Moving to Florida: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking about relocating to Florida? You’re not alone. The Sunshine State has a magnetic pull—whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Jacksonville or prefer the charm of its quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot here for everyone.

There’s plenty to love about Florida, but before you dive into buying a home and relocating, make sure you weigh both the advantages and drawbacks.

We’ll break down all the key details about relocating to Florida to help you decide if it’s the right move 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

Moving to Florida comes with lots of perks, but there are also some hurdles you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Sunshine State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Florida

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

Cons of living in Florida

✖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 for a fresh start, a new job, or to be near family, you’re in for a treat. From famous attractions to hidden gems, Florida is bursting with adventures and exciting opportunities waiting for you every day..

If you’re traveling with friends or flying solo and ready to make new connections, these destinations have you covered. With tons of choices, you’re sure to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

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 its own personality — shaped by its history, culture, and the people who call it home. Getting to know the little details and sill traditions can give you a better sense of what life there is really 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

As you consider making the move to Florida, take a moment to dig deeper than just the stats—you’ll get a real feel for what life in the Sunshine State is all about.

If you choose a state with a bigger population, you’ll likely find more jobs, entertainment options, and better infrastructure. In contrast, states with fewer people often mean a quieter pace of life and close-knit communities.

Average education levels can show what job opportunities are available or how easy it is to access local schools and colleges. Meanwhile, a state’s political breakdown might reveal its core values and priorities.

Knowing who calls Florida home, their lifestyles, and what matters most to them can help you figure out if it’s the kind of place where you’ll feel at ease and find your community.

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

Weather plays a big role in everyday life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Florida is right for you. Looking at the average temperatures and precipitation each season can help you figure out how much time you’ll spend outdoors, what kind of gear you’ll need, and how you’ll deal with changing conditions.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and keep you cranking the AC, while frigid winters call for a ready closet and a reliable heating system. When snow arrives, you might face anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws off your travel and daily routine.

If you love the sun, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snowy winters, knowing what Florida’s climate is like can help you figure out if it’s the right match for your lifestyle.

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

Income and cost of living in Florida

Digging into top industries, typical salaries, housing prices, and everyday expenses gives you a real sense of how practical—and affordable—life in Florida can be.

Understanding the main industries in the area gives you a clear idea of job prospects and long-term stability in your field. And since housing costs are likely to have a big impact on whether you rent or buy, they’re an essential part of your moving decision.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers do more than just sit on a page—they give you a real look at how your current lifestyle stacks up against what Florida has to offer, so you can make your move feeling confident and in the know.

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 great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and overall atmosphere.

If having access to excellent schools matters to you—whether you’re pursuing more education, have kids getting ready to graduate, or simply want strong academic choices—Florida is a smart place to consider.

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 2,756 moving companies, with 217 being in Florida, 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 making your move to Florida, it’s smart to get an idea of what you’ll spend on movers. On average, you’re looking at around $136 per hour for professional help. Your final price will depend on how much you’re bringing with you and the distance you’re traveling—cross-country relocations are going to cost more than a shorter move within the state.

Your choice of moving style can have a major impact on your overall costs.

For a budget-friendly move, check out one of the best moving container companies. You’re in charge of packing and loading, while they take care of the driving—offering a great balance between a DIY move and hiring full-service professionals.

Looking to cut costs? Renting a moving truck is your cheapest bet. You’ll handle everything yourself—from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d prefer to skip the heavy lifting, professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. Remember, this level of convenience can be pricey, so it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your budget and 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

All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance of at least $10,000 each at the time of registration.

Florida drivers license requirements

If you have a valid driver’s license from another state, you can drive in Florida without getting a Florida driver’s license. However, if you decide to get a Florida license, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test; no written or road test is required.

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.