How To Move To Florida: The Complete Guide

If you’re trying to figure out how to move to Florida, you’re in the right place. We will help you out with this seemingly tedious process.

In essence, the complications of moving to Florida only lie in the process of registration as a resident. You can move now, but you won’t be a resident on the spot.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know so that you can move to Florida with a smile on your face.

Whenever you’re ready to discover the simplicity of this process, keep reading.

Consider the Region You Would Like to Live In

Aside from the basics which are not uncommon throughout all of Florida (jobs, hospitals, schools, stores), Florida is a very diverse state. If you don’t have an idea of where you would like to stay, it’s only beneficial that you understand the five distinctions of the state. Hopefully, knowing these will help you find a location that’s suited for you.

The Florida Panhandle is the home to Tallahassee and it has wonderful beaches on the Gulf Coast. Since the capital is only 48km away from the border of Georgia, it’s known for the friendly people and Southern charm.

North Florida is the home to Jacksonville and Gainesville. It’s known for the historical landmarks and Southern people.

South Florida is the largest area of metropolitan cities, such as West Palm Beach, Key West, Everglades, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and many others.

Central Florida is the home to SeaWorld, Disney World, Kennedy Space Center. Aside from the attractions for tourists, there are many small lake towns worth considering.

Southwest Florida is home to St. Petersburg, Naples, Tampa, Fort Myers, Sarasota. It’s known for the beautiful beaches, theater, art, and museums.

If you want to discover some of the greatest Florida cities for new residents, read more here.

Consider the Type Of Housing

The next thing you want to consider is the type of home you’ll like to live in. People who move to Florida are either renting or purchasing a home. While renting might look like a cheaper option, purchasing a home is a more sound decision if you’re planning on living in Florida for the long-term.

However, if you’re planning to move here for winter vacations, it’s probably a better decision to rent a home for those months of the year.

Due to the appeal of snowbirds and retirees, Florida can be pricey. Before moving, you need to research the areas in which you can afford a home.

For instance, the median price is about $300000 in Miami, but this is cut by about half in the Panhandle region. In addition to knowing the costs, it’s a good idea to have a housing budget.

Once you’ve got an idea of the location, you will need to find a home to live in. Reach out to reputable agencies based in the county or city you want to live in. Explain that you are coming from out of state and you want to find homes in your budget.

Once you’ve done this, the real estate agent will inform you if the home is in a hurricane or flood zone. If they don’t, ask them. You can also browse online for real estate listings, but it can be a bit tedious.

Consider Employment Opportunities

Unless you already have employment waiting for you, you will need to find some type of work in Florida (unless you don’t want to work or you’re done working).

A good place to start is with the larger Florida industries, such as health sciences, tourism, international trade, aviation, aerospace, etc. Job hunting is not easy, especially out of state.

Using the services of a Florida-based recruitment firm can help you find work while you’re out of state. The company will want to know your skill set and employment history. They will work to find you a job that matches your professional attributes.

The state itself is often hiring individuals in a variety of professional fields. These are but are not limited to: healthcare, social services, legal work, and management.

You can visit the online job-search portal for the state to make things easier. From the page, you can choose the professional fields relevant to you. After selecting your field, you will be able to browse through vacant positions that are actively hiring.

How to Move to Florida: Think About Residency

Taking care of legal incidents relating to moving is very important. For specific information on residency, you can visit this link.

Some of the elements needed to become a resident are in-state employment, voter registration, declaration of domicile registration, proof of utility payments in the state.

The state of Florida portal has various important information regarding change of address, insurance coverage, and business needs.

If you’re planning to drive in the state, you will need a valid driver’s license. You can get one from the local DMV office. When you arrive, you will need to show your residence, out-of-state vehicle title, and proof of insurance.

Before visiting the DMV, make sure to fill the license paperwork online. You will have to get your VIN inspected by local law enforcement or inspectors. You also have a month to obtain your license from the date you first:

Register to vote in Florida
Accept employment in Florida
Enroll kids in a Florida school

To become a resident, you must register as a voter in the state. You can change your registration online as well. To register, you have to live in the state. You can only register after you get your legal identification in the state, like a driver’s license.

You also need your SSN to fill out the form. To register your vehicle, stop by the DHSMV office. Bring your insurance card for your vehicle, title for the vehicle, and proof of ID.

The vehicle will be inspected and you have to pay the $225 registration fee. You cannot do this in advance, you will need to wait until you move to the state to register your car.

Variety Content for You

Now that you know how to move to Florida, you are that much closer to making your dream come true. As long as you consider the legal aspects of this process, you will succeed in your venture.

If you’re interested in other content that can help you make your move across the country, check out some of our related articles down below or on the sidebar.