Relocating to Florida

There are a variety of reasons why one would be looking to relocate to a new area. Whether you’ve changed careers, are looking to retire, or are just in need of a change of scenery, the Relocation Team at Best Connections Realty is equipped to guide you through the process of finding a new home. In any case, relocating can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive if you try to tackle it on your own. Best Connections Realty Relocation Specialists are here to ensure buying a new home or selling your current one is quick and simple. The best thing about our Relocation Realtors is that they are experts when it comes to real estate in South Florida. From the Palm Beaches all the way to Miami, our agents have acquired local knowledge to help you easily buy or sell your home.

Buying a Home in Florida

Buying a home for sale in Florida can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a daunting task if you don’t have the right people on your team. The Relocation Division at Best Connections Realty is dedicated to prioritizing your needs and finding a home that is suitable for you and your family. We know there is more to relocating than just packing up your suitcases and heading to Florida. You’ll want to know local school information, property tax information, local city attractions, and recreational opportunities near your desired city. We’ll also be able to pull past sales history for chosen listings, compare home prices city to city, and interpret property disclosures that may affect your purchase. Best Connections Realty Relocation Agents are not satisfied until you are comfortably in the home of your dreams. We want this to be the most exciting time in your life and we are willing to do what it takes to make your relocation the best experience possible.

Selling Your Florida Home

If it’s time to relocate from Florida to another part of the country, the Best Connections Realty Relocation Team wants to assist you in selling your home. You’ll already be taking your time to find a home for sale in your new location. Why stress about your current home? Put that task in our hands, and we will handle the rest. Best Connections Realty offers it’s Relocation Team with upper-level marketing strategies to get your home sold in a timely manner. We know you don’t have the time to let your home sit on the market. Best Connections Realty has an internet presence over many different websites that will ensure your listing is seen by countless potential homebuyers. We also have an extensive list of real estate connections that will lend assistance in selling your home. The real estate relocation specialists at Best Connections Realty are here to put you first. Let us relieve you of your stress and sell your home fast!

Before Your Move

Florida is a rapidly growing state with about 1,000 people moving in every single day. Currently, the population is just over 18,000,000 people with more than half not being Florida-born. Though much of the population would consider themselves “snowbirds” or residents who only live here during the summer months, there are many reasons to make Florida your permanent new home. Whether you’ve decided to relocate to Florida for personal reasons or for business, there are some things you should know about Florida before you make the big move.

Cost of Living

Before moving to South Florida you should consider that the cost of living is slightly higher in comparison to the rest of the country. The standard of living in higher as well as the popularity of the area making the price of goods go up. Gas prices and food prices are much higher in South Florida as well as transportation costs because walking is rarely an option in South Florida. If you are relocating from a state where the cost of living is much lower, you'll want to create a new budget for your spending based on the Florida cost of living. If you need help creating an area specific budget, click here.

Florida Taxes

The Florida tax burden ranks pretty low in comparison to rest of the county. Florida has a few different types of taxes including a sales tax, tangible tax, and intangible tax. However, one of the best things about Florida is that it does not have a state income tax. This means more money in your pocket and not taken from your paycheck. Typically the state sales tax is 6%, though this may vary from county to county such as Palm Beach County who has a sales state tax of 6% and a County tax of 1% totaling a sales tax of 7%. Florida also does not charge an Estate tax or an inheritance tax. Any amount of money that is willed to an individual will not be charged a tax by the state.

Property taxes are not taken out by the state, however, local governments do depend on these taxes. Property taxes will vary by county, and are based on the value of the property every year. There are also some exemptions you may seek to decrease the amount of property taxes you will owe on your new home. To see what your potential property tax will be, click here.

Weather in Florida

Florida is known for it's warmer climate. The summers are hot averaging around 80 degrees with a high chance of rain during the afternoons. The winter temperatures range from 53 degrees in Northern Florida to about 68 degrees in Southern Florida, making this state a great place for retirees. While warm year-round temperatures may seem like a dream, many newcomers must take into consideration that Florida has a hurricane season if they plan on living here long term. Starting June 1st and ending on November 30th, Florida has a 6 month long hurricane season that must be taken seriously. If you are relocating to Florida for at least a year, you will want to use this guide from the National Hurricane Center to make sure you are prepared. Hurricanes can affect your new home in many ways, so you'll want to have everything you need to keep your property safe from damage.

