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25 Pros And Cons Of Living In Florida (Updated 2023)

By Brittany Olizarowicz April 23, 2021

Miami beach tourists couple walking in South Beach, Miami, Florida

 

Living in Florida can be a dream come true for many people.

However, there are both positives and negatives to living in Florida.

As great as it may seem for the weather to be warm all year round, there are some not-so-great things that go along with living in Florida.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of living in Florida and whether or not this is a state that you want to look into.

We have gathered 25 pros and 25 cons of living in Florida, which should give you a much better understanding of what you will be dealing with when moving to the state of Florida.

 

25 Pros of Living in Florida

Number 25

 

There are many great reasons to move to Florida.

Whether your decision is financial or more lifestyle-related, Florida has quite a bit to offer.

 

1. No State Income Tax

Hand holding piece of jigsaw puzzle with word INCOME TAX

 

One of the most popular reasons to move to Florida is to take advantage of the fact that there is no state income tax.

This essentially means that you are going to take home much more from your paycheck than you would when living in other states.

This is a major reason people will try and spend at least part of their year in Florida so that they can become residents.

There are other states with low income tax, but it helps to really have no income tax to worry about because, for many, it can be thousands of dollars a year.

 

2. Housing Costs Can Be Low

Drawing house with growing coins on fertile soil land

 

There are many areas of Florida where the housing costs are lower or at least fair.

You can’t expect to live on the ocean in Palm Beach for a low price, but you may be able to find something fair if you can give up the ocean view.

Many areas of Florida are built to be a good spot for middle-income Americans to live.

 

3. Warm Weather All Year

Warm Weather, Woman

 

For the majority of Florida, the weather is going to be warm all year long.

The warm weather will make the outdoors an extension of your home.

So much outdoor entertaining goes on in the state of Florida because it is just so comfortable to be outside most of the time.

For people who are sick or getting older, it certainly helps to have weather that is not freezing.

 

4. Florida Resident Discounts

Discount in a flat style

 

Since Florida is such a big state, there is a lot of travel that goes on within the state.

If you are living in Miami and want to travel to Jacksonville, chances are there will be a Florida resident discount.

There are lots of discounts for residents of the state for entertainment and travel, especially when staying within the state.

For Florida residents, there is never a reason to be bored because there is always something to do, and usually for a fair price.

 

5. Beaches

footbridge to the beach - Key West

 

There is no doubt that Florida has some of the best beaches in the country.

You will not have to worry about finding a great spot to get some time in the sun.

You will get the Atlantic Ocean on the east side of the state and the Gulf of Mexico on the west.

Regardless of the type of water or beach, you can find it in Florida.

If you head to the panhandle in the Destin area, you can even find some pure white sand beaches with very clear water to enjoy.

 

6. Outdoor Entertainment

Friday Fest at Van Wezel Sarasota Florida

 

If you like spending time outdoors, Florida is a great place to live.

You can enjoy time at restaurants and even listen to outdoor concerts.

The outdoor entertainment in Florida is plentiful, and sometimes it even comes free of charge.

You can enjoy a meal while listening to a live band and enjoying the comfortable temperatures.

 

7. No Snow

Couple suffering summer heat and fanning with a fan

 

Do you spend every winter saying you will never shovel snow again?

If this describes you, then the no-snow factor of living in Florida is a definite reason to move there.

Not having to own shovels and snow blowers is a major positive to living in Florida.

Of course, if you love outdoor winter sports, you are going to have to travel in the wintertime.

 

8. Disney World

Walt Disney Theme Parks at Lake Buena Vista area

 

Disney World is a place that can bring fun and entertainment to people of all ages.

If you live in Florida, you will be within a few hours’ driving distance of Disney World.

In addition, Florida residents get discounts and can purchase seasonal passes at Disney World.

This is not offered to other visitors, and it certainly can save a lot of money if you live in the state of Florida and visit Disney often, so this is a great benefit.

 

9. Communities for Retirees

Older man in glasses sitting with his female friend

 

In Florida, there are many communities that are built just for those who are retiring.

The communities have lots of amenities, and they are a great place for people who are trying to enjoy the second half of their lives.

These communities usually have low-maintenance landscaping and homes that are easy to take care of.

The style of living is simple, and it is a unique and desirable way to live for many people.

