Retiring in Florida
Retire to Florida With Your Eyes Open
Taxes, insurance, storms and paperwork, explained in plain words and large type. Use the buttons to make the text bigger.
Florida has no state income tax, and its homestead exemption can cut the property tax on the home you live in. But hurricane deductibles, flood insurance and summer heat matter more here than almost anywhere. A local real estate agent can show you homes; these guides explain the rules that decide what a home will cost you.
Each guide is short, sticks to what Florida law and state agencies actually say, and tells you who to call. If you are still choosing a region, local resources for retirees can tell you about clubs and services; start here with taxes, insurance and the residency steps.
The guides
Plain Answers, One Topic at a Time
Three sections. Pick a title to read the guide; each one says how long it takes.
Taxes and Costs
Florida taxes, the homestead exemption, the cost of living and hurricane insurance.
- 1Florida Taxes for RetireesWhat Florida’s constitution says about state income and estate taxes, what retirees still pay in sales and property taxes, how the homestead exemption and Save Our Homes cap shrink a property tax bill, and the extra local exemptions for people 65 and older.4 minutes to read
- 2The Florida Homestead ExemptionA step-by-step guide to Florida’s homestead exemption for new residents: the $25,000 and additional $25,000 parts, the January 1 and March 1 dates, the proof of residency appraisers ask for, the 3 percent Save Our Homes cap and portability when you move.4 minutes to read
- 3The Cost of Living in Florida for RetireesAn honest look at retirement costs in Florida: federal price data that put the state slightly above the national average, where the savings come from, and the Florida-specific costs that newcomers underestimate, from hurricane deductibles to flood insurance and community fees.4 minutes to read
- 4Hurricane Insurance in FloridaHow homeowners insurance works for hurricanes in Florida: the hurricane deductible options insurers must offer, the bold-type warning on every policy, who can get coverage from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, and how the My Safe Florida Home program’s free inspections and grants can lower risk and premiums.4 minutes to read
Where to Live
Choosing a region, 55-plus communities, the residency checklist and your driver license.
- 5Choosing a Florida Town for Retirement on a BudgetHow Florida’s regions differ for a retiree on a budget, from Panhandle winters to Keys humidity, using NOAA climate normals for ten cities and the local costs that change from county to county: property tax rates, insurance, flood zones, sales surtax and community fees.4 minutes to read
- 655-Plus Communities in FloridaHow Florida’s active-adult communities qualify as housing for older persons under federal and state law, what the 80 percent rule really means, your right to see a homeowners association’s records and budget, and how community development districts finance and disclose their costs.4 minutes to read
- 7Moving to FloridaThe steps that make you a Florida resident on paper, in the order that helps with taxes: a declaration of domicile, a Florida driver license and vehicle registration, voter registration and the homestead exemption, plus the documents property appraisers ask to see.4 minutes to read
- 8Florida Driver License for New Residents and Older DriversWhat Florida law says about driving on an out-of-state license, when newcomers must switch, and the special renewal rules for drivers 80 and older: 6-year licenses, vision tests and a free ID card if driving privileges end.4 minutes to read
Storms and Health
Flood insurance, hurricane preparation, Medicare help and staying safe in the heat.
- 9Flood Zones and Flood Insurance in FloridaWhy homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, how to look up a home’s flood and evacuation zones, the waiting period on new flood policies, Citizens’ flood insurance requirement and how to document your home for a claim.4 minutes to read
- 10Hurricane Season Preparation for Florida SeniorsA practical hurricane plan for older Floridians built on the state’s own guidance: when the season runs, what goes in a supply kit, how to secure medications, knowing your evacuation zone, registering for special needs shelters and running a generator safely.4 minutes to read
- 11Medicare Help in FloridaWhere Florida retirees can get free, unbiased Medicare advice through the state’s SHINE program, and the enrollment periods that decide when you can sign up or switch plans: the 7-month initial period, the fall open enrollment and the January to March windows.4 minutes to read
- 12Florida Heat Safety for Older AdultsWhy heat is a real health risk for older Floridians, how many 90-degree days each region averages, the National Weather Service’s heat alerts, the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and practical ways to stay cool, including during a power outage.4 minutes to read
Before you move
Five Things to Know First
If you read nothing else, read these five points.
