Tropical Florida may sound like the perfect place to live. But is it really? Your postcard-perfect mental image of Florida might not always play out that way in day-to-day living.
If you're pondering a move to Florida, it's important to know what you're getting into. Along with those sunny beaches come many disadvantages — and even dangers.
Before you retire early to Florida or even move to the Sunshine State at a younger age, check to make sure you aren't one of the 15 types of people who shouldn't move there.
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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.
People who hate hurricanes
![las olas blvd in hurricane irma](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/02/27/las-olas-blvd-in-hurricane-irma.jpeg)
Hurricane season lasts half of the year in Florida, from June 1 to November 30, according to Florida State University's Florida Climate Center.
In recent years, some devastating storms have made landfall in the Sunshine State, a reminder that these tempests pose a significant threat to the state's people and property.
People who dislike humidity
![changing water container in dehumidifier](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/changing-water-container-in-dehumidifier.jpg)
According to the Florida Climate Center, Florida is the most humid state in the U.S., so those who hate damp, sticky clothes and sticky hair might not be happy here.
Inland areas tend to be slightly less humid than the coast, but not by much.
People who can't afford high home insurance costs
![concentrated woman pointing at document](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/concentrated-woman-pointing-at-document.jpg)
Florida homeowners insurance premiums have skyrocketed in recent years. Media reports have speculated that the rise in rates is a result of climate change and recent hurricanes.
However, the Insurance Information Institute says the real reason for the spike is litigation and fraudulent roof-replacement claims in the state. These factors have left Florida with the highest home insurance premiums in the nation, making it a hostile state for homeowners.
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If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
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People who don't want to spend time around retirees
![joking and talking in restaurant](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/joking-and-talking-in-restaurant.jpg)
Florida is No. 2 in terms of the percentage of its citizens who are 65 or older, according to the Population Reference Bureau.
The state is home to 1,078 senior living communities, according to U.S. News & World Report. So, if you don’t want to be around a bunch of retirees at the golf course, Florida might not be for you.
People who are afraid of big bugs
![holding cockroach in kitchen](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/01/10/hand-holding-cockroach-in-kitchen.jpeg)
Meet some of your new neighbors in Florida: fire ants, cockroaches, silverfish, termites, spiders, and mosquitos.
In fact, seven different species of cockroach are commonly found in Florida homes, according to the University of Florida.
People who are afraid of alligators
![alligator basking from the heat](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/alligator-basking-from-the-heat.jpg)
Many folks refer to Florida as the Alligator State. While these incredible reptiles are fun to see at the zoo, it’s a different experience when they show up in your backyard, on the street, or at the golf course.
If you fear gators, you might want to consider another state to call home.
People who hate traffic
![miami traffic](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/miami-traffic.jpg)
According to an analysis from MoneyGeek, Florida is one of the worst states for traffic. It was also rated the sixth worst state for drivers.
Its congestion score was particularly bad, also coming in at No. 6 in the nation.
People who worry about the impact of climate change
![a boat on the beach](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/10/key-west-beach-with-palm-trees.jpeg)
Climate change poses a big threat in Florida. If the sea level rises just a few feet, it could put much of Florida’s coastline underwater, including the Florida Keys, according to FSU’s Florida Climate Center.
The beachfront property you currently covet may be useless to future generations.
People who can't stand the unrelenting summer heat
![suffer from overheat](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/suffering-from-overheat.jpg)
In terms of summer heat, Florida is no different from the rest of the South. The average temps in the summer are in the 80s in South Florida, while the minimums only dip into the 70s.
Winters can be very nice, with temperatures in the 70s — but you'll pay for it from May to October.
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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).
People who love hills and mountains
![beachfront promenade in lummus park](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/beachfront-promenade-in-lummus-park.jpg)
Florida is home to many seaside sunset vistas, but the state has little elevation from which to view them.
If you love mountain biking, hiking, and other mountain sports, Florida might not be the place for you.
People who hate high health insurance premiums
![reviewing personal finances](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/reviewing-personal-finances.jpg)
According to a Forbes analysis, Florida has the most expensive average family health insurance premiums, along with the highest homeowners insurance premiums.
This can be a real problem for many families, as health insurance costs have risen sharply over the years.
People who hate Disney World
![mickey mouse character at disney kingdom](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/10/16/mickey-mouse-character-at-disney-kingdom.jpeg)
Disney World is a fact of life in the Orlando area. For those who love Disney, this is a dream come true.
However, if you’re not a Disney fan, you may have a lower tolerance for all the tourists who flock to the city each year.
People who dislike seeing snowbirds come and go
![group of smiling seniors](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/group-of-smiling-seniors.jpg)
Snowbirds spend the winter in a sunny locale, such as Florida, and then return to the north during the summer.
If you don’t relish the thought of losing your friends and neighbors for half the year, this could be a dealbreaker.
In addition, anyone who has lived in Florida knows the feeling of waiting forever to get a table at a restaurant or having to struggle with increased traffic during snowbird season.
People who can’t stand tourists
![beach with colorful umbrellas](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/beach-with-colorful-umbrellas.jpg)
Florida regularly attracts more than 100 million tourists to its theme parks, sunny shores, and other attractions every year.
The state’s tourism-heavy economy means you will find a lot of housing that serves as vacation rentals. You'll also find crowded tour buses and more rental cars than parking spaces.
It’s probably best not to call Florida home if you take issue with too many tourists.
People who hate snakes
![Snake on rock](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/04/28/snake-in-swamp.jpg)
Florida has the second-highest snake population in America. These serpents thrive in the state’s warm, damp, lush environment.
Only six of the state’s 45 varieties are venomous, according to the University of Florida. However, if you have a snake phobia, Florida may not be the best place for you.
Bottom line
![activity after retirement in vacations](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/03/27/activity-after-retirement-in-vacations.jpg)
There is a lot to love about the Sunshine State: beautiful beaches, fun attractions, and gorgeous natural wonders such as the Everglades.
But with these perks come a lot of undesirable things: alligators, bugs, heat, hurricanes, and more.
Whether you dream of a stress-free retirement in Florida or want to move there during your working years, make sure you are not one of the types of people who should never live there.
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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
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