 

10. Different Style of Living

golfer teeing off on beautiful florida course

 

Florida feels like a bit of a vacation mixed with regular life.

When you live in Florida, you will be tempted to enjoy golf, boating, fishing, and outdoor eating at all times.

Balancing the demands of everyday life with the ability to have fun in the state of Florida can be a bit difficult.

However, the style of living that focuses on fun and enjoying life is something that many people could use more of in their lives.

 

11. Access to Coastline

Aerial view of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 

Even if you don’t enjoy going to the beach to swim, it is still nice to look at the ocean.

With Florida being a peninsula, there is so much coastline to enjoy.

Regardless of where you live in Florida, chances are you are not that far from a view of the water.

The coastal life is a unique and enjoyable way to live, and it brings many people to the state of Florida.

 

12. Boating

boat sails in a canal in Pompano beach, Florida

 

The opportunity for boating is plentiful in Florida.

People enjoy large cruiser-type boats and also smaller fishing boats where they can go around and catch smaller fish.

Boating is a tremendous hobby, but it is also a lifestyle in Florida.

Many people say that, in Florida, you have to choose between boating and golfing.

Both will take up so much time and money that sometimes making a choice is necessary.

 

13. Golfing

golfer teeing off on florida course

 

Golf is huge in Florida.

There are courses throughout the entire state, and you can almost always find a tee time.

Florida’s golf courses consist of both private and public options.

You can find a great deal for golf if you don’t mind playing in the heat of the summer.

Many private clubs even open their doors for summer memberships when the weather warms up.

 

14. Medical Care

FLORIDA HEALTH CARE

 

Since there are so many retirees and elderly people living in the state of Florida, there is a wide range of access to medical care.

Regardless of your ailment, you should be able to find a doctor of every kind on almost every corner.

Florida is loaded with physical therapists, doctors, and even more medical institutions.

Florida is also starting to be known for some of the homeopathic medical solutions that it is offering to its residents.

 

15. State Parks

Delnor Wiggins State Park from the air, Florida

 

State parks are designated places where everyone can enjoy the beautiful nature that Florida has to offer.

Florida has plenty of state park options for you to enjoy.

The state parks offer education and information about the state and wildlife.

If you enjoy nature and animals, the state parks are a great thing to explore in the state of Florida.

Visiting State Parks can give you much more information about the history and future in the United States and the State of Florida.

 

16. Great for Outdoor Sports

People running in city park

 

People in Florida can almost always play outdoor sports.

Whether you enjoy running, biking, tennis, or golf, the weather usually works quite well for outdoor sports.

In the summertime, it is going to make sense to enjoy your sports in the early morning.

Once the temperatures heat up, you can get dehydrated very quickly.

 

17. Need for Smaller Wardrobe

Stack of folded clothes on white background

 

In Florida, you won’t need to worry about owning a bunch of winter coats, sweaters, snowsuits, and boots.

You can keep a wardrobe of mostly summer attire when you live in the state of Florida.

This is cheaper and easier to manage than having to change your clothes out for every season.

 

18. Good Place for Retirees

Group of senior looking in camera for a portrait

 

Retirees typically need a low-maintenance lifestyle.

They will need some things to do during the day but no major projects that require a lot of attention and manpower.

This is why so much of Florida is built to help make retirement even better and more enjoyable for those who are done with working.

 

19. Fresh Seafood

Seafood on ice at the fish market

 

If you enjoy eating seafood, Florida is a great place to live.

The seafood is fresh, and it is served at almost every restaurant.

There is no question that eating a fish sandwich while sitting at a restaurant on the ocean is what Florida is all about.

If one of your favorite meals is a great piece of fish or a lobster, Florida cuisine will keep you quite happy.

 

20. Fishing

Fishing after a long day at sunset on the beautiful Lake Minnehaha in Clermont, Florida

 

Aside from just eating fish, catching fish can be quite a bit of fun.

In addition to fishing in the ocean, there are many canals and lakes that you can fish in while you are in Florida.

You can enjoy the ability to fish from the shore or from a boat.

The fishing culture is huge in Florida, and people who are serious about their fishing have tremendous amounts of gear and information about fishing.

 

21. Water Sports

Young family having fun kayaking with teenagers in South Florida

 

Water sports are popular in Florida.

