Moving to Florida

Moving To Florida

Florida Weather: What to Expect

Rainy And Dry Season

Florida has two main seasons, rainy and dry. In 2025, we had three whole weeks of nonstop rain! Usually, you’ll wake up to clear skies, but in the afternoons, storms pop up, and then everything usually clears up by night. It can be a bit unpredictable, so always keep an umbrella handy! Now, here’s one of the best things about living in Florida, the sunshine! On average, we have about 237 sunny days every year.

Heat And Humidity

When you think of Florida, you might think of heat, and you’re right! From June to August, the weather can get really hot and humid. But I found that my body adjusted after about two years of living here. Keep in mind that Florida is a big state! The northern parts are usually a bit cooler than the southern areas, but overall, it’s still hot.

Hurricanes

One thing everyone knows about Florida is that we can have hurricanes. It’s super important to be prepared when storm season arrives. Make sure you have an emergency kit, hurricane windows if possible, and an escape plan ready, just in case.

Personal Note

I moved to Florida from Pennsylvania, where the weather could be freezing cold, icy, and full of snow. Let me tell you, that can be pretty dreary! Moving to Florida felt like a breath of fresh air, and to this day, I still say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My quality of life really improved, and I couldn’t be happier with the change.

Understanding Insurance in Florida

Homeowner Insurance

You may have heard that many homeowner insurance companies have been leaving Florida recently. What does this mean for you? It’s led to higher premiums, which means you'll likely pay more for insurance compared to other states. In fact, a report from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation stated that property insurance premiums went up by an average of 30% just last year alone! (2025)

Flood Insurance

If you’re moving to an area that’s prone to flooding, getting flood insurance is a must. Florida's location makes it vulnerable to flooding, especially during heavy rainstorms and hurricanes. The average cost for flood insurance here can range from around $600 to over $2,000 a year, depending on a variety of factors.

Auto Insurance

Now, let’s talk about auto insurance. Florida ranks as one of the most expensive states for auto insurance. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average annual premium here is about $2,200. Around 20% of drivers in the state are uninsured, and many others don’t have enough coverage.

Traffic

As for traffic, Florida isn’t quite as congested as busy cities like New York or Los Angeles, but you’ll still experience some traffic, especially during “snowbird” season, which runs from about November to March. This is when many people flock to Florida for the winter.

Maintenance Tips

Building Inspections

In Florida, new regulations mean building inspections have gone from a 40-year inspection to a 30 years for high-rise structures. This change came with a flurry of special assessments and an increase in HOA fees. If you’re like me and own a condo, you might have felt this impact firsthand.

Corroded Materials

Florida’s environment adds its own set of challenges for homeowners. The intense UV rays, frequent rain, and saltwater exposure can cause materials to wear out faster. For instance, fences can become warped and discolored. When it comes to roofs, a study from the National Roofing Contractors Association found that coastal roofs often need replacement every 15 years, compared to 20-30 years elsewhere. You might not think about it, but car batteries don’t last as long in Florida as they do up north.

Mold Issues

One more thing to keep in mind is mold. Florida’s warm, humid climate can lead to mold growth, especially in poorly ventilated areas of your home. Keeping your home well ventilated isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential! And you might find yourself power washing your exterior surfaces more often to keep everything looking fresh.

Air Conditioning Care

Now, let’s talk about your AC system. In Florida, your air conditioner likely runs non stop in the summer. While this is essential for comfort, it can also lead to higher energy bills and a faster wear and tear on your unit.

Plumbing

Lastly, let’s not forget plumbing. Many homes in Florida, especially older ones, still have cast iron pipes. While these pipes are durable, they can corrode over time, leading to leaks and blockages. Replacing these pipes can be costly depending on your homes size and layout.

Beach Dangers

Red Tide

Let’s talk about red tide first. This sneaky little phenomenon usually shows up from late summer to early fall. Red tide is caused by an overgrowth of harmful algae, and it can release toxins into the water. If you’re exposed to these toxins, you might experience discomfort and sickness.

Portuguese man o war

Now, switching gears to the winter months! If you thought the beach was safe and sound in December through March, think again! During this time, you may run into a creature known as the Portuguese man o' war. Spoiler alert it’s not actually a jellyfish, even though many people think it is. Think of it as a close relative!

These colorful creatures sometimes wash up in groups along South Florida’s beaches during the winter. They look beautiful, floating gracefully in the water, but here’s the catch, they can be pretty dangerous. Even when they're washed up on the shore, Portuguese man o’ wars can still sting you.

Why Florida’s Tax Benefits Are a Big Draw

Click here to read my blog about Florida Taxes!

State Income Tax

One of the coolest things about Florida? There’s NO state income tax!

Retirement Income

If you're retired, Florida is even sweeter. There’s no state tax on your retirement income, including 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and even Social Security benefits.

Investment Income

Got investments? Good news! There’s no state tax on investment income or capital gains either.

Property Taxes

Now, let’s dive into property taxes. Florida offers a Homestead Exemption for qualifying permanent residents, allowing you to reduce your home’s assessed value by up to $50,000.

However, keep in mind that property taxes can be pretty high depending on the location, especially in South Florida. There are a lot of factors that come into play, and they can add up quickly.

Agricultural Benefits

Fresh Produce

Florida has an incredible climate for agriculture, making it a paradise for fresh produce lovers! The warm weather and sunshine create ideal conditions for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables year round.

For example, a friend of mine in Jupiter has a backyard full of goodies like coconuts, lettuce, herbs, apples, avocados, berries, tomatoes, and peppers!

Caution

Just a heads up: iguanas can munch on some of your garden favorites, so be sure to plan accordingly to protect your harvest.