Thinking of swapping snow for sunshine? Florida draws millions with its warm weather, no state income tax, and lifestyle diversity. But living here is about more than beaches—here’s what you really need to know before calling it home.
From Pensacola to Key West is over 800 miles translating to varied regional cultures, economies, and lifestyles. The Panhandle feels Southern. South Florida feels more Caribbean. Central Florida? Think theme park central. No matter what part of the state you decide, Florida has a vibrancy and allure that appeals to all!
1. Endless Entertainment & Recreation
Florida is a year-round playground — perfect for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and culture fans alike.
Theme Parks: Fun for all ages — Disney, Universal, SeaWorld & LEGOLAND
State Parks: Springs, caves, swamps, and beaches — 175 parks
Recreation: Paddle crystal-clear springs, hike lush trails, and explore the Everglades
Sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, and college teams — plus spring training action
Museums: Art and science — from the Salvador Dalí Museum to Kennedy Space Center
Cultural Celebrations: Touring Broadway shows, concerts, and festivals statewide
2. Expect a Tourist Economy and Tourist Traffic
Tourism: Across the state — 1.1 million employees
Huge Part of Life: Theme parks, beaches, cruise ports — traffic, seasonal crowds, longer waits, and pricey, especially in winter and near holidays
On the Rise: Increases in Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville
3. Driving Is a Must, Traffic Comes Standard
Driving Is a Way of Life: Car ownership essential, patience for notorious congestion
Public Transportation: Limited outside of metro areas
Evolving Commute: Brightline, high-speed train between Miami and Orlando (expanding to Tampa)
4. Weather: Sunshine with a Side of Storms
Yes, you get sunshine year-round. But prepare for humid summers, and frequent thunderstorms.
Year-Round Warm Weather: Mild winters and lots of sunshine, perfect for outdoor lovers
Hurricane Season Is No Joke: Hurricane season runs June–November
5. Who’s Calling Florida Home?
Big State: Population exceeding 23 million
Melting Pot: Over 20% of the population is foreign-born, Spanish widely spoken
Not Just Snowbirds: Young professionals — Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, families — Melbourne, Sarasota, and Jacksonville, and retirees — The Villages, Sarasota, and Fort Myers
Other Inhabitants: Palmetto bugs, fire ants, and the occasional alligator--Welcome to Florida
6. What’s the Deal with Florida’s Housing Market?
It’s hot—and a little unpredictable. Florida’s been one of the country’s fastest-moving real estate markets. But prices vary a lot depending on where you’re looking.
Median Home Price: As of early 2025, the average home in Florida goes for about $410,000 — but that number doesn’t tell the whole story.
Miami, Naples, and coastal spots? Pricey
Ocala, Gainesville, and inland towns? Way more affordable
Looking for Budget-Friendly Options?
Fort Myers: Southwest Gulf Coast, close to beaches
Winter Haven: 100+ lakes, ideal for fishing and watersports
Bartow (Polk County): Growing fast, affordability, access to Orlando + Tampa
A Heads-Up on Insurance
Storm prep is real. Flood insurance isn’t optional in many places, it’s a must.
Homeowners should budget extra for insurance, especially near the coast. Some big-name insurers have even left the state.
Housing Takeaway? Florida’s housing market is competitive, diverse, and fast-moving. Come informed and act fast when you find a home you love!
7. Education & Jobs: What’s Here for You?
Schools & Learning
Top Universities: Florida’s got heavy-hitters like the University of Florida, Florida State, and University of Miami — plus a solid network of community and state colleges.
K–12 Education: Families benefit from Florida’s school choice programs, including scholarships that help access private or charter schools if eligible. Quality varies by district, so research local schools when house hunting.
Where the Jobs Are
Florida’s economy isn’t just theme parks and tourism (though those are huge). Key industries include:
Tourism: Reigns supreme — 1 million+ jobs in hospitality, logistics, and management
Aviation & Aerospace: Growing, 150,000+ employees, 16,000+ companies — strong presence in Orlando, Tampa, and the Space Coast
Healthcare & Life Sciences: Rapidly growth, aging population, major hospitals across metro areas
Information Technology & Clean Energy: Emerging industries, strong growth potential in Miami and Tampa — especially for remote workers, startups, and green energy firms
The Bottom Line
Florida offers sunshine, savings, and adventure — you decide if it’s for you. Do your homework, visit different regions, and find your version of the Florida dream.
| FUN FACTS ABOUT FLORIDA |
|---|
| Seniors Rule: By 2030, close to 1/3 of Florida’s population will be 60 and older |
| Wildlife Friends: Only U.S. state where alligators and crocodiles co-exist |
| Golf Galore: Of the nearly 16,000 U.S. golf courses — Florida wins with 1,000+ courses |
| Space State: Cape Canaveral + the Kennedy Space Center = a vital role in space exploration |
| Gatorade Origins: Got Gators at University of Florida? Make Gatorade! This Florida invention — inspired by heat-related illnesses of UF football players |
Dig Deeper with Other Resources:
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Florida
Complete Guide to Closing Costs in Florida
Cost to Build a House in Florida
How to Build a Hurricane-Resistant Home
The Top 10 Best Places to Live in Florida
10 Healthiest Cities in Florida
Top 10 Safest Cities in Florida
10 Most Affordable Cities in Florida
Moving To Orlando? This Relocation Guide Will Help
Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Orlando, Florida
Things To Know About Moving to and Living in Jacksonville, Florida
Best Suburbs Near Jacksonville, Florida
Your Complete Relocation Guide to Punta Gorda, FL
Best Suburbs Surrounding Punta Gorda, Florida
Best Suburbs of Fort Myers, Florida
Best Suburbs of Tampa, Florida
10 Best Neighborhoods In Tampa, FL To Live In
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Florida
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.