With a plummeting population in regions like Alaska or Vermont, some states need to provide incentives for people to move there. This isn’t the case when it comes to Florida.
Even though the state doesn’t offer job grants or other additional payments, you can benefit from a move if you currently live in a pricey state.
For example, you could be from California, New York, or Oregon. Moving to Florida will offer financial relief.
With multiple tax exemptions, Florida can offer a more affordable fresh start for you and your family.
Stick around to learn more about Florida’s exceptional benefits, both monetary and lifestyle.
Can You Get Paid to Move to Florida?
Florida won’t pay you to move there. Nevertheless, the Sunshine State does offer money-saving benefits.
For instance, you won’t have the state income tax burden. You won’t have to worry about losing a significant portion of your salary.
How Much Can You Make by Moving to Florida?
It wouldn’t necessarily be about how much money you can make but how much you can save. Plus, it can also depend on where you moved from.
For example, let’s assume that you’re leaving New York City. It’s notoriously one of the most expensive cities to live in.
Despite having higher pay in the city, your living expenses are eating away from it. Utility prices are about 3% higher than the national average. Plus, grocery expenses add up to about 35% more pricey than average.
If you’re from Manhattan and earn about $650,000, you can save up to $200,000 living in Florida. It’s all thanks to tax exemptions and lower living costs.
Are There Tax Benefits to Moving to Florida?
Apart from the tropical weather and gorgeous change of scenery, there’s a primary reason why everyone’s heading south. It’s the tax exemptions. They include:
1. Property Tax
You can take advantage of two property tax exemptions, the homestead and “Save Our Home” options. With the prior, you can apply for up to a $50,000 exemption. If your house is valued at $300,000, you’ll be only taxed at $250,000.
Meanwhile, the “Save Our Home” exemption will restrict the yearly property value increase to 3%. It can also consider the fluctuations of the Consumer Price Index. Whichever is lesser will be applied.
2. Estate Tax
Florida hasn’t enforced an estate tax since 2005. The state’s tax system won’t charge the payment for a property transfer in the case of a deceased owner.
3. State Income Tax
Florida, as well as nine other states, doesn’t impose a state income tax. Moving to the state has the potential to increase your disposable income and savings.
4. Retirement Benefits Tax
Another tax exemption Florida offers comes with your retirement benefits. Subsequently, your pension, social security income, 401(K), and IRA are safe from taxation.
Places in Florida That Pay You to Move
You likely won’t be getting paid to move to Florida. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean that moving to the state won’t reap benefits, particularly in the cities below.
1. Pensacola
Pensacola is a haven for families browsing affordable housing and picturesque scenery. The city offers walks to the beach, award-winning eateries, and a reasonable cost of living.
How Much You Can Make
The job market in Pensacola is popular in the financial services, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. The city has a promising higher-than-average job growth rate of up to 42%. According to the Census, Pensacola’s average salary is around $59,111.
What Makes This Option Great
Aside from the city’s job market opportunities, Pensacola can offer more, including walkable pathways, sunny weather, and budget-friendly housing options.
On average, housing costs can accumulate to $316,695, compared to the $383,883 national average.
Pensacola’s cost of living is also relatively lower than the national average. Suburbs like Brent offer affordable living, despite being far from the main city.
Besides expenses, Pensacola also caters to the artistic crowd with its multiple gallery nights, Broadway, ballet, and opera shows.
The city is ideal for those looking to get a footing with nature thanks to its extended greenery, rivers, and beach views.
Overall, whether you’re into nature escapades or artsy galleries, Pensacola’s cost-effective living and expenses can be something to look forward to.
2. Tallahassee
Also known as the state capital of Florida, Tallahassee boasts an impressive academic community. It’s home to Florida A&M University and Florida State University.
On top of its booming education opportunities, Tallahassee has reasonable housing offers averaging about $300,875.
How Much You Can Make
The annual average income in Tallahassee ranges between $47,000 to $49,000.
Fortunately, the city’s job market is opportunistic, with only a 2.7% unemployment rate. When it comes to industries, you’ll find more options in healthcare, higher education, tech, and finance.
What Makes This Option Great
Tallahassee provides a lower cost of living and housing expenses than the national average. Apart from that, you can enjoy the city’s teeming nightlife and multiple attractions, such as the Railroad Square Art Park and St Mark’s Lighthouse.
Besides that, the city’s job market continues to grow thanks to the abundance of startups and large organizations.
For instance, the HCA Florida Capital Hospital and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare facilities continue to push the healthcare and administrative job market further.
In addition, the city can also cater to outdoor lovers with its nature parks and expansive hiking trails.
3. Orlando
When you mention Orlando to anyone, they will likely mention that they’ve been there for the popular theme park attractions. The city can offer more than theme park fun, thanks to its expanding economy and job market opportunities.
How Much You Can Make
The average Orlando income is around $59,000. Overall, the region is perfect for young adults looking to begin their careers, particularly in information tech, hospitality, and healthcare.
What Makes This Option Great
Orlando is an ideal moving destination for families, especially if your child is still in their K-12 years. The city has a wide range of reputable schooling options, from the Osceola County School of Arts to the Orlando Science Middle High Charter.
