Pros and Cons of Living in Florida: Finding a Place To Call Home in the Sunshine State

Is Florida a good place to live? Well, it’s home to four of the five fastest-growing cities in the nation in 2024, 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 in any state — 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. 

Planning a move to the Sunshine State? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

Fun Facts You Should Know About 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.
• With more than 8,400 measurable miles, Florida leads the nation in coastline — no other U.S. state can match it, not even California.
• Enjoy golfing? You’ll never have a hard time hitting the green with more than 1,250 courses to choose from throughout the state.
• A record-setting 40.6 million people traveled to Florida in the first three months of 2024 — a 1.2 percent jump from the same period last year.
• Greater Miami is the only metro area in the U.S. to border two national parks: Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park.

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, and bugs and other 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, the taxes are high and the cost of living is higher. 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. 

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 $46,000 annually before taxes to live comfortably. 

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. 8 on the list of “happiest states.” And in general, living in a relaxed, sunny, vacation destination with a relatively low tax burden is a net-positive mood booster for lots of new residents.

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)

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, measured in terms of socioeconomic, cultural, household, religious, and political makeup. 

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 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 to catch the game.

And the field pro sports aren't the only show around. Daytona is home to NASCAR races and the 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, the state is very car-reliant.
(Source: Visit Florida via Facebook)

Con: Public Transportation Is Lacking.

Unfortunately, Florida isn’t as accessible as other states when it comes to public transportation. Some 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 — The Villages and Sun City Center, popular retirement communities, for instance, allow only golf carts on most streets. Heavy tourist areas like Orlando offer shuttle service between popular destinations, but it’s hard to get around without a car outside those areas.

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 sixth-lowest overall tax burden in the nation in 2024 — for many potential residents, one of the most enticing benefits of living in Florida.

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 (hello, hurricane season).

Homeowners in Florida pay annual premiums that are nearly four times higher on admission 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 with looming hurricane threats — and the market is taking the hit.

Renters aren’t facing quite the same issues, though. Rates for rental insurance are only about 3 percent higher than the national average here, meaning you’ll pay an average of $152 a year rather than $148.

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)

Pro: Residents Can Get Special Discounts.  

Florida residents can enjoy various perks — like discounts on tickets! — when it comes to visiting the state's top attractions, including Orlando’s Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island in Tampa — 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. 

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

Compared to the national average of almost $361,000, Florida’s average home price is a bit more expensive at nearly $400,000. And while it’s certainly more affordable than in states like California, the housing market in coastal cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami can get quite pricey.

Certain areas in Florida, like St. Petersburg on the West Coast, are affordable without skimping on the same great amenities. Among the pros of living in Saint Petersburg are easy access to Tampa, close 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.

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

While housing may be quite expensive in Florida, the overall cost of living is just slightly higher than the national average. The national cost of living index is 100, while Florida’s score is 103.1.

Don’t feed the gators! 

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!

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 — or death. Gators can run at speeds of almost 25 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. 

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, live in Florida. And 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.

Con: There’s 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 your potential home's flood zone 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. 

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)

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!

Con: There’s No More Changing of the Seasons — Sort Of.  

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 experience frozen iguanas, though). Summer temperatures can reach 90+, and with heavy humidity, it can be downright nasty to be outside for too long.

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

Gorgeous beaches are one of the main reasons why people move to Florida, from the Gulf Coast’s sugar-soft sands to the tropical vibes of Key West. Among the state’s many family-friendly beaches, Panama City Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Palm Beach are some of our faves.

A PODS portable moving container will be delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load it on your own schedule.

Start Your Journey to the Sunshine State With PODS Today 

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!

Whether you’re eager to pack your bags and move to Florida ASAP or you’d prefer a leisurely packing pace, PODS can help. A portable moving container will be delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load it on your own schedule. And no matter what size container you choose, one month’s worth of storage is included in the deal.

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