Moving to Florida From the UK: An Expat’s Guide

Craving sunshine, tax breaks, and beach days all year round? If you’re thinking about swapping grey skies for palm trees, moving to Florida from the UK might just be your next great adventure. The ‘sunshine state’ is a longtime favourite among British expats, especially retirees, thanks to its world-class golf courses, vibrant food scene, stunning natural landscapes, and passionate sports culture. 

Whether you’re after a slower pace of life or a fresh start in a tropical setting, 1st Move’s removals to Florida service will go beyond the postcard-perfect views. Our decades of experience, guaranteed weekly shipping, and safer packing service help to put your mind at ease.

Our moving to Florida from the UK blog will cover everything you need to know, from the cost of living and finding jobs to choosing the right neighbourhood and understanding the social scene.

Why Move to Florida From the UK?

There are plenty of reasons people choose to move to Florida, especially from places like the UK. Here are some popular reasons UK expats move to Florida.

Tax Benefits 

Florida remains one of the few states that do not charge state income tax, meaning residents and expats don’t pay state tax on their wages, investments, or UK pensions. There is also no state inheritance or estate tax in Florida, which is why many UK retirees are attracted to the state.

Warmer Weather 

One of the biggest attractions for many expats is the year-round sunshine that Florida offers. The warmer climate allows residents to enjoy outdoor living, with beach days, BBQs, and outdoor activities a way of life in Florida. Many UK expats like to escape the cold and grey winter months and enjoy the sunshine.

Retirement Haven

Florida is a retirement haven for many UK expats, and you’ll find a wealth of senior-friendly communities and complexes. The year-round warm weather is much more beneficial to seniors, especially compared to harsh UK winters. The state also offers easy access to healthcare, leisure activities like golf and boating, and a relaxed pace of life.

What To Know Before Moving to Florida

Here’s a helpful list of what to know before moving to Florida, especially useful for expats or anyone relocating from abroad.

Hurricane Risk

The hurricane risk is high in Florida, with the state being hit almost every year. This causes evacuations, power outages, and property damage, but the level of damage depends on the location. Areas like the Florida Keys, Miami, Naples, and Fort Myers are often prone to more direct hits. Residents in these areas suffer from high insurance costs because of this.

High Housing Costs

There is always a demand for property in Florida, especially in coastal cities like Miami, where the real estate market is among the most expensive. Both rental and sales prices have risen in recent years due to a surge in demand, but the market is cooling off in 2025. The average price is moderate at $409,800 (£320,800), down by 3.2% in the last year.

Be Aware of Wildlife 

You’ll often find alligators in the Everglades and central Florida, and Florida panthers in southwestern Florida. They are generally harmless and tend to avoid humans, but can be dangerous if provoked. It’s advised to keep your pets on leads when near any wildlife and not to feed them.

What is the Cost of Living Like in Florida?

The overall cost of living in Florida is about 2% higher than the national average. Cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami are 20% and 19% respectively more expensive than the state average, whereas areas like Palm Coast and Pensacola are 15% and 14% cheaper. 

Housing costs are approximately 4% above the national average, while utilities are slightly more affordable at $285 per month, coming in 2% below the national norm. Miami’s average house price is $524,600, which is 28% higher than Florida’s average.

When it comes to everyday essentials, grocery prices are roughly 4% higher than the US average, costing $325 per month for a single person or $1,300 for a family of four. Clothing costs are also about 1% more than the national average.

On the brighter side, healthcare services, including doctor visits and dental care, are around 2% cheaper in Florida. However, non-essential expenses like entertainment and personal grooming tend to be about 1% more expensive.

One major factor that helps offset Florida’s slightly higher cost of living is its favourable tax structure. Florida is one of only a few U.S. states that does not impose a state income tax, which can result in significant annual savings, especially for working professionals, retirees, and remote workers. This means more of your earnings stay in your pocket, helping to balance out higher housing or grocery costs.

Below, we compare the cost of everyday items in a range of Florida cities to see how this stacks up against the U.S. average.

Item	Miami	Naples	Jacksonville	Ocala	U.S. Average
Milk (1 gallon)	$4.35	$4.50	$4.20	$4.10	$4.10
Bread (loaf)	$3.45	$3.60	$3.30	$3.20	$3.30
Eggs (12)	$4.03	$4.20	$4.00	$3.90	$4.00
Chicken breast (1 lb)	$5.49	$5.60	$4.50	$4.40	$4.50
Apples (1 lb)	$3.01	$3.10	$2.90	$2.80	$2.90
Meal at inexpensive restaurant	$25.00	$26.00	$18.00	$17.00	$20.00
Monthly public transport pass	$113.75	$110.00	$65.00	$60.00	$70.00
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)	$63.57	$65.00	$60.00	$58.00	$65.00

Property Market Florida

The Florida property market is experiencing a cooling period after rising prices and high demand have dominated the market in recent years. The average house price in 2025 is $409,800, down 3.2% year on year. The number of homes sold in the last year has decreased by 8.8%, and it takes approximately 65 days on average to sell a property.