Additionally, Orlando has warm, welcoming weather, perfect for lake trips. Nevertheless, you’ll have to mind the excess rain and the highly humid atmosphere.
Jobs That Pay You to Relocate to Florida
Relocation assistance can give you a head start for your fresh start in Florida. Some companies can offer multiple compensation packages and benefits for your move.
1. Holman Motorcars
Holman Motorcars is a dealership that assists individual and commercial clients. The company, located in Fort Lauderdale, is currently searching for those in the sales field.
How Much You Can Make
The average salary at Holman Motorcars is between $324,000 and $414,000.
What Makes This Option Great
Income aside, you can enjoy the multiple compensation benefits of the company, such as its Employee Assistance Program and tuition reimbursement. You can also qualify for an exceptional $10,000 bonus sign-up.
The company also offers dental, health, life, and disability insurance. It provides flexible spending and health savings accounts. You can also benefit from the paid time off and retirement plan.
2. Kelly’s Animal Hospital Inc
Located in Port Saint Lucie, Kelly’s Animal Hospital is searching for veterinarians. The role provides professional mentorship and access to VetBloom resources to develop your field knowledge.
How Much You Can Make
Salaries at the Kellys Animal Hospital range between $110,000 to $142,000.
What Makes This Option Great
The hospital provides several benefits from its bonus incentive and medical, vision, and dental insurance to its 401(k) and a bi-weekly stipend covering employee enrollment. You can also take advantage of the company’s IDEXX diagnostic fee coverage for your pet.
The best part is that the hospital also offers time off for continuing education and reimbursements. You’ll also get quarterly financial guidance consultations to manage expenses in terms of budgeting, student loan management, remortgaging, and increasing credit score.
3. CORA Physical Therapy
CORA Physical Therapy specializes in work-related and sports injuries. You’ll also be working to treat orthopedic issues and neuromuscular conditions. One of the company’s many franchises operates in Orlando, Florida.
How Much You Can Make
Salaries can range between $78,000 to $85,000 annually.
What Makes This Option Great
The company has a relocation package that’ll help you get settled in. One of the best parts about working in CORA could be the flexible work schedule that can accommodate a healthy work-life balance.
Besides that, you will also receive vision, dental, life, medical, and disability insurance. The facility also provides future planning services for your retirement and savings plan.
Why You Should Consider Moving to Florida
According to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, over 444,500 people moved to Florida between 2021 and 2022.
The state ranks as #1 for most people moving per day and domestic migration. It also ranks #2 for international migration.
Now, there are multiple reasons why people are flocking to Florida, from its tax exemptions to its coastal weather and nature views.
1. Business-Friendly
Starting a business in Florida is a wise choice. You can benefit from the low corporate income tax and pro-business climate. The state has budget-friendly land where you can headquarter your business, cutting start-up costs.
Of the cities in Florida, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami, are among the best places you can kickstart your business venture. The cities offer unparalleled resource access and low labor expenses.
You don’t have to worry about personal income tax or payroll taxes. That said, you can move your business from a high-tax state like California to Florida, where you’ll have higher profit potential.
Make use of Orlando’s high-tech scene, where your tech business can approach the NeoCity technological research district.
Apart from resources, low costs, and tax exemptions, Florida also houses multiple investment opportunities from angel investors and venture capitalists.
Over 99.8% of the market in Florida comprises small businesses, opening the way for growth and competition.
The top industries you can venture into in the Sunshine State are real estate, administration, construction, transportation, and other technical services.
2. Ideal Retirement Place
Florida is a top retirement destination for several reasons. The state won’t charge a tax on your social security benefits pension, IRAs, and 401(k). With no estate and inheritance tax, you’ll be able to leave more funds to your family.
Let’s compare your retirement plan if you were to retire in California vs. Florida. You’re 66 and earn about $100,000. $23,000 comes from social security, and $50,000 from 401(k). In Florida, you wouldn’t have to lose any of your earnings.
Meanwhile, in California, you’ll have to tally the state income tax, which can take up to $29,959 from your yearly salary. Besides the tax-free bliss you’ll live in, Florida also offers multiple retiree activities to keep your golden years alive.
For instance, you can enjoy a cruise, go for a fishing trip in the Florida Keys or Tampa Bay, or go for a birdwatching tour.
In the latter’s case, the state is home to a diverse array of native colorful species. You’ll want to explore Myakka River State Park, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, or Big Cypress National Preserve.
Speaking of nature, you can also visit the Mounts Botanical Garden, where you can marvel at the extended 20-acre land adorned with subtropical and tropical flora.
The spot offers volunteering opportunities and workshops. Plus, you can do yoga or paint with watercolors while basking in the idyllic scenery.
3. Job Opportunities
Thanks to the gig economy boom in Florida, job markets are experiencing developments. In 2023, the state’s private sector expanded by 5%, making way for job opportunity growth for incoming residents.
