15 Pros and Cons of Living in Florida: The Real Deal on Life in the Sunshine State

Is Florida a good place to live? Well, it’s home to seven of the top 10 fastest-growing places in the nation in 2025, if that tells you anything. From excellent financial perks (no state income tax!) and exciting attractions to abundant natural beauty and world-renowned beaches, there are plenty of reasons why so many people are heading south for more than just a summer vacation. But of course, there are challenges when it comes to living in Florida — as there are anywhere — so if you’re among the many considering a move to the Sunshine State and want more details before diving in, read on for a look at the pros and cons of living in Florida. 

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Fun Facts You Should Know About Living in Florida

• Florida gets the “Sunshine State” nickname because of its sunny climate, with an average of 237 days of sunshine per year. 
• Florida is the only state bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, which is why it’s home to some of the best beaches in the world.
• The orange blossom is Florida’s state flower. 
• Florida leads the nation (except Alaska!) in coastline, with more than 8,436 miles. 
• Enjoy golfing? You’ll never have a hard time hitting the green with more than 1,100 courses to choose from — with a whopping 48 million rounds played every year in the state.
• A record-setting 142.9 million people traveled to Florida in 2024, marking a 1.6 percent jump from the old record — in 2023. 
• Greater Miami is the only metro area in the U.S. to border two national parks: Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. 

 

Interested in moving to Miami? Check out 16 Pros and Cons of Living in Miami — you might be surprised!

Pros and Cons of Living in Florida — FAQs

Q: What is the quality of life in Florida? 
A: Consider the pros and cons of living in Florida, compare them to your personal preferences and lifestyle, and voilà! Your quality of life is what you make it, of course. But if you like outdoor living, theme parks, and beautiful beaches, the Sunshine State may have the quality of life you’re looking for.

Q: What are the negatives of living in Florida?
A: A somewhat expensive housing market, excessive humidity, tourists, plus bugs and other  potentially pesky wildlife are some of the major drawbacks when it comes to living in Florida. 

Q: Should I move to Florida or California?
A: It’s important to consider your specific preferences and circumstances, but if income potential is among your criteria, California might be a better bet than Florida: Golden State job opportunities are abundant. But on the flip side, both the taxes and the cost of living are higher in California. If a laid-back lifestyle is your vibe — or maybe retirement is on the horizon — moving to Florida may be the right choice for you. But do weigh all the pros and cons of living in Florida and then make your call. 

Q: Why are people moving to Florida?
A: Florida living means year-round warm weather, an escape from shoveling snow, and no state income tax — just to name a few reasons. 

Q: How much money do you need to live comfortably in Florida?
A: According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single person living in Florida without children should make at least $48,700 annually before taxes to live comfortably. Where this figure falls for you among the pros and cons of living in Florida is, of course, up to your specific circumstances. 

Q: Are people happier when they move to Florida? 
A: For a definitive answer to this question, we suggest asking an Ohio native during their first February in Florida whether they’re happier in the Sunshine State. (We kid, we kid.) But seriously, Florida ranks No. 14 on the list of “happiest states” in 2025. And in general, living in a relaxed, sunny, vacation destination (Hawaii is No. 1 happiest) with a relatively low tax burden is a net-positive mood booster for lots of new residents.

Q: Is Florida worth living in?
A: The short answer? Yes — just for the sunshine alone. Add to that guaranteed visits from family and friends up north and you may not even need to peruse the pros and cons of living in Florida! 

Q: What is the best area to live in Florida? 
A: The landscape and culture of the Sunshine State varies widely from coast to coast and north to south in many ways. The best area for Florida life depends on your vibe: Beach life, city buzz, family burbs, or laid-back charm — Florida’s got it all.

Immigrants from Spain and Cuba, among other places, have contributed to the rich history and cultural diversity throughout the state, including in Ybor City in Tampa.
(Source: Visit Florida via Facebook)

1. Pro: There’s Lots of Cultural Diversity 

The state of Florida has a rich history and vibrant culture, with food, music, and architecture heavily influenced by the immigrants who settled here from Cuba, Spain, and Italy — among other places. And the Sunshine State ranks seventh in the nation for diversity, a defining strength of any American state or city, measured in terms of socioeconomic, cultural, household, religious, and political makeup. 

