10 Key Things To Know For Those Who Want To Make Florida Their Home

Considering a move to the Sunshine State? Hundreds of thousands of people move to Florida each year, so you’re in good company. This statistic means there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel; it’s easy to find information about everything you need to know to move here, from the best one-way truck rental in Florida deals to the top places to live when you get there.

In this guide, we’ll share the 10 things you need to know if you want to make Florida your home.

1. The Humidity Hits Hard

Depending on where you’re coming from, the temperatures in Florida can be dangerous. It’s not about the numbers; it’s about the humidity. Much of the year is hot and humid, and some periods are characterized by extreme heat. If you’re outside, staying hydrated is essential. Until you’re used to the change in your climate, try to avoid long periods in the Florida sun. Keep a cold water thermos with you, and always have somewhere with air conditioning close by. You’ll adjust to the heat soon enough, but if you’re not prepared for the humidity, it’ll sneak up on you.

2. The State is Not the Same All Over

Think moving to Florida means sandy beaches and theme parks? Think again. The state is broken up into regions, and each section has its own stereotypical definitions. For instance, the Panhandle is famous for its beach weather and Spring Break attractions, while Central Florida is more about theme parks and orange groves. Decide what your priorities are, such as avoiding hurricanes as much as possible or enjoying the white, sandy beaches, then choose a region in the state that will meet them.

3. The Beaches Aren’t All the Same

Speaking of beaches and white sand, did you know that not all of Florida’s coast looks the same? The East Coast abuts the Atlantic Ocean, so you’ll have rockier beaches and surfer waves, while the West Coast is part of the Gulf of Mexico, bringing white sand and calmer waters.

4. You Get to Skip the State Income Tax

Part of Florida’s big draw to many people is that there’s no state income tax. The government has plenty of legislation that’s friendly to business owners, entrepreneurs, and residents, making it a smart place to live if you want to keep more of what you earn in your pocket.

4. Floridians Are Loyal to Their Teams

Love sports? There’s a team for you waiting in Florida, but you may have to renounce your old loyalties. Floridians are devoted to their teams, whether it’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in football, the Tampa Bay Lightning in hockey, the Miami Marlins or Tampa Bay Rays baseball, or the Miami Heat in basketball (not including college teams). Competition is fierce against those who don’t support the state!

5. No, Hurricanes Aren’t Guaranteed

Against what you’ve likely been told by those who are surprised you’re moving to Florida, hurricanes aren’t a guarantee. In fact, depending on where you move to, you may never see a major one in your lifetime. If you live along the coast, there’s a bigger probability that you’ll experience a hurricane, but in the upper regions and central area, there’s more land for the storm to cross, which typically (but not always) slows it down and weakens it.

6. You Might Not See an Alligator, Either

While Florida is definitely full of reptiles, they really don’t like to come out in populated areas. Some people assume you can walk out your door and stumble over an alligator, but that’s not usually the case. As long as you live far enough away from a lake, you may never “run across” one of these animals, although they do enjoy golf courses.

7. Sinkholes Do Exist

Much of Florida, especially in the west-central area, lies over limestone, and certain weather conditions create sinkholes. You don’t need to be afraid that your home will vanish into one of these unfortunate crevices, but you should opt for insurance just in case.

8. There Are Two Extra Seasons in Florida

You won’t get too much of a fall or winter, but Florida has two extra seasons that make up for this change: lovebug and snowbird season. Lovebugs are tiny black bugs named for the fact that they mate frequently. They show up around March and September, and, although they don’t bite, they’re a nuisance because they have no natural predators. They’ll swarm over anything bright, eat the paint on your car, and disappear within a few weeks, only to come back again next lovebug season.

Snowbirds, on the other hand, are less of a nuisance, but do increase traffic during the winter months, usually October to March, when northerners prefer to live in the Sunshine State while the heat isn’t as extreme.

9. Tourists Happen All Year

If you don’t like crowds, consider moving to less-populated areas of the state, but expect that others like you will eventually follow. The whole state has plenty of attractions that bring tourists, and you’ll need to adjust to this fact if you want to live here.

10. The State is Massive

Getting from Point A to Point B in Florida could take a whole day. Unlike smaller states, where you can drive across the border within a few hours, a trip to visit your relatives in Pensacola when you live in Miami may take 8-10 hours or longer. Before you plan a trip, find out how long the drive will be and adjust your schedule accordingly!