5 Things to Know Before Relocating to Florida

If you’re thinking about relocating to Florida, there is much to think about. As you consider what you’re looking for in a cross country move or maybe a state-to-state move, it’s helpful for you to know about the perks Floridians have living their best life in the Sunshine State. Here’s a hint – if you relocate to the Orlando area, you’ll get the best of all Florida has to offer.  But no matter where in Florida you plan to move ot, there are important things you should know before relocating to Florida.

1. Get to Know the Weather

Florida is known for its sunshine, and while that’s mostly true, the weather varies across the state. You’ll find that the sub-tropical climate is generally warm with a mild dry winter. You can definitely expect rain across the entire state during the summer months, but at least the storms don’t last that long.

There’s also a difference between the idea everyone has about Florida and how the weather is in northern Florida. Cities and towns in the north part of the state can experience some genuine cold snaps and frosts, but those don’t last long either.

Hurricanes are also common in Florida. If you’re relocating to the state, you’ll want to know more about hurricane safety and preparedness. Floridians know that keeping an eye on tropical storms and hurricanes during hurricane season (June to November) is important because you may have to hurricane-proof your home or shelter in place at a moment’s notice.

2. Cultural Diversity and Appreciation

Florida has a hugely diverse culture, especially in southern Florida. Down near Miami, you’re going to find a much stronger Caribbean vibe from the locals, not to mention a more significant Latin American presence. Tourism is relatively constant no matter where you are. Still, if you’re relocating to Florida, tourists become a part of the cultural diversity that makes up the state.

You’ll also find seniors living in the state who have relocated from most every state in the country, but there aren’t as many as you might think. While it is a popular place for the senior population, there is still plenty of room for millennials looking to live their lives to the fullest.

It’s also been in the news about how Florida is a swing state. In case you weren’t sure, presidential elections have the power to be swayed by the votes cast in Florida. Politics are a pretty big deal for the state. You can expect to see political discussions as part of everyday life.

3. Closer to Entertainment

Relocating to Florida also means you’re going to be that much closer to entertainment venues. In fact, theme parks like Disneyworld and Universal Studios offer residency discounts. That means if you live in Florida, it’s cheaper for you to visit the parks that everyone wants to see.

The Daytona 500 is another firmly affixed part of the state’s identity. This race has been around for what feels like forever. If you live in Florida, you realize that it’s just part of what it means to live there. Even if you’re not into racing, you can’t live in Florida and not watch the Daytona 500 at least once in your life.

If you like a slower pace of life, you can visit one of the many outdoor areas available for you to explore. With springs, lakes, and rivers that are all naturally occurring across Florida, it isn’t hard to find somewhere to enjoy a day of kayaking or paddleboarding.  And because the weather is pleasant all year, you will be more apt to go out at night to enjoy restaurants, clubs, theaters and other social activities.

4. Choosing What to Keep and Shipping a Car

Once you’ve decided to make the move, you’re going to have to figure out some logistics on your end. Shipping your belongings ranks up there with what you need to think about. If you’re coming from the north, you won’t need your cold-weather clothes, so you can leave those behind. You may also consider leaving your furniture behind unless there’s something you can’t live without. Given the cultural diversity in the area, you’re bound to find replacements that fit with your new Floridian lifestyle.

One of the other things that come up in relocating to Florida is deciding whether to ship a car to your destination. The truth is that you need a car to get around Florida, so then it becomes a question of do you drive it or do you ship it?

Depending on how far you’re coming from, either could be an excellent option. If you happen to be headed to Florida from across the country, shipping will be a better option. Shipping will cost less than it would for you to drive when you add in costs like lodging, food, gas, and general wear and tear on your car.

5. Don’t Sweat the Not So Small Cost of Auto Insurance

As you make your way to the great state of Florida, you’re also going to need to think about some of the more mundane but necessary parts of life, specifically car insurance. According to Motor 1, Florida is one of the most expensive states for auto insurance, but there are reasons why it’s more costly.

For one, while the liability coverage is low, you still need to have collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. The biggest two reasons it’s all so high when you add it all up are significant numbers of uninsured drivers on the road and because Floridians deal with hurricanes.

Even with the higher cost of insurance, it is possible to find inexpensive policies. You just need to do the legwork to make it happen. Don’t go with the first provider you find. Instead, shop around and ask about discount programs that may be available. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you qualify for.