City Trends Overview

Cities like Tampa, Cape Coral-Fort Myers, and Lakeland are experiencing robust activity at present, with Tampa seeing a 9.1% increase in existing home sales and an 11.8% rise in median sales prices year-over-year. South Florida is witnessing a slowdown in the market, with nearly 20% of listings reduced in price in April, the highest since 2016. Cities like Tampa and Jacksonville are among those with significant price cuts.

Rental Market

Rent in Florida averages at $2,450 per month. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are amongst the most expensive cities to rent, with averages costing $2,719 and $2,750 per month. Places like Lake City offer more affordable rent at an average of $856, and Daytona Beach at $1,610.

Predicted Market Trends

By the end of 2025, it’s predicted that the South of Florida will experience the largest year-on-year growth in rental stock with a 1.5% increase. This will be followed by the West at 1.2%, the Midwest at 0.9%, and the Northeast at 0.7%. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, these gains will bring total rental stock growth to 8.9% in the South, 8.6% in the West, 5.0% in the Northeast, and 1.7% in the Midwest.

Tax Benefits

Property taxes are moderate compared to other states, with the property tax rate at 0.83%, lower than the national average of 0.99%. There’s no tax on Social Security benefits or retirement income, making Florida particularly attractive for retirees and long-term residents looking to maximise their income.

What are Good Cities to Live in Florida?

Florida offers a wide range of great places to live, depending on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities, such as being close to work or schools. Here’s a range of locations and what they can offer you.

Palm Coast

On Florida’s northeast coast, Palm Coast is an ideal city for those who value a quieter, community-oriented lifestyle without sacrificing access to amenities. It’s popular with families thanks to its more affordable living, scenic nature, and excellent schools.

One major draw to the city is cheaper house and rental prices than cities like Miami and Tampa. The average house price in Palm Coast is $350,883, which is down 4% from 2024. Monthly rent averages around $1,724, 30% more affordable than Florida’s average.

The city has a reputation for offering excellent educational facilities, making it a big hit for families. The Flagler County School District includes several well-rated public schools like Belle Terre Elementary and Rymfire Elementary. They are recognised for their dedicated staff and supportive learning environments.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor activities in Palm Coast as the city boasts numerous parks, recreational facilities, and easy access to natural attractions like beaches and hiking trails.

Venice

Venice, on the Gulf Coast just south of Sarasota, offers residents and expats a strong community sense, stunning beaches, and a relaxed way of life. There is an established retired community in Venice drawn to its warm Gulf Coast climate, access to healthcare, and abundance of leisure activities. The Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice Campus provides retirees with peace of mind, knowing they can access great healthcare. 

The city has a slower pace of life than tourist hot spots like Miami or Orlando, meaning you’ll find fewer crowds and quieter beaches. Regular farmers markets, live music, and boutique cafes and shops mean there is plenty of activity going on. The Legacy Trail, many golf courses, or sunbathing or shark-teeth hunting at Caspersen Beach will keep you busy. 

House prices have come down by 10% in the last year, now averaging at $407,006. Condos are more affordable at around $283,926, and single-family homes cost approximately $441,201. 

Lake City

Often called the ‘gateway to Florida’ due to its location on Interstates 10 and 75, Lake City is praised for its friendly nature, lower cost of living, and natural beauty. Lake City offers one of the cheapest rental markets in Florida, with average monthly payments costing $934. Housing is also affordable, with the average property costing $259,724, 37% cheaper than Florida’s average.

Loved for its more affordable cost of living, Lake City is around 14.5% cheaper than the U.S average and 17% lower than Florida’s. Nearby Osceola National Forest and the Suwannee River offer excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts like hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

The area is served by the Columbia County School District, which includes schools like Belmont Academy, Westside Elementary School, and Columbia City Elementary School. Lake City is also home to Florida Gateway College, a public higher educational facility offering bachelor’s degrees.

Gainesville

Unlike Florida’s coastal retiree havens, Gainesville thrives on the energy of its large student population and the influence of the University of Florida. Located in north-central Florida, Gainesville is a vibrant city offering rich culture, a thriving arts scene, and an impressive food scene.

Natural beauty is everywhere in Gainesville, with easy access to spots like Paynes Prairie, the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, and the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. The hurricane risk is also low thanks to its inward location, offering peace of mind and lower insurance premiums. 

House prices are affordable in Gainesville, averaging at $302,343 and taking only 23 days to be snapped up. The rental market is more affordable than Florida’s average, with monthly costs around $1,781. Healthcare is another strong point for Gainesville, with UF Health Shands Hospital and the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center providing top-tier medical care.

Florida’s Job Market

Florida’s job market in 2025 is showing signs of growth and resilience, with the education, health, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors driving this trend. The unemployment rate remains strong at 3.5%, lower than the U.S average and 430,800 jobs have been added in quarter one of 2025 alone.