Florida does not tax your income
Florida’s constitution bars a state tax on the income of natural persons beyond what federal law allows as a credit. You still pay sales tax, 6 percent on most retail sales plus any county surtax, and property tax. See Florida Taxes for Retirees: No State Income Tax, What You Still Pay and How Property Tax Works.
Claim the homestead exemption by March 1
Own the home and make it your permanent residence by January 1, then apply to the county property appraiser by March 1. After the first year, Save Our Homes limits the rise in assessed value to 3 percent or the change in the CPI, whichever is less. See The Florida Homestead Exemption: How It Works, How to Apply and How Save Our Homes Protects You.
Read the hurricane deductible
Florida insurers must offer hurricane deductibles of $500, 2%, 5% and 10% of the dwelling limit, with some exceptions. A percentage deductible on a large policy can mean thousands of dollars out of pocket. See Hurricane Insurance in Florida: Deductibles, Citizens and Free Wind Inspections Explained.
Buy flood insurance early
Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance, and many flood policies take 30 days or more to start. Citizens policyholders are being required to carry flood insurance in phases through January 1, 2027. See Flood Zones and Flood Insurance in Florida: What Retirees Need to Know Before Buying.
Plan for heat and storms
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Florida recommends a two-week supply of prescription medications in your kit, and NOAA’s normals show Orlando averaging about 110 days a year at 90 degrees or more. See Hurricane Season Preparation for Florida Seniors: Kit, Medications, Zones and the Special Needs Registry and Florida Heat Safety for Older Adults: How Hot It Gets, Warning Signs and What to Do.
Questions
Questions Retirees Ask
Short answers. Each guide has the details and the office to call.
Does Florida tax my pension or Social Security?
Florida has no state income tax on individuals; its constitution bars one beyond what federal law allows as a credit. Federal tax still applies. See Florida Taxes for Retirees: No State Income Tax, What You Still Pay and How Property Tax Works.
When do I apply for the homestead exemption?
By March 1, to your county property appraiser, for a home you owned and lived in as your permanent residence on January 1. See The Florida Homestead Exemption: How It Works, How to Apply and How Save Our Homes Protects You.
Can I keep my tax savings if I move within Florida?
Yes, in part. Portability can move up to $500,000 of Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida homestead. See The Florida Homestead Exemption: How It Works, How to Apply and How Save Our Homes Protects You.
What is a 55-plus community, legally?
Under federal rules, at least 80 percent of occupied units must have at least one resident 55 or older, among other requirements. See 55-Plus Communities in Florida: The Age Rules, HOA Records and CDD Fees to Check Before You Buy.
How often must drivers 80 and older renew?
Florida licenses run 6 years for drivers 80 and older, against 8 years for younger drivers, and drivers 80 and older must pass a vision test to renew. See Florida Driver License for New Residents and Older Drivers: Rules, Renewals and Vision Tests.
Where can I get free Medicare advice?
SHINE, a free program of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Call 1-800-963-5337. Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage and drug plans runs October 15 to December 7. See Medicare Help in Florida: Free SHINE Counseling and the Enrollment Dates That Matter.
Is there help to make my home stronger against storms?
My Safe Florida Home offers free wind inspections and grants of up to $10,000 for eligible homes. See Hurricane Insurance in Florida: Deductibles, Citizens and Free Wind Inspections Explained.
Is it safe to use a fan in extreme heat?
Not always. The National Weather Service warns that a fan can make a person hotter when the heat index is above the 90s. See Florida Heat Safety for Older Adults: How Hot It Gets, Warning Signs and What to Do.