Tips for Moving to Florida

Thinking that Florida might be the right place to plant your roots? You’re probably making a great decision! But before you make things official, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research and make some preparations.

Below, we offer up some of our top tips for moving to Florida to help ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Reassess Your Long-Term Financial Plan

Before you even start shopping for a property, you should sit down with a financial advisor and assess how Florida’s lack of income tax will affect your future standing.

You may be able to save more money while living in Florida, making it possible to afford more land, luxury amenities, desirable locations, and other features that you might have previously thought were out of reach. Having a clear view of your financial future will allow you to plan your real estate budget accordingly.

Know How Climate Differs by Region

Many people have the impression that the entirety of Florida has a tropical climate. But in actuality, the climate of South Florida differs quite a lot from the north. You’ll want to make sure you’re familiar with the particular climate in the region you’re considering before you decide to move.

In South Florida, you will enjoy the warm and sunny year-round weather that the state is famous for. But you’ll also have to contend with the brunt of hurricanes and tropical storms, as well as all the humidity.

North Florida, on the other hand, is a fair bit cooler, and a lot less humid in the winter. Snow is actually a possibility, unlike in the south, and Jacksonville sees an average of 16 freezing days per year.

Learn How to Deal with Visitors (Of Many Types!)

Florida is full of visitors throughout the year. Even after the many summer tourists have left, you’ll still see an abundance of “snowbirds” fleeing the cold of the northern states.

While contending with the crowds is unavoidable to a degree, locals learn to adapt by avoiding certain attractions during the high season, especially the spring break stretch between March and mid-April. If you want to avoid throngs of people, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with Florida’s tourism patterns to plan your outings well.

Other types of visitors you’re bound to encounter are those of the wild variety. Florida is absolutely teeming with wildlife, from native species like large bugs and gators, to invasive critters like pythons and iguanas. It’s not that uncommon for locals to find an alligator making use of their pool, peacocks strutting about the lawn, or lizards basking on the front steps.

This can be nerve-racking, or even exciting for those who love all types of fauna. But it also means you’ll need to know what to do if you encounter one of these creatures. Keep in mind that some species are legally protected, with official guidelines in place for how they are to be handled. When it comes to injured or orphaned wildlife, you’ll have to call a local rehabilitator. Every Floridian should learn what steps they can take to minimize conflicts with wild animals on their property. 

Prepare to Set a Higher Budget for Home Maintenance & Insurance

The heavy storms and humidity throughout Florida will cause much more wear and tear on your home over the course of a year. Consequently, you’ll have more costs associated with both maintenance and insurance. Not only will you have to pay the cost of repairing normal degradation, you’ll also have a much higher likelihood of needing to make claims for storm damage.

Florida homeowners pay an average of $3,643 in home insurance premiums. That is an extra $1,338 compared to the national average of $2,305. While Florida’s average rate of home maintenance is about the same as the national average, it is still much higher than any of the other states in the Southeast.

Check Land & Building Costs to Get the Best Deal

Many people are flocking to Florida for the warm weather and favorable property prices. But when it comes to already-built real estate, prices have been going up considerably. Especially in Southern Florida, asking prices for existing homes can get very steep.

A number of new residents have found that the most affordable way to buy a home in Florida is to build it themselves. It’s possible to find empty lots in great locations for extremely cheap, and a solid build, even with luxury features, can end up costing far less than a comparable home that’s already on the market. Check out the options in your desired area before defaulting to a ready-built home purchase.

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Get Expert Help Building Your New Life in Florida

If you’re ready to make your move and have decided that a custom home is the way to go, we’re here to help. Capitol Homes is one of the leading builders in Southwest Florida, serving Port Charlotte, North Port, and Englewood.

We’ll not only walk you through the entire home buying process, we’ll also give you excellent customization options via our luxury design center, and even help you arrange temporary accommodations while you’re waiting for your home to be ready. Our method keeps things as simple as possible, so that you’re able to focus on adapting to your new life in Florida.

You’re invited to take a look at our full catalog of custom home designs. In-person tours are available at our three model home centers, comprising the stunning Silver Palm, Laurel Oak, and Captiva models. When you’re set to discuss your plans, we invite you to reach out to our team.