Moving to Florida from New York (2025): Taxes, Jobs, and Neighborhoods
Leaving the Empire State for the Sunshine State? This 2025 guide gives New York families, professionals, and retirees a practical, step-by-step plan to relocate to Florida—covering paperwork, costs, jobs, neighborhoods, hurricane season prep, and how America First Moving (AFM) can make it stress-free.
Visuals to use on the page (plan)
- Hero photo: “I-95 southbound at sunrise with an AFM tractor-trailer” — Alt: “America First Moving long-haul truck heading to Florida at sunrise.”
- Graphic: “8-week NY→FL timeline” — Alt: “Eight-week interstate moving checklist from booking to move-in.”
- Map inset: “Common NY→FL routes (I-95, I-81/77/95)” — Alt: “Map showing typical New York to Florida driving routes.”
- How-to graphic: “Florida paperwork at a glance” — Alt: “New resident steps: USPS forwarding, FL license, vehicle registration, SunPass.”
Why Florida is a top pick for New Yorkers
Sunshine and taxes headline the story: Florida has no state personal income tax, while many New Yorkers face state (and sometimes city) income taxes. Add year-round outdoor living, fast-growing metros (Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville), and a robust services economy, and it’s easy to see why the NY→FL stream remains one of the nation’s largest interstate flows.
How much it costs (and how to budget)
Every interstate move is unique, but you can estimate by distance (≈1,100–1,500 miles from NYC to much of FL), shipment weight (studio vs. 4-bedroom), and service level (DIY, hybrid, or full-service). Use these illustrative ranges to set expectations; your AFM quote will be tailored to your inventory, access/parking, dates, and add-ons:
| Home size | Approx. weight | DIY (truck) | Hybrid (load/unload + container) | Full-service (AFM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio–1BR | 2,000–3,000 lbs | $1,200–$2,000 | $2,000–$3,500 | $2,800–$4,500 |
| 2–3BR | 4,500–7,000 lbs | $1,800–$3,200 | $3,200–$5,800 | $4,500–$7,800 |
| 4+BR | 8,000–12,000 lbs | $2,500–$4,500 | $4,800–$8,500 | $7,500–$12,500 |
Assumptions: 1,100–1,500 miles; no elevator delays; standard coverage; no crating; standard seasonal pricing. Ask AFM about professional packing, specialty crating, and temperature-controlled storage to protect sensitive items in transit.
Ways to save with AFM: flexible dates (avoid end-of-month), declutter 30+ days out, and bundle services (packing + long-haul) for best-value scheduling.
Your 8-week NY→FL moving timeline
- W8: Research & Declutter. Purge bulky items; measure furniture; request your AFM in-home/virtual survey.
- W7: Book Movers & Dates. Lock your AFM crew and delivery window; ask about stair/elevator access at both ends.
- W6: Supplies & Specialty Crating. Order boxes or let AFM pack; schedule custom crates for art/antiques.
- W5: Address Updates & Utilities. Start USPS change-of-address; schedule utility shut-off/on; update subscriptions and insurance dates.
- W4: Pack Non-Essentials. Off-season clothes, décor, books. Use color labels by room; inventory high-value items.
- W3: Inventory & Insurance. Decide on valuation coverage; photograph fragile items; confirm COIs with building management.
- W2: Essentials Kit & Pets. 3–5 days of clothes/toiletries; pet records and carriers; confirm pet transport if needed.
- W1: Move-Day Checklist. Reserve parking/elevators; set aside keys, chargers, documents; final walk-through with AFM lead.
Want more checklists? See AFM’s Moving Tips.
Paperwork & legal to-dos (Florida essentials)
Driver’s license & vehicle registration
- Driver’s license: New residents must obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. See the official FLHSMV new resident guide.
- Vehicle registration: Title/register your vehicle (and carry Florida insurance) generally within 10 days of establishing residency or employment/school enrollment. See Motor Vehicle Registrations.
- Tolls & SunPass: Managed lanes require a transponder; otherwise TOLL-BY-PLATE adds fees. Learn more via Florida’s Turnpike or get a SunPass.
Mail forwarding & address changes
Set up mail forwarding with the USPS official portal and update addresses on banking, insurance, benefits, and subscriptions. USAGov has an overview of change-of-address basics, too.
Taxes, homestead & property
- State income tax: Florida does not levy a state personal income tax. (Corporate, sales/use, and property taxes still apply.)
- Homestead exemption & Save Our Homes: Florida homeowners may be eligible for up to $50,000 in homestead exemption and an assessment cap (the lower of 3% or CPI) after the first year as a homestead. Start at the Florida Department of Revenue’s Exemptions page and see county guidance (e.g., Hillsborough’s Homestead & Other Exemptions).
- Deadline: Homestead filing is typically due by March 1 in many counties (confirm locally). Original application form: DR-501.
Jobs, pay, and where work is growing
Major Florida job hubs include Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach (finance, trade, healthcare, hospitality), Orlando (tourism, tech, aerospace), Tampa Bay (healthcare, cybersecurity, finance), and Jacksonville (logistics, banking, defense). As of late summer 2025, unemployment in Florida and New York tracked in the mid-single digits, with tight labor markets across metros. Expect industry pay to vary by metro and specialty.
Where to live: neighborhood short-list for ex-New Yorkers
SE Florida (Miami–Broward–Palm Beach)
Urban energy + beach life. Consider Brickell/Edgewater (condo high-rises), Coral Gables/Pinecrest (leafy, family-friendly), Fort Lauderdale & Boca Raton (walkable downtowns, good schools), and West Palm/Jupiter (suburban-coastal mix).
Tampa Bay (Tampa–St. Pete–Clearwater)
Growing tech/healthcare scene, vibrant food/culture. Look at Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, Westchase, St. Pete’s Old Northeast, and Safety Harbor.
Orlando–Kissimmee
Family-friendly, master-planned communities, big hospitality/engineering employers. Explore Winter Park, Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips, Horizon West.
Jacksonville & Northeast FL
Value + space + beaches. Riverside/Avondale for historic charm; Nocatee & St. Johns for suburban amenities.
Sarasota–Bradenton & SW Florida
Arts, beaches, retirement-friendly. Consider Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, Naples/Estero (higher price points, lifestyle amenities).
Space & Treasure Coasts
Laid-back coastal towns near aerospace/port jobs: Melbourne, Viera, Port St. Lucie, Stuart.
Hurricane season & safety checklist
Atlantic hurricane season is June 1–November 30. Build a 7-day kit (water, shelf-stable food, medications), keep documents in a waterproof folder, understand evacuation zones, and follow state/local guidance.
- Review Florida’s official Disaster Supply Kit and season prep pages.
- Keep fuel above ½ tank during peak threats; charge power banks; photograph home contents for insurance.
- Ask AFM about climate-controlled storage to bridge closings or storm delays.
Logistics: routes, packing, pets & storage
Best routes
Most NY→FL moves follow I-95; alternate inland route via I-81 → I-77 → I-95 can dodge coastal congestion. AFM dispatch plans your linehaul to balance timing, safety, and weather.
Packing & protection
- Professional packing protects glass, electronics, and heirlooms; add custom crates for artwork and statues.
- Unpacking gets you settled faster; we remove debris and stage rooms per your plan.
- Consider temperature-controlled storage during home overlaps or summer heat.
Pets
Update vaccinations, microchip info, travel carriers, and hotel pet policies. AFM’s Pet Transport Services can coordinate safe, humane travel.