Access to the water makes this an easy choice for many residents of Florida.

If you enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and more, the waters off the coast of Florida are going to be a great place for you to spend some time.

Water sports are a great way to stay active and to enjoy the great weather in Florida.

They are also a great way to stay cool in the summer.

 

22. Lots of Jobs in Service Industry

Broward Health staff testing

 

If you are interested in finding a job in Florida, the service industry is the place to look.

As we have mentioned, many of the people in Florida are those who are retired and are looking for help in what they are doing on a day-to-day basis.

The retirees typically need people to help them with specific tasks and projects.

This means that, if you are in the service industry, you can make quite a bit of money in Florida.

 

23. Nature Trails, Natural Springs

Boardwalk trails cross a tidal outlet to Grand Lagoon in Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola, Florida

 

There are plenty of nature trails and natural springs throughout the state of Florida.

You can find these near state parks, but there are options all over.

Florida is a fun state to explore because of all the unique little pockets and towns.

 

24. Great Diversity

Young diverse culture people having fun on summer vacation

 

Since people move to Florida from all over the United States and the world, the diversity in Florida is excellent.

This is truly a place where people from all over can learn to work, live, and play together.

If you have gotten to a point in your life where you want to broaden your horizons from a cultural perspective, Florida can be a great place to live.

 

25. Ability to Grow Crops in Your Yard

Tomato plants in a home garden on a terrace in containers

 

Last but certainly not least is that you can grow your own fruits and vegetables in your Florida yard.

The warm weather and great growing conditions make it so that you can grow your garden and enjoy your own crops.

The ability to grow your own food and live off of your land is a very appealing part of living in the state of Florida.

 

25 Cons of Living in Florida

Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida - USA

 

As great as our 25 pros of living in Florida were, there are still some things that are not so great about the state.

Let’s take a look at some reasons Florida may not be the best choice for you.

 

1. Extreme Heat in Summer

unhappy housewife in the modern house in sunny hot summer day

 

In the summer, Florida is very hot and sunny.

People will try to spend time outdoors and then realize it is simply too hot, and it is difficult to even stay outdoors.

The extreme heat is going to make it challenging to spend as much time outside as you might like in the summer.

This, unfortunately, leads to people spending the majority of their summer indoors with the air conditioning on.

This is pretty much the opposite of why you move to Florida.

 

2. Bugs

Little girl has allergies with mosquitoes

 

Florida has its fair share of bugs and pests to deal with.

It turns out that the bugs enjoy the nice warm weather just as much as the people.

Mosquitoes can be a problem in Florida, and you must make sure you are prepared for them.

Living in areas where there is a bit of a breeze will help you keep the bugs away, but it is not always going to be enough.

Having bug spray and clothing that protects you from the bugs is a smart idea.

 

3. Alligators

A large alligator on the lawn near the pond

 

Alligators are a problem for some people.

Although most people are fine as long as they leave alligators alone, you do have to watch out for small children and animals.

Alligators in Florida can walk right across your backyard if you live in an area that has a pond or a marsh.

If you stay away from alligators, they will typically leave you alone, so just be mindful when you are around the edge of a pond.

 

4. Heat Can Limit Outdoor Activities in Summer

Man helping woman in bikini with heatstroke, summer heat

 

In the summer, there are things you won’t be able to participate in because it will be just too hot.

The warm weather makes it difficult to enjoy things like bike riding or trail hiking.

With the combination of humidity and heat, it will almost be too difficult to breathe while you are outside and trying to enjoy your time.

Instead, make sure that you get out early in the day or as the sun is starting to go down.

Regardless, you will be a bit limited during some months in Florida.

 

5. High Humidity

Humidity word written on wet window

 

In certain states, you will have times of the year where it is more humid than others.

In Florida, it truly feels as though there is almost always humidity.

Sometimes in the winter, the humidity will drop down a bit, but for the most part, expect to deal with it year-round.

 

6. Snakes

Wild juvenile cottonmouth snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) in Florida

 

If you have a fear of snakes, you won’t love the creatures that will meander through your yard in Florida.

Snakes happen to take up residence in a variety of locations, and they will enjoy your home.

Many snakes are good, and they will take care of other pests and creatures that can cause damage.

