Retirement Retired Life

15 Types of People Who Should Absolutely Move to Florida

The Sunshine State has a lot to offer anyone who falls into one of these categories.

couple having fun inside car
Updated Oct. 21, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Are you dreaming of a place where the sun shines all year on sugar-sand beaches? Do you seek a land full of cultural and culinary delights?

Welcome to Florida, where each day feels like a vacation.

Whether you love the beach, can’t get enough of Disney, or decided to retire early and are simply seeking a new home, the Sunshine State has something for everyone.

The following types of people might find that moving to Florida is the best decision they ever made.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources

Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Beach lovers

Rido/Adobe woman sitting on deck chair

The 825 miles of beaches are a compelling reason to step up your travel game and visit Florida — or even to call the state home.

Whether you fancy a stroll along the boardwalk, a game of beach volleyball, or just a great place to jump in the waves, you will have plenty of options for beach entertainment.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

Sun worshipers

sosiukin/Adobe woman applying sunscreen at beach

Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing. Floridians enjoy between 230 and 250 days of sunshine per year.

So, if you need some more vitamin D in your life, slather on the sunscreen and soak up Florida’s rays.

Disney fans

satur73/Adobe family gazing castle in disneyland

Are you a huge fan of Mickey Mouse? When you move to Florida, visiting Disney World will be much less of a production.

You won’t have to book a flight and might not even have to stay in a hotel. Plus, you will be able to take advantage of a great deal for Florida residents, who pay just $59 per day plus tax for admission.

Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Retirees

MNStudio/Adobe gardeners caring for flowers

If you plan to retire in Florida, you will be in good company.

More than 8.6 million people aged 50 and older live in Florida, placing it behind only California in terms of the number of residents in that age group.

People who want to lower their taxes

Malambo C/peopleimages.com/Adobe happy woman calculating budget

Florida does not have a state income tax. That also includes retirement income, such as money from pensions and 401(k) distributions.

The lack of an income tax is another reason why Florida is such a popular state.

Jet-setters

Kittiphan/Adobe couple traveler relaxing

As home to a number of international airports and seven cruise ports, Florida is a great place to live if you love to travel.

The state is also close to the Bahamas and Caribbean islands.

Golfers

pressmaster/Adobe sportsmen with golf clubs walking

The Sunshine State is home to more than 1,100 golf courses. Indeed, Florida is one of the world’s leading destinations for those who love to hit the links.

Seafood aficionados

Tom Wang/Adobe happy mother and daughter

Florida is in the top 12 U.S. states for seafood production. A whopping 84% of the country’s grouper, pompano, pink shrimp, mullet, stone crab, spiny lobsters, and Spanish mackerel are caught in Florida’s waters.

Pass the shrimp tacos!

College students

Jacob Lund/Adobe students studying in college library

Florida is home to 171 colleges and universities, making it a great place to pursue higher education. Several of these schools have in-state costs of under $10,000 per year.

Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)

Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.

No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.

Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.

Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.

Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.

But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).

Apply for the SELECT card today

Nature lovers

Farknot Architect/Adobe asian woman standing among nature

From the Everglades to the Florida Reef and Lake Okeechobee, Florida is full of natural wonders to explore.

The state also has alligators, manatees, panthers, flamingos, and plenty of other wildlife you can observe in the state’s many preserves and state parks.

Sports fans

Thilo/Adobe passionate NFL fan

Florida hosts nine professional sports teams in the four major sports of baseball, basketball, football, and hockey.

Additionally, Florida has many colleges and universities with Division 1 sports teams.

Those who love diversity

rawpixel.com/Adobe all in business teamwork

Florida is just a few hours away from multiple Latin American and Caribbean countries, which helps to make the state a melting pot of different peoples and cultures.

You will hear Spanish, Portuguese, French Creole, and many other languages spoken in the Sunshine State as you mingle with newcomers from Cuba, Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica, Columbia, and more.

Foodies

Azee Jacobs/peopleimages.com/Adobe women eating sushi using chopstick

Florida’s diverse population means you will find a variety of cuisines.

Whether you fancy a Cuban sandwich from a food truck, a down-home bowl of Southern shrimp and grits, or an immaculate slice of Key lime pie, Florida’s smorgasbord of dining options has you covered.

Music lovers

leszekglasner/Adobe celebrating summer holi festival

From Pensacola to Miami, Florida has many live music venues that feature every genre. Enjoy rock concerts at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, or take in the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at Steinmetz Hall.

On a shoestring budget? No problem. Catch a free concert at the Daytona Beach Bandshell.

Small business owners

Monkey Business/Adobe owner checks stock in shop

Florida is one of the top U.S. states for entrepreneurship. In fact, 99.8% of Florida businesses are small businesses.

Part of the reason for this popularity with entrepreneurs is the relatively low tax rate for both personal income and corporate income.

Bottom line

Maridav/Adobe couple biking

Despite being a tropical paradise, Florida isn’t for everybody. Hurricanes, a yearly influx of tourists, and expensive real estate are some of the downsides of living in the Sunshine State.

If you can look past these, however, you might find that the weather, economy, and picturesque landscape suit your lifestyle well enough to make you consider calling Florida home.

So, grab one of the top travel credit cards and visit the state to see if it is the right place for you.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Benefits

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee
  • Simple, flat-rate rewards
  • Flexible redemption options
  • Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
  • Apply Now
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card
4.1
info
Apply Now

on Bank of America’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it


Author Details

Jenni Sisson

Jenni Sisson is a freelance writer and editor who focuses on personal finance, real estate, and entrepreneurship. She has been published in Business Insider and The Ways to Wealth. In addition to writing, Jenni hosts the Mama's Money Map podcast to help fellow stay-at-home moms on their journey to financial freedom.