florida

Walt Disney World
Universal Studios Orlando
South Beach
Kennedy Space Center
Key West
SeaWorld Orlando
Busch Gardens Tampa
Castillo de San Marcos
Clearwater Beach
Everglades National Park

Museums in Florida

Wynwood Halls
The Ringling
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The Dali Museum
NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum
Museum of the Everglades
Revs Institute
Navy Seal Museum

Parks in Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
De Soto National Memorial
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Ocala National Forest
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Homestead Trolley-Everglades National Park
Maritime Hammock Sanctuary
Canaveral National Seashore
Key West Marine Park

Fun facts about Florida

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about Florida, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

Dr. John Gorrie of Apalachicola invented mechanical refrigeration in 1851.
Miami Beach pharmacist Benjamin Green invented the first suntan cream in 1944. He accomplished this development by cooking cocoa butter in a granite coffee pot on his wife’s stove.
Neil Smith and his brother of Montverde developed the first Snapper riding lawn mower.
Key West has the highest average temperature in the United States.
The Saint John’s River is one of the few rivers that flows north instead of south.
The largest lake in Florida is Lake Okeechobee.
May 20, 1970 Florida lawmakers passed and sent to the Governor a bill adopting the moonstone as the official state gem. Ironically, the moonstone is not found naturally in Florida…nor was it found on the moon.
In 1987 the Florida legislature designated the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) the official state reptile. Long an unofficial symbol of the state, the alligator originally symbolized Florida’s extensive untamed wilderness and swamps.
Miami installed the first bank automated teller machine especially for rollerbladers.
Ybor City was once known as the Cigar Capital of the World with nearly 12,000 tabaqueros (cigar-makers) employed in 200 factories. Ybor City produced an estimated 700 million cigars a year at the industry’s peak.
Plant City, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, holds the Guinness record for the world’s largest strawberry shortcake. The 827 square-foot, 6,000 pound cake was made on Feb. 19, 1999 in McCall Park.

Florida population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Florida, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Sunshine State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Florida, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Florida
Population	22,610,726
Female	50.8%
Male	49.2%
College graduation rate	33.16%
Political leaning	Republican 51-48
Crime index	21.39

Florida weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Florida is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Florida aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	Florida
Summer high	91ºF
Winter low	49ºF
Annual rain	55″
Annual snow	0″

Income and cost of living in Florida

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Florida.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Florida and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($172.5 billion)
Professional and business services ($136.6 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($100 billion)
Retail trade ($74 billion)
Wholesale trade ($70.8 billion)
Finance and insurance ($66.4 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($63.7 billion)
Manufacturing ($56.2 billion)
Construction ($55.1 billion)
Information ($41.6 billion)

Metric	Florida
Average rent cost	$1,444
Average home cost	$392,176
Average income (per capita)	$67,917
Cost of living index*	102
Unemployment rate	2.9%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	0.0%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Florida

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Florida has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Florida:

University of Florida
Florida State University
University of South Florida
University of Central Florida
Florida International University
University of Miami
Florida Atlantic University
Nova Southeastern University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
University of North Florida
University of Florida
Florida Institute of Technology
Valencia College
Stetson University
Miami Dade College
Florida Gulf Coast University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Florida

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Sunshine State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Florida

Before you take the leap to Florida, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Florida

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Florida.

Florida car insurance requirements

To register a vehicle in Florida, you must have PIP and PDL insurance. Both types of coverage need to be at least $10,000 each.

Florida drivers license requirements

If you have a valid driver’s license from another state, you can legally drive in Florida without getting a Florida driver’s license. But if you want a Florida license, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test; there’s no need for a written or road test.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Florida?

Moving to Florida is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Florida is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Florida?

On the cost of living index, Florida has a score of 102. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Florida?

The average income in FL is $67,917, and the an unemployment rate is 2.9. Home prices are $392,176, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,444.

What is the downside of living in Florida?

Like any place, Florida has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Sunshine State include:

High cost of living
Poor healthcare
Natural disasters
Heat and humidity
High crime rate

Florida Moving Resources

moveBuddha Migration Reports

With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.