The weather is beautiful, but the humidity is bad. There’s tons to do, but you’ll share with a ton of tourists. Here are pros and cons of living in Florida.

Written by Abbey Orzech

Reviewed by Jessica Barrett

Updated on Dec 9, 2023

Table of Contents

Pro: Relatively low cost of living
Con: It’s definitely a driver’s state
Pro: So many things to do…like, so many
Con: You’re sharing with tourists and snowbirds
Pro: The state averages about 8 hours of sun a day
Con: Lots of hurricanes and lightning
Pro: Plenty of pro sports teams to cheer on (Tom Brady, anyone?)
Con: Bugs and snakes and gators, oh my!
Pro: No state income tax or estate tax
Con: No more autumn crisp, winter freeze, and spring thaw
Pro: Diversity of lifestyles
Is Florida a good state to live in?
How to upgrade your car insurance in Florida
FAQs

Load full table of contents

Florida has much to love, including no state income tax, loads of fun things to do, gorgeous beaches, and exciting cities. However, you’ll also want to consider the factors that may leave much to be desired—think outrageous humidity, year-round bugs, and heavy tourist traffic.

Florida is an incredibly popular state for both vacations and residency. Many folks consider moving to the Sunshine State for its promise of sunny days and an abundance of things to do, but it’s important to consider how Florida may disagree with your lifestyle, too.

Before packing up the truck, trailer, and road trip snacks, take some time to contemplate the major pros and cons of living in Florida. To make the decision easier,

Jerry

, the

trusted brokerage app

designed to make users’ lives easier, has gathered some green and red flags of this incredibly popular state.

And of course, we’ll offer some tips for you to save money on your

Florida car insurance cost

and

home insurance

$152

Average monthly payment reduction¹

2.97%

Average Interest rate improvement¹

$1,823

Average annual payment reduction¹

Pro: Relatively low cost of living

Although Florida isn’t necessarily one of the cheapest US states to live in, its cost of living is relatively low when examined against the rest of the country. The US average cost of living index is an even 100, and Florida comes in at 100.3—just above.

Of course, your exact location will determine how high or low the cost of living actually is—Florida is a pretty big state!

If you’re determined to find a lower cost of living, you may enjoy

Tallahassee

Tampa

Daytona Beach

, or

Ocala

. On that same token, you’ll want to avoid

Miami

Fort Lauderdale

Sarasota

, and

Cape Coral

All things considered, the average cost of living in Florida isn’t too bad. Your housing, utilities, and food costs will likely be a bit higher than the national average, but your healthcare, transportation, and general goods and services will be lower.

MORE:

The best places to live in Florida

Con: It’s definitely a driver’s state

If you’re living in Florida, you’ll need a car. This may not rank as a con if you’re already living somewhere car-centric, but those of you coming from places like D.C. or New York City may be a little shocked at the lack of public transportation.

This isn’t to say that there aren’t any public transit options at all. There are bus systems, Amtrak lines, and bike/scooter share programs in many of the major cities. But unless you’re only ever heading to a few handfuls of specific destinations and don’t have hard time constraints, you’re probably better off with a personal vehicle.

MORE:

Everything you need to know about driving in Orlando

Pro: So many things to do…like, so many

There is a reason why Florida is such a popular tourist destination for the US and beyond, and the weather is only part of it. The Sunshine State may as well be called the (all ages) Playground State for all the fun there is to be had!

Enjoy lounging, surfing, yachting, snorkeling, fishing, and more at the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, which have almost 1,350 miles of combined coastline.

Heading for that Great Florida Retirement? You’ll tighten up your golf swing in no time by playing around the state that has the most golf courses in the country.

And lest we forget, Florida has some of the most well-known theme parks in the world! Take your time exploring six different parks at

Walt Disney World Resort

, or take a dive into the different worlds of

Universal Studios

Busch Gardens

, or

LEGOLand

MORE: Moving to Tampa

The plentiful options for Florida fun don’t just draw the full-time residents. Florida sees 100 million (or more) tourists each year eager to explore the state’s soil and sand.

You’ll also need to account for the transient resident population of “snowbirds”—folks who typically live in colder northern states in the summer months but flock to the Sunshine State in the winter.

While this may not sound too bad to those who don’t mind crowds, the hordes of tourists and the comings and goings of the snowbirds have the potential to stress others out.

Pro: The state averages about 8 hours of sun a day

Florida didn’t earn the “sunniest state” nickname for nothing! Residents and visitors will enjoy warm sunshine and mild winters every year. The average daily temperature for the whole state sits at a comfortable 72°F—though it gets hot in the summer months and a bit “chillier” in the winter ones.

No matter the time of year, you’ll be able to enjoy the beach, the surf, the parks, and any other outdoor recreation!

Plus, if you’re someone living with arthritis or other cold-agitated conditions, the year-round warmth of the Florida sun could be quite beneficial for your comfort.

MORE:

How to keep your car cool in scorching heat

Con: Lots of hurricanes and lightning

Although it is true that Florida experiences some of the nicest weather in the country, it also experiences some of the most extreme weather.

