A Guide to Moving to Florida

Before anything else, the first thing you need to do is create a list with your moving checklist so that you can easily track your transition (it can be a spreadsheet or whatever you’re most comfortable with).

Checklist

• Put all relevant important documentation together in one place (social security card, birth certificate, tax documents, receipts, bills, etc.). This should include all your data, backups, and pictures and personal affects as well.
• Prepare to setup in your new home by evaluating schools, scheduling home inspections, reaching out to utility & cable/internet companies, etc.
• Chose a moving company and make sure you measure everything you are bringing with you. The last thing you want is to pack a stove that clearly does not fit into your new home.
• Request time off from work to make the transition.
• Dissemble all furniture and personal items you are bringing with you and start packing!
• After you move you want to make sure you are settled by establishing yourself in the new location. Make sure you have power, internet, etc., all setup so that the transition becomes as easy as possible.

Tax Benefits

If you are moving for tax benefits or just to start a new financial beginning, you should first know that in order to receive a tax benefit in the new state you move to, you must be a resident of that state for 6 months out of the year. So, if you move to Florida from out of state in the month of September 2025, you are not going to receive any associated tax benefits for 2025.

What does this mean? It means if the move to Florida provides you with a significant amount of capital gains reductions or any other pertinent tax benefits you should hold off on claiming those tax benefits until you have been a Florida resident for 6 months. This could be a tremendous difference in taxes you end up paying to the state. So, it may be best to take those capital gains in the following year.

Difference Between Renting or Owning

Deciding on renting or buying a home is not always an easy financial decision to make. Renting is a much easier transition to start off with but owning can be seen as a savvier financial decision to make. With renting, you will probably not have to pack as much and bring many of the appliances you would otherwise (some places may provide more furnishing, etc.). Regardless of renting or owning, you really need to familiarize yourself with the area your moving to so that you can have a framework and foundation.

When moving to a new home you recently purchased the transition is much more rigorous. You will literally have to account for everything. Florida is a temperate place to live and if your property does not have central air conditioning, you will need to bring separate AC units, etc. There are other unexpected little hiccups you might not realize and things that you’ll have to adapt to but as long as you get the necessities down you should be able to do it.

Moving away from home isn’t for everyone. Some due it for better weather and some do it so they can enjoy the golden years more and can’t wait to retire sooner. Others will move for tax benefits or to start a new beginning. Whatever the case is you can successfully move with ease as long as you carefully prepare and set a plan in motion.