3. Pro: Sports Enthusiasts Have a Lot To Choose From

This is a sports-loving state — which many might say includes both pros and cons of living in Florida. But many professional teams call the state home, including the NBA’s Miami Heat and Orlando Magic; the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning; the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars; and the MLB's Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays.

But when it comes to football, you'll find that (most years) the college teams dominate the landscape. The "Big Three" in Florida are the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, and Miami Hurricanes. The UCF Knights and USF Bulls are on the rise, too, with growing and passionate fan bases staking their claim. Even if you didn't attend these colleges, you may find yourself choosing a side come fall. Playoff season in Florida is always a fun time, and you’ll never have a problem finding a restaurant anywhere in the state to catch a big game.

Field pro sports aren't the only show around. Daytona is home to NASCAR races and the iconic Daytona 500. Homestead in South Florida also hosts an annual NASCAR race. If you’re more of an IndyCar fan, though, the St. Pete Grand Prix happens every February – March on the state’s West Coast.

Some college towns like Gainesville and Tallahassee have convenient bus routes, but for the most part, Florida living means you’ve got to have wheels.
(Source: Visit Florida via Facebook)

4. Con: Public Transportation Is Lacking

Unfortunately, Florida doesn’t promote accessibility as much as many other states when it comes to public transportation. A few college towns like Gainesville and Tallahassee have convenient bus routes, but for the most part, the state is very car-reliant.   

In some Florida cities, though, golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation — some retirement communities, such as The Villages and Sun City Center, only allow golf carts on most streets. Heavy tourist areas like Orlando provide shuttle service between popular destinations. But generally speaking, it’s hard to get around Florida without a car outside those areas.

5. Pro: There’s No State Income Tax 

If you're not happy with the amount you pay in taxes, moving to Florida could be a solution. You won’t have to pay state income tax, and you’ll also find a low 6 percent sales tax (although there are jurisdictional rates in many places). Taking into account income, sales, and property taxes, the Sunshine State has the fourth-lowest overall tax burden in the nation in 2025 — for many potential residents, one of the most enticing benefits of all the pros and cons of living in Florida.

6. Con: Insurance Rates Are High  

The state is among the most expensive for auto insurance, and because of Florida’s geography and climate, natural disasters have contributed to high home insurance costs, too (hello, hurricane season).

Homeowners in Florida pay annual premiums that are more than $3,000 higher than the national average, with a heavy reliance on reinsurance. (Think of reinsurance like insurance for insurance companies.) These firms have hiked their premiums by 30 to 40 percent in recent years — especially after massive hurricane damage from 2024’s Helene and Milton — and the market is taking the hit.

Renters aren’t facing quite the same issues, though. Rates for rental insurance are just a smidge higher than the national average, meaning you’ll pay about $175 a year rather than $170.

Florida residents enjoy various perks when it comes to visiting the state's top attractions (like discounts on tickets!).
(Source: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay via Facebook)

7. Pro: Residents Can Get Special Discounts  

We’re not sure where the state’s plethora of amusement parks falls on the list of pros and cons of living in Florida. But one thing is on the plus side, for sure: Florida residents can enjoy various perks — like discounts on tickets! — at the state's top attractions, including Orlando’s Universal Studios; Tampa’s Busch Gardens and Adventure Island; and even the coveted Disney parks. Many retailers and restaurants in Florida also offer bargains to encourage locals to brave the tourist crowds and support the state economy. 

8. Con: Average Home Prices Are Higher Than the National Average

Compared to the national average of almost $357,100, Florida’s average home price is a bit more expensive at nearly $385,900. And while it’s certainly more affordable than in states like California, the housing market in Florida coastal cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami can get quite pricey.

Certain areas in Florida, St. Petersburg on the West Coast, for instance, are affordable without skimping on great amenities. Among the pros of living in Saint Petersburg are easy access to Tampa, proximity to beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, delectable dining options, and a diverse arts and culture scene. And if you want to escape cities altogether, small towns in Florida offer even better home prices.

9. Pro: The Cost of Living Is Attractive Overall, Considering Its Perks

While housing may be more expensive in Florida, the state's overall cost of living is just 3% above the national average. Not too bad!

 

Don’t feed the gators! 

10. Con: Natural Wildlife Can Get Scary 

Florida's subtropical climate is the perfect hotbed for biodiversity. This means beautiful nature — but it comes with risks. Did you know there are over 40 species of snakes in Florida? Only a few are venomous, but it's still important to be on the lookout when you're walking outside. Definitely avoid going barefoot in certain areas (sugar-sand Florida beaches not included)!