Utilities in Florida

The primary service provider for electric in South Florida is Florida Power & Light. Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County are all powered by FPL services. Before moving you'll want to set up an account with FPL and provide them with the date you will be moving into your new home so they can ensure you will have electricity upon your move-in. To start the process of creating an FPL account click here.

Other utilities you may want to set up include water, wastewater (sewer), natural gas, garbage collection, recycling, cable TV and/or stormwater maintenance. These services will all vary by city:

Boca Raton Utilities

Boynton Beach Utilities

Coral Springs Utilities

Delray Beach Utilities

Fort Lauderdale Utilities

Parkland Utilities

Miami Utilities

Wellington Utilities

Weston Utilities

Cable & Internet

There are several cable and internet companies that service the South Florida area. Most companies offer both cable and internet packages at a discounted rate. The neighborhood you choose will determine what cable companies you can choose from. Below you will find a list of major providers, click on the links to determine if they service your area.

1. AT&T

2. Comcast/Xfinity

3. DirecTv

4. Dish Network

After Your Move

After your move to Florida, there are going to be many things you'll need to check off your long to-do list. You've already set up your utilities and cable, now you'll have to start becoming a real Florida resident. With so much to do, it can be a very stressful time. That's why we have put together a guide that will help you after your move.

Getting a Florida Driver's License

Getting a new driver's license or ID card is very important in the state of Florida. You will have 10 days once you move to get a new license or ID card. After that time period, you risk punishment by law enforcement for driving without a Florida license.

If you already have a driver's license from your previous state, you must have it transferred into a valid Florida license. In addition, you will have to surrender your out of state license as well as provide proper documentation and pay the required fees.

When applying for a Florida license your hearing, written, and driving test may be waived if you already have a license from another state.

If you're under 18 years old and hold a learner's permit or driver's license you will be able to transfer it to a Florida learner's permit or license. For all teenage requirements see how to apply for a teen driver's license.

Registering Your Car in Florida

If you're relocating to Florida and you're bringing a vehicle, you'll have to make sure you get your car registered. You have 10 days to register your car from the time you establish residency, become in employed or register your kids for school in the state of Florida. You will be required to register your car and obtain new plates through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. For more information please visit the DMV page about car registration in Florida.

There are special registration requirements for any other special vehicles like a boat, moped, RV, dirt bike, or something similar. Click here for the special vehicle registration requirements in Florida.

Getting Florida Car Insurance

If you own a car and are bringing it with you on your move you will be required to obtain Florida car insurance. There is a minimum coverage that you must have for both personal injury protection and property damage liability insurance. Luckily, Florida has some of the lowest car insurance minimums in the country. To find out your options and rates for insurance visit this page about obtaining Florida car insurance.

Register for Florida Schools

Once you move to Florida, if you have children you'll want to register them for school. There a plenty of public and private schools that vary by district. In South Florida there is the Palm Beach County School District, the Broward County School District, and the Miami-Dade County School District. Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Wellington are part of the PBC School District. Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Parkland, and Weston are part of the Broward School District. Miami and it's neighboring cities are part of the Miami-Dade School District.

For a complete list of public schools:

Broward County Public Schools

Palm Beach County Public Schools

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Accredited Colleges and Universities:

Broward County:

Broward College
Florida Atlantic University Campus Locations
Nova Southeastern University
Keiser University

Palm Beach County:

Florida Atlantic University (Main Campus)
Lynn University
Nova Southeastern University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach State College
Keiser University

Miami-Dade County:

University of Miami
Florida International University
Miami-Dade College
Barry University
Nova Southeastern University
Florida Memorial University
St. Thomas University
Johnson and Wales University
Carlos Albizu University
Miami International University of Art & Design
Talmudic University
Miami Ad School

Change Your Address

Once you make the move to Florida, make sure you change your address and all billing information that is associated with your previous address. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's something you won't want to forget to do. When you change the billing address associated with your credit cards it will have to be changed on all reoccurring payments that use those cards. You'll also want to change your address with the post office so that mail will be forwarded to your new address.