FLORIDA BOUND: The Ultimate Guide to Moving, Living, and Exploring the Sunshine State

By Billy Cassie

Are you considering moving to Florida but not sure what to expect? Look no further! In this comprehensive guidebook, I, a longtime Florida enthusiast, will share my insider knowledge and passion for the Sunshine State!

My love for the state began when

• Language: English
• Publisher: Billy Cassie
• Release date: May 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798987180655

Book preview

Introduction

So You Think You Want to Move to Florida?

Did you know that this is the ONLY state in the United States with a coastline that borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico? Even further, that same coastline is actually the longest in the US! There’s a reason why it’s known for its stunning beaches.

White sandy beaches, Disney World, the Everglades, and rich diversity… Florida has it all. So, you think you want to make the move? That’s a loaded question, and you might not even know the answer yet! That’s what this book is here for, to help you discover anything and everything about the Sunshine State.

I was born and raised in New Jersey— the Garden State. But when I was 13 years old, I moved to Orlando with my mother. It was an amazing experience— I was lucky enough to go to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom opening day, spend time at stunning beaches across the state, and take advantage of everything the state has to offer.

The Author in front of the Contemporary Resort, across from the Magic Kingdom. Taken October 1, 1971.

But is it really all beautiful landscapes and magical experiences? The truth is, when I moved back at nineteen years old, I got Florida fever. I loved everything about life there; the weather, the activities, the diversity… everything. And even when I moved away again, I’d take my kids at least once each year. I think that everyone should be equipped with the knowledge I now have before they dedicate themselves to this move.

In this book, we will cover everything I have learned about Florida since living there and visiting for many years. You might not even know if you want to relocate, you might want to become a snowbird, or you might want to plan a family vacation and don’t know where to start. Whatever you are looking for, this book is here to help. We will cover:

The good, the bad, and everything else you should know about the Sunshine State.

The best places to visit on vacations.

Why so many people are moving down here.

What the different regions have to offer and the unique cultures of each.

The seasons you should expect.

Everything about hurricanes.

Taxes.

What you should know about education and the cost of living.

How you can finally make the move.

How you can become a snowbird and escape the dreadful winters.

Tips for retirement in the Sunshine State.

And more!

It’s time for you to take the next step in your journey with Florida. So, let’s jump right in!

Chapter 1

The Pros and Cons of Living in the Sunshine State

When you are looking to move somewhere or even just go over for a visit, you should know what to expect. Florida has some wonderful activities, natural beauty, and fun things to do. However, just like anywhere else in the world, there are some things that you might not expect or really enjoy. In this chapter, you will discover the good, bad, beautiful, and ugly aspects of the Sunshine State.

Interesting Facts About the State

This state as a whole is a very interesting place to visit and live. Here is a list of some interesting facts about the state that you should know before we get into the pros and cons:

This state is the fourth most populous state in the United States, with over 21 million residents.

Here you will find the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, stretching over 1,350 miles.

The name Florida comes from the Spanish word Pascua Florida, which means flowery Easter.

The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, covering over 1.5 million acres.

This state is home to the world's largest collection of art deco architecture in Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District.

The state's official reptile is the American alligator, and it is found in all 67 counties in the state.

Florida has over 1,000 golf courses, more than any other state in the United States (Visit Florida, 2023).

The city of Miami is the only major US city that was founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, located in Tampa Bay, is the longest cable-stayed concrete bridge in the world.

Florida is the only state in the United States that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

The city of St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States.

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the United States, with 42 bridges connecting the islands (Visit Florida, 2023).

The state's official bird is the mockingbird, known for its ability to mimic the songs of other birds.

The Sunshine State produces more than 70% of the US supply of citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines (Visit Florida, 2023).

The city of Orlando is home to more than a dozen theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

The state's official flower is the orange blossom, representing the state's history as a major producer of citrus fruits.

The Florida manatee, also known as the sea cow, is the state's official marine mammal.

The state's official tree is the sabal palm, also known as the cabbage palm.

The state's official butterfly is the zebra longwing, known for its distinctive black and yellow stripes (Visit Florida, 2023).

The city of Miami is known as the Gateway to Latin America due to its large Hispanic population.

The state's official saltwater fish is the sailfish, known for its impressive speed and agility.

The city of Tampa is known for its annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which draws thousands of visitors each year.

The state is home to the Kennedy Space Center, where NASA launches its space missions.

The state's official gemstone is the moonstone, which is ironically not native to the state.

The city of Pensacola is home to the world's largest naval aviation museum.

The Sunshine State is home to more than 100 state parks, offering a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and swimming.

The state's official soil is Myakka fine sand, found in the central and southern parts of Florida.

This state has the third largest economy in the United States, behind California and Texas (Visit Florida, 2023).

The city of Miami is the cruise capital of the world, with several major cruise lines headquartered in the city (Visit Florida, 2023).

The Best Parts of the State

Florida is considered one of the best states to live in, and there are some obvious reasons why… the amazing weather being just one of them. The economy is booming, the living costs are reasonable, and there’s so much to do. So here are some of the pros and the best things this state has to offer:

Gorgeous weather all year long— Cold weather is one of the biggest reasons many people escape to the state for the winters. Living in eternal summer is definitely one of the most appealing parts of relocating to the Sunshine State, meaning you can take advantage of all the outdoor activities throughout the whole year. This also means no snowy or frosty mornings when you freeze as you drive to work or risk your life on icy roads!

Reasonable living costs— For a place so many people want to move to, the living costs are still relatively low compared to other coastal areas of the United States. The Sunshine State is proof that living seaside doesn’t need to come at an insane price.