Besides snakes, you'll also be living in close proximity to alligators. They’re not generally known to be aggressive toward people, but foolish human behavior can result in serious injury — and even death. Gators can run as fast as 35 miles per hour, so ignore the people who tell you to run in a zigzag from them. Bottom line: If you see a gator, give it lots of space. And for goodness sake, do not feed it.

Mosquitoes, fire ants, and palmetto bugs are also critters you’re going to encounter, no matter how hard you try to avoid them. They just come with Florida living. 

Pet owners: Be sure to keep an eye on your furry friends. Bufo toads — which secrete a deadly toxin that can kill a dog or cat in just a matter of minutes — are an invasive species now rampant in Florida. And make sure your pets steer clear of bodies of water that you can't see through. Gators are everywhere and aren’t shy when it comes to potential prey.

12. Con: Life in Florida Means Hazardous Weather 

Florida is prone to intense storms and flooding, and it can be stressful to live there during the seasons when those weather events are common — which, thanks to climate change, is increasingly almost year-round. Flash floods and water damage can be incredibly dangerous and unpredictable, so we advise you to research flood zone information around your potential home ahead of time.

And then there’s hurricane season from June 1 through Nov. 30. Find out what needs to be in your hurricane kit — and don’t delay making a plan for where you’ll go if you need to evacuate. As for insurance, most policies come with a hurricane deductible, so be sure to check that out. When you’re weighing the pros and cons of living in Florida, do take into consideration the stresses of hurricane season. As any local can tell you, the season ain’t beanbag. 

 

Bird-watchers are in heaven in Florida, with more than 500 species calling the Sunshine State home — at least for part of the year.
(Source: Robbie's of Islamorada via Facebook)

13. Pro: You Can Easily Admire the Gorgeous Flora and Fauna

Florida is a beautiful place to live if you love nature. Its diverse landscape of forests, wetlands, swamps, coral reefs, and beaches provides habitats for many different animals and plants. Among the most popular flowers in Florida are the lantana, hibiscus, and blue daze. The state also has numerous tree species that provide important habitats for wildlife (not to mention much-needed shade). 

Bird-watchers are in heaven here, too, with herons, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and many more iconic Florida feathered friends all over the state. Check out the Florida Birding Trail, a network of more than 500 prime bird-watching sites from coast to coast. The Everglades is another beautiful destination with lots of wildlife to experience and explore — but remember: Don’t feed the gators!

14. Con: There’s Not Much Changing of the Seasons  

Seasons changing in Florida can be split into two categories: Hurricane season (June through November) and then the time when mornings and evenings are below 80 degrees (December through May). If you’re a fan of snow, springtime blooms, and colorful leaves in the fall, moving to Florida may be sad for you as the seasons change.

Florida is known for its mild climate throughout the year, as it only gets slightly colder in certain parts of the state (you might get to see frozen iguanas, though). Summer temperatures can reach 90+, and with heavy humidity, real feel temperatures can push triple digits and it can be downright nasty to be outside for too long.

15. Pro: You Can Enjoy the Best Beaches in the Country 

Among all the pros and cons of living in Florida, gorgeous beaches get top billing on the plus side. They’re one of the main reasons why people move to Florida, from the Gulf Coast’s beautiful sands to the tropical vibes of Key West. Among the state’s many family-friendly coastal destinations, Panama City Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Palm Beach are some of our faves.

Have a PODS portable moving container delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load on your own schedule.

Ready To Experience the Pros and Cons of Living in Florida?

Florida living means sunny winters, lots of beaches to explore, fun things to do, and a reasonable cost of living overall. It also means brutally hot and humid summers, hurricanes, and snowbird invasions. But overall, the pros of moving to Florida certainly outweigh the cons — just ask all those new residents!

You can make your move to Florida flexible with PODS portable moving containers. Have a container delivered right to your driveway where you can load it on your own time. When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and transported to your new home in sunny Florida. One month of storage is built into every PODS move, so you can take your time without feeling rushed.

 

Get packing and moving tips on the PODS Blog: What To Pack First When Moving (Checklist) Tips for Moving Out of State, Checklist, and Bonus Hacks Packing and Moving Tips From a Pro

 

(Source for image featured at top: Visit Florida via Facebook)

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Zumper, and Zillow; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.