Still, this doesn’t take away the fear that many people have of snakes and having them near their home.

 

7. Flat State

Miami Beach, Ocean Drive FL, USA

 

When you live in an area like Denver, and you take a ride through the mountains, the views are beautiful, and you can really enjoy what you get to see and experience.

In Florida (with the exception of A1A), when you drive around, things are flat and not quite as impressive.

If you like a view of rolling hills, mountains, and the like, then Florida is not going to be the best option for you.

 

8. High Car Insurance Rates

Miami Beach, Ocean Drive FL, USA

 

The cost of car insurance in Florida is even more expensive than it is in New York.

Car insurance is expensive because so many of the people driving through the state are not insured.

This makes your monthly payment quite a bit higher as you will have to cover the costs of what others don’t have on their cars.

This is one of those costs that you really won’t have a way around.

 

9. Tourists

Siesta Key Beach Sarasota Florida

 

Florida is filled with tourists.

People love to travel to Florida, especially in the winter months.

The tourists, unfortunately, crowd areas of Florida and make it more challenging to enjoy the state.

In addition, many places will raise prices in the winter when the tourists come to take advantage of the great weather.

 

10. Higher Home Insurance Costs

Homeowners Insurance Policy Form And Spectacles

 

Home insurance costs in Florida are expensive.

This is because there are fees associated with hurricanes that potentially will impact the state.

Since Florida has a higher chance of hurricanes than other states, the rates for homeowner’s insurance are naturally higher.

There is really no way around this for many Florida homeowners.

Not having insurance is a very bad idea and can lead to issues with financial stability long term.

 

11. Hurricanes

sattelite view of hurricane

 

A hurricane tends to hit Florida almost every year.

Some of the hurricanes do no damage at all and are just a rainstorm.

Other times, the hurricane can end up being much more involved and cause homes and businesses to fall to the ground.

This type of hurricane is very difficult to live through and will cause some people to decide they can’t live in Florida.

Since this type of hurricane is so unpredictable and uncontrollable, it can scare people into leaving the state.

 

12. Tornadoes

Super Cyclone or Tornado

 

Along with hurricanes, Florida can also experience some pretty intense tornadoes.

This is another reason some people will decide that Florida is not necessarily the right fit for them.

Certainly, the fear with tornadoes is that they can’t be avoided, and you essentially have to sit and wait for them to hit your home.

This is a terrible feeling and one that is very difficult to get used to living with.

 

13. No Seasons

fitness man silhouette drinking water from a bottle at sunset

 

If you are one of those people who enjoys your pumpkin spice in the fall and your spring flowers starting to bloom, the Florida weather and climate may not be for you.

The weather in Florida is very consistent, and one season will be almost identical to the last.

Those who have lived in Florida their entire lives can tell a real difference between the seasons, but it takes some time to develop this awareness.

Without the knowledge, you will feel as though you are living in a climate that simply never changes.

The hardest part of this is around the holidays.

If you are from up north and expect it to be cool for the holidays or for there to be a bit of snow, Florida can be a really tough transition.

 

14. Very Mixed-Up Communities

aerial weston florida usa

 

Another thing about Florida that can be odd is the way the communities are organized.

There are some areas that are incredibly nice, and then just outside these areas, the neighborhoods get rough.

If you are not in a gated community with an HOA, you could have people putting in a large southern-style home next to an Aztec-type design.

The streets will have you turning your head, wondering what you are looking at and whether or not you are still in the same town.

It can be a difficult transition and adjustment to get used to the way towns are split up and where the good and the bad areas are.

 

15. Lots of Gated Community Areas

Entrance gate to a beautiful gated residential house community

 

Although it may seem like the areas in Florida are filled with great community activities and areas, these are mostly within the gated parts of the location.

If you are looking to get out and enjoy things but are not living in a gated community with amenities, things can be a bit more difficult.

The gated communities are a great place to live if you can afford them.

If you can’t afford them, you may notice that some of your options for entertainment are a bit limited.

 

16. Crowded in Winter

Large crowd standing on the beach watching the sunset over the ocean.

 

It is no secret that Florida is the place to be in the winter.

Unfortunately, this has led to many people wanting to spend their winters in the state.