The state’s unemployment rate as of 2023 is 2.6%, which is lower than the national average, coming in at 3.6%. In addition, Florida has recorded a 2.3% increase in its labor force, putting it above the 1.5% national average.
According to Governor Ron DeSantis, “Florida’s economy continues to be number one in new business formations while growing our labor force and creating jobs faster than the national rate.”
The industry with the most notable job market growth in Florida is the transportation and utilities sector. It accumulated over 12,800 in a month.
Meanwhile, education and health trail afterward garnering over 11,400 jobs. Leisure and hospitality follow, gathering over 10,700 jobs.
Florida’s gig economy is also uplifting its job market. The freelance industry in the state currently values at an impressive $23 billion.
Examples of the gig economy can include freelance work, tutoring, or applying for a ride-sharing service.
4. Pleasant Atmosphere
They call it the Sunshine State for nothing. As the closest state to the equator and Tropic of Cancer, Florida lies in a sunny, humid, and tropical spot. On average, the state has over 230 sun-filled days.
Although summers tend to get exceptionally warm, Florida’s overall weather is mild. If you’re not a fan of harsh winters, moving to Florida is the right move. In cities like Miami, summers can reach a maximum of 87 degrees F.
Meanwhile, the lowest temperature is around 63 degrees F. Other areas like Fort Lauderdale have summer temperatures reaching 90 degrees F, while winter can bring a low of 59 degrees F.
As a state peninsula, Florida’s weather is heavily influenced by its surrounding coastal lines.
Interestingly, the sea can store heat in the coastal areas, allowing for cozier winters compared to central parts of the state.
Besides the heat, Florida is categorized as one of the wettest states in the country. The rainy season in West Central Florida comes between late May and mid-October. Southwest Florida’s wet season starts a bit earlier and ends a bit later.
5. Plenty of Activities
Florida has numerous activities you can partake in if you’re a nature lover or can’t get enough of the outdoors. The state provides multiple water activities, such as swimming, fishing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and boating.
If water sports aren’t your thing, you can move on to more adventurous activities like hikes in the Everglades National Park or Ocala National Forest. Besides the hikes and water sports, you can also enjoy a fun-filled day at a theme park like Universal Studios and Epcot.
The state houses other tourist attractions, such as the Kennedy Space Center and Busch Gardens. Overall, whatever your interests are, you’ll likely find tailored activities for them in Florida.
Is It Cheap to Live in Florida?
Overall, Florida isn’t necessarily cheap compared to other states. Nonetheless, it’s one step ahead in terms of tax exemptions.
The latter provides employees with large savings opportunities. That said, some of the costs worth considering include housing, transportation, utility, and groceries.
Average rent prices differ across the cities. That said, median rent rates in Orlando and Tampa come to around $2,153 to $2,155. Meanwhile, Miami is more highly-priced, reaching around $3,000.
In terms of utility costs, Florida is about 1% higher than the national average. Areas like Fort Lauderdale and Miami are much higher, coming up to 30% more than national rates.
With gas prices, you can expect to pay around $5,477 yearly as a single adult. As for a family of four, transportation costs can accumulate to over $14,000 annually.
Grocery costs can reach around $4,000 to $11,500 for a single adult or a four-member family, respectively.
What Is a Livable Salary in Florida?
A single person in Florida can survive with around $36,000 in income. If you’re two adults with a single income and one or two children, you’ll need around $67,000 and $77,000, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Florida Relocation Assistance Program?
Offered by the state, the Florida Relocation Assistance Program helps residents that need to relocate due to transportation projects. The assistance can be financial and advisory.
The program workers are tasked with relaying information about the transportation project to the commercial and residential occupants.
They also have to gather information about the residents before completing the project. The main communication channel is through interviews.
What Income Do You Need to Survive in Florida?
As a single person, you’ll need around $36,000 annually or $17.24 hourly. Meanwhile, if you’re a single adult with one, two, or three children, you’ll require approximately $70,000, $87,000, and $115,000, respectively.
The expenses take several factors into account, such as food, medical, housing, and child care. Keep in mind that the average amount varies for every city and county.
Similar Locations to Consider
- Get Paid to Move to California: The state is a melting pot of diversity with an expansive range of cultures, plus, you also get lots of job opportunities.
- Get Paid to Move to Texas: From tax-free income and affordable living to rich history and diverse cuisine, moving to Texas will offer a pleasant change of pace in your lifestyle.
- Get Paid to Move to Arizona: With tax deductions, budget-friendly housing, plenty of retirement communities, and lots of outdoor activity potential, Arizona deserves a spot on your “States to Move to” list.
Wrapping Up
Can you get paid to move to Florida? In short, Florida doesn’t offer payments for incoming residents. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider moving there. The state provides a wide range of benefits, like tax exemptions and promising career growth.
With its growing economy and industry expansion, you can expect financial stability. In addition, the state’s low-tax rates will keep your funds in check compared to living in a pricey state like Maryland or Connecticut.
Other than finances, Florida is home to the country’s most exotic beaches and views. As a hotspot for tourists, you’ll always find new activities to do, whether it’s a theme park visit or a nature walk on one of the many hiking trails available.