Theme parks galore— If you are into theme parks, this state will amaze you. From Disney World to Sea World, you will have access to world-class theme parks no matter where in the state you live.

Pictured above is an image of the Polynesian Resort at Disney.

Water and land sports— If you are looking for something unique to do each day or simply crave a great beach day, the Sunshine State is definitely the place for you. There are so many different water (and land) activities available across the Sunshine State.

You are never far from a beach— As I mentioned before, Florida has the most expansive coastline in the country. So, if you are a beach lover and never want to live far from an amazing beach, this state will be the paradise for you!

No state income taxes and zero estate taxes— This is a big reason people choose to relocate to such a wonderful place. This basically just means you get to keep more of the paycheck you worked for, helping you earn more in a state that costs less! But more on the tax systems later!

This is considered one of the most diverse states in the country— Each city and region is different, meaning you can find something that suits your personality! Not only that, but you will be surrounded by people from all over the country and the world!

Great job opportunities— Florida is one of the best states in the country for job seekers. In fact, it is the third-best state to land a new job in (Pattiz, 2023). So, if you’re nervous about making the move because of the daunting task of finding a job in paradise, it might just be easier than you thought!

The vibrant sports culture— No matter what sport you enjoy watching (basketball, football, soccer, hockey, etc.), you will have at least one team to root for at the highest national levels! If you’re a sports fan, you’ll never be bored in Florida with The Miami Heat, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Miami Marlins, Orlando Magic, the Buccaneers, the Florida Panthers, the Dolphins, and many more!

One of the best states for growing home gardens— With the amazing weather all year, you can grow fruits and vegetables and cultivate a beautiful garden successfully. You will be able to eat fresh produce whenever you want!

National parks and amazing natural wonders— There are so many beautiful areas with unique flora and fauna! The Sunshine State is home to around 170 state parks and 11 national parks! These protected areas are an amazing showcase of the state’s diverse nature and ecology. You will never get bored because there will always be something new to see! Even more, the world’s third-largest reef is located in this amazing state.

Popular vacation destination— This is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, and for a reason. With all of these beaches, great weather, and endless activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Living in such a place offers you access to attractions that bring tourists from near and far all year long!

Year around world-class entertainment— Entertainment and celebration are at the heart of the Sunshine State’s culture. The good news is that this isn’t limited to theme parks and party zones. Each and every city hosts rich symphonies, concerts, plays, operas, and other performances throughout the year!

While there are so many awesome things to do, see, and experience in this state, no place will ever be perfect. So, despite all of these perks, let’s talk about some things you might not expect or enjoy about living in the Sunshine State.

Pictured above is my wife fishing at sunset.

Things You Might Not Like or Expect

Time to say goodbye to changing seasons— Some people love the endless summer weather in Florida, others not so much. If you are thinking of moving here, you will need to be prepared to say goodbye to the seasons. The weather here will change a bit through the year and become a bit cooler and less humid in the winter months, but it’s not quite the same as watching the seasons completely change.

Public transportation is not the best— Public transportation in places outside of the biggest cities is far less readily available than in other states. This state is definitely built for drivers, with big, long, clean, open roads. So, this may be something to consider if you don’t like driving or can’t.

The bug situation— With such a vibrant and warm climate comes the bugs and wildlife. This might be one of the most well-known downsides of moving here. If you aren’t a fan of these little crawlers or can’t handle the insects that come with paradise, you might need to think a bit more about your moving decision.

There are no mountains— This is a very naturally diverse state; however, it is also very flat. This is something to really consider if you are a massive hiker or mountain lover. While there are so many things to do, this state is not the ideal destination for mountaineering.

The crime rate is rising— An unfortunate fact about this state is that the state crime rate is higher than the national average. In recent years, crimes have become more common, especially in larger cities in the later hours of the day. So, if you are living in these areas, just be sure to do your research on the different areas and how to avoid them (Marrero, 2022).

Insurance costs are higher— Since there are a lot of natural disasters such as tornados, lightning strikes, and hurricanes, here insurance rates are much higher than usual. If you move to the state, you will need to be ready to pay quite a bit more to insure your possessions.

It’s a tourist hotspot— This is listed as both a pro and a con. While you have access to things people travel a long time for, some areas will be extremely crowded with tourists. There are definitely certain areas that feel it more, and during specific times of year (such as spring break with college kids and winter with snowbirds). So you will need to be aware of the traffic situation and that some beaches can get pretty full.

Low healthcare rating— The US Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ranks the 50 states according to healthcare quality. In this ranking, Florida ranked 36 out of the 50 states. Even further, most hospitals in the state ranked below the country’s average, according to medicare.com. That being said, there are still plenty of facilities ranked among the top in the nation (Pattiz, 2023).

Florida is prone to many natural disasters— If you move to this state, you will need to be prepared to face natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and tornados. The weather can change really quickly, and this will definitely need to be something you keep in mind before making the move.

The image above is of a victim of a hurricane. The sailboat broke loose from it’s mooring and washed up on the beach.

Heat, humidity, and airconditioners— Some people enjoy the warm weather on vacation, but the reality is that everything will need to be airconditioned (cars and homes), and loose, flowy clothing will become your new norm. Even further, the late summer months can get really humid, and if you have never visited during those months you might be in for a shock.

Tons of snakes and alligators— With the natural beauty of the paradise that is Florida comes wildlife. Not just the bugs we talked about earlier, but snakes and alligators are relatively common pests. We will dive deeper into the pests and wildlife in a later chapter.

Florida is a wonderful place to live and visit