Of course, Florida is quite a bit different when it comes to crowds in the winter than it will be in the summer.

If you have spent time in Florida in the winter, you know that restaurants are crowded, they are expensive, and they can make you want to stay home and do some cooking yourself.

 

17. Elderly Drivers

Senior entrepreneur having fun with cabriolet auto - Fashion

 

We mentioned that insurance is expensive because of elderly drivers, but these elderly drivers can also make driving around in Florida just annoying.

The elderly drivers don’t always pay attention, and they often should not even be on the road anymore.

When you move to Florida, you have to learn the art of defensive driving.

You will need to be able to anticipate the moves that other drivers are going to make.

If you can start thinking about how they will turn or what mistake they may make, you can keep yourself safe.

 

18. Party Towns

Happy people having fun listening music

 

Some of the areas of Florida have become known for partying.

If you are not a fan of dealing with college kids on spring break, you should consider looking to live elsewhere.

There is not much that can be done about this type of tourist action in the party towns, unfortunately.

With the weather and the amenities, Florida is simply a place that everybody wants to enjoy at some point.

Just choose carefully when you decide on a place to live.

 

19. Lower Pay Rates in Some Areas

Rich man under paying worker

 

Some of Florida has lower pay rates.

Florida is not really a place that is known for having high-paying jobs.

The reason is that many people make their money prior to moving to Florida.

They are able to earn enough to enjoy Florida life, and they take full advantage of it.

This makes Florida appear as though it is a great place to achieve financial wealth.

Although there are plenty of people that are able to do it, it is not exactly known for having the most high-paying jobs.

 

20. Extreme Differences in Real Estate prices

Choosing the right real estate property

 

Most people think of Florida as being a very affordable place to live.

If you are able to afford the million-dollar mansions on the beach, that is great.

However, the majority of the state of Florida is living off of their Social Security.

You will see some very extreme differences in Real Estate pricing in Florida, and it makes the market a bit unpredictable.

 

21. High Utility Bills for Cooling

man sitting on couch in modern apartment with mouth open, holding utility bill with high rates

 

In those summer months when it is 100 degrees outside, you will spend a lot of money to cool your home.

You will want to make sure you choose an energy-efficient home in the state of Florida.

Without the energy efficiency, you will end up having a very hard time covering the expenses of your utility bills.

 

22. Not Very Many Historical Landmarks

The historic building museum in Tampa city

 

The St. Augustine area tends to have a lot of history about Florida and things that have happened there.

However, outside of St. Augustine, there is not much from a historical perspective in Florida.

It is certainly nothing like you would find in Savannah, Charleston, Philadelphia, or other historical cities.

If you are not a history buff and don’t care to know about things that have happened in the past, then this may not bother you.

 

23. High Crime Rates in Some Areas

sky high crime rate' concept

 

In certain areas, there are high crime rates.

In fact, the crime rates overall in Florida tend to get a bit high.

You can be selective about where you choose to live if you want to try and avoid some of the crime.

Although it will be impossible to live without any crime, there are some gated communities that are considered to be quite safe and good for families.

When moving to or visiting an area, it is always smart to pay attention to what the crime rates are.

 

24. Public Transport Is Not Good

Miami Trolley free public transportation on Avenue

 

Public transportation is not popular in Florida.

People tend to have their own vehicles, and because of the nice weather, they also walk or bike.

When it comes to trains and buses, the system is not all that good and can be a bit difficult to make it work from one area to another.

In many of the built-up cities, you can find public transportation, but outside of that, you will need to rely on your own transportation to get around.

 

25. Large Increase in Population

Large group of people walking to and forming the shape of Florida

 

Finally, the last negative of Florida is the fact that the population continues to grow.

People are taking all of the cons of living in Florida and realizing that they don’t outweigh the pros.

This, in turn, makes it more desirable for people to purchase property in Florida and make their move.

If you look at Florida today compared to twenty years ago, you can see that the population is only continuing to increase.

It is truly thought of as the spot to be during retirement, and until that changes, we will continue to see the population in Florida grow.

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Florida

About Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt Olizarowicz is a freelance writer, author and mother of two young children. With a history as a golf professional, real estate agent and business owner, Britt has a wide range of experience and knowledge in a variety of topics. Britt thoroughly enjoys educating and sharing information with readers.

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