Every guide on the site, in three sections: taxes and costs, where to live, and storms and health.
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