Aside from severe thunderstorms and the potential for flooding, Florida is the number one state for hurricanes and lightning in the US. In fact, there are more lightning-related injuries here than in any other state.

And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the humidity. That year-round sunshine can be a dream, but it can also contribute to the sweaty, sticky nightmare of incredibly high humidity.

Florida isn’t short on rainfall, and when you pair that with daily summertime temperatures in the 90s, the air becomes quite thick.

MORE: How to prepare your car for a hurricane

Pro: Plenty of pro sports teams to cheer on (Tom Brady, anyone?)

If we’re talking Florida lightning, let’s talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning! Far less destructive than actual lightning (at least outside of the hockey arena), the Tampa Bay Lightning is just one of the nine professional sports teams in Florida.

Baseball fans can take their pick between the Florida Marlins or the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Basketball fans get rowdy for the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, and hockey buffs can back the Florida Panthers or Tampa Bay Lightning.

And let’s not forget the Florida football fans and their recent score of Tom Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Not a big Brady—I mean Buccaneers—fan? You’ll have the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins to root for, too!

MORE:

How bad is Tampa traffic?

Con: Bugs and snakes and gators, oh my!

The wilds of Florida’s natural world can be intensely beautiful, but for those with an extreme aversion to bugs, snakes, or alligators, they can be intensely stressful.

There are more than 40 different snake species populating Florida. Happily, only a few are venomous, but you’ll still want to make sure you’re checking what’s on the other side of that log you’re about to step over.

On top of the snakes, you’ll be neighbors with overone million alligators throughout the state—but these guys aren’t known to be particularly aggressive towards humans, so don’t fret about surprise alligator attacks too much.

And since the temperature never gets too cold, the bug population can thrive all year. From the peskiest mosquitoes and biting midges to ants, wasps, and bees, Florida’s insects alone are enough to keep some people away from the state.

MORE:

Why are there flies in my house suddenly?

Pro: No state income tax or estate tax

Let’s bring in one of the heavy hitters—Florida has no state income tax or estate/inheritance tax! Being able to keep more of what you make can free up more cash for savings, especially for someone moving from an expensive, tax-heavy state like

California

or Hawaii.

Part of the reason why Florida brings in tons of retirees is the lack of estate and inheritance tax. You’ll be able to pass along your entire estate without tax interference, leaving more peace of mind with your loved ones.

MORE: Florida squatter laws

Con: No more autumn crisp, winter freeze, and spring thaw

Depending on your love or hate of snowfall, crunchy leaf piles, and springtime blooms, this could be a pro or a con.

Many people love the novelty and nostalgia associated with the changing seasons and the distinct activities you can do in each, and you won’t find as many seasonal changes in Florida.

The Sunshine State stays relatively mild all year, making the different seasons barely discernible. If the crisp of autumn, the icicles of winter, and the new buds of the spring are non-negotiables for your happy life, Florida may not be the state for you.

MORE: How to insulate windows to keep heat out

Pro: Diversity of lifestyles

Finally, Florida can make a great state for a wide variety of lifestyles. The state’s land area itself is huge—over 65,000 square miles—encompassing different landscapes, terrain, and wildlife.

You’ll also find a lot of diversity in the job market! From tourism, aerospace and aviation, and life sciences to manufacturing, agriculture, and financial services, people with many different interests and backgrounds can find meaningful employment.

You can have your pick of rural or urban (or somewhere in between), too. If a ruralsmall town is calling your name, check out locations in rural North Florida. Prefer bustling cities and all the world’s conveniences around you? Big metro areas like Miami and Orlando have you covered.

And this wouldn’t be Florida if we don’t mention the beautiful beach towns and coastal regions, of which you’d have an abundance to choose from.

If you like exploring new avenues, interests, food spots, and activities, the Florida lifestyle may suit you just fine.

MORE:

Florida minimum car insurance laws

RECOMMENDED

Compare auto insurance policies

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

ZIP Code

Find insurance savings

Is Florida a good state to live in?

Like anywhere, Florida has its drawbacks that are worth considering alongside the benefits before you make your final decision about moving there.

Florida is a great state if you’re looking for:

Warm, sunny weather

A fun variety of things to do

A reasonable cost of living

But if your list of living don’ts includes a lack of public transportation, extreme humidity, and a high potential for natural disasters, you may find living in Florida to be a challenge.

MORE:

Tips for moving out of state

How to upgrade your car insurance in Florida

Although Florida’s cost of living is generally pretty low, Florida’s typical car insurance rates are generally pretty high. And it’s not exactly a secret why with all the potential for hurricanes, the heavy tourist traffic congesting the roads, and one of the highest car accident rates in the country.

But it doesn’t mean that you’re stuck paying outrageous rates! Thanks to

Jerry

, it’s never been easier for you to save money on your

car insurance

premiums.

Jerry is a

personal insurance broker

that lives in your pocket. But don’t worry about buying tiny office furniture: Jerry is an app.

Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete, and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan.

The average Jerry user saves over $800 a yearon car insurance payments!

“I had limited time to find a new insurance plan in Florida, so I tried
Jerry
. My experience was personalized and professional, and they found me a plan that fits my portfolio. You should give them a try.” —Valencia T.

RECOMMENDED