Top Sectors in Florida in 2025 

These industries are leading the way in Florida and make up a large chunk of the economy:

• Healthcare – The healthcare sector contributed to major industry growth in early 2025, adding 7,200 jobs in January. Nurse Practitioners are predicted to see a 49.9% increase in employment by 2030. 
• Education – The education sector in Florida employs about 212,096 people,  representing 1.9% of Florida’s total workforce. The government have allocated an extra $201.8 million directly to teachers’ salaries in 2024-2025, making the total figure $1.25 billion.
• Manufacturing – By the end of the first quarter in 2025, the manufacturing sector in Florida had around 434,600 workers, the highest employment level since 2002. This represents an increase of 62,000 jobs over the year.
• Technology – Information security analyst roles are projected to increase by 33.1%, adding 2,802 jobs to Florida’s economy. 

How Much Are Average Salaries?

The average annual salary in Florida in 2025 is $59,515 (£48,169), which is 29% higher than the UK’s £37,430. Let’s explore average salaries for some popular job roles in Florida. 

• Nurse Practitioner: Average annual salaries for nurse practitioners in Florida range from $56,800 to $134,230. The average salary is $110,310.
• Information Security Analyst: Information security analysts in Florida typically earn $89,076 on average.
• Logistics Specialist: A logistics specialist in Florida has an average salary of around $61,869, but salaries can range from $48,432 to $79,036.
• Electricians: Electricians typically earn by the hour, which as of 2025 the average rate is $23.53, 18% lower than the national average. This translates to an annual salary range of between $31,000 and $77,000.

Tips for Finding a Job in Florida

You’ll have to make sure you’re eligible to work in the U.S and have the right visa. Our moving to the USA from the UK guide has a detailed section on U.S work visas to help you. Here are some top tips on finding work in Florida when moving from the UK:

• Looking at local job boards like Employ Florida and CareerSource Florida can help you get an idea of what the market is like in your chosen Florida city. 
• Attending virtual job fairs will give you a head start in your job search if you have not yet moved to the USA.
• Get in touch with recruitment agencies. They can offer personalised services to really narrow down jobs for you. Using agencies that specialise in helping foreign talent is a bonus.
• Ask if your current company in the UK offers transfers to international offices. 
• Keep your CV to 1-2 pages maximum and tweak it to use American spelling. Focus on mentioning relevant and key achievements.

Florida’s Healthcare System

The major healthcare providers in Florida are AdventHealth, Orlando Health, and BayCare Health System. Collectively, they provide 17,478 beds over 94 hospitals. While the healthcare system is undergoing improvements to meet population growth and an ageing demographic, it is still facing significant challenges. Florida ranks 50th for access to emergency care and has a high percentage of uninsured residents. 

Accessing Healthcare as a UK Expat

The level of access to healthcare in Florida will depend on the type of visa you hold. You must hold a valid work or residency visa to be able to purchase health insurance as a UK expat. You can purchase insurance through the Marketplace/Obamacare scheme if you are a legal resident, or be covered through your employer, which is more common. 

Once you have sorted insurance, you can contact a primary care physician in Florida, if your plan specifies you have to. This lets you book appointments in advance, just like in the UK. It’s important to note that even with health insurance in Florida, you will still have fairly expensive healthcare bills. There is no free healthcare like the NHS in the UK, so this should be a big factor in your new living costs.

Florida Healthcare Costs

It costs between $300 and $600 per month in insurance premiums in Florida. Insurance costs will depend on the plan, coverage, and other factors like age and health status. Healthcare costs are typically more expensive in urban areas like Miami and Orlando. Here are some average costs of common healthcare services in Florida:

Service	Cost Without Insurance	Cost With Insurance
Primary Care Visit	$100 – $300	$20 – $50 copay
Specialist Visit	$200 – $500	$30 – $100 copay
Emergency Room Visit	$1,000 – $5,000+	$150 – $500 copay
Hospital Stay (per day)	$2,500 – $5,000+	Varies, depending on coverage
MRI Scan	$500 – $3,500	$200 – $600
Prescription Drugs	$10 – $400+	Usually a copay of $5 – $50

What are Schools Like in Florida?

Florida ranks extremely well for a range of educational factors and has been crowned number 1 in the U.S for education.

National Performance Statistics 

• 86.5% graduation rate, above national average 
• 1st for higher education in the U.S
• 1st for affordable tuition fees in the U.S
• 10th for pre-K–12 education in the U.S
• 5th for college readiness in the U.S

Florida Public Universties 

Florida’s public universities are renowned for their affordability as well as the quality of teaching. There are 12 public universities in Florida under the Florida State University System. The University of Florida is in the top 5 public universities in the U.S., and other notable universities include Florida State University and the University of Central Florida. 

Top Rated Schools in Florida 

The U.S. News & World Report have dubbed these schools as some of the best in Florida. 

Elementary Schools:

• Jacksonville Beach Elementary School – Duval County
• Orlando Gifted Academy – Orange County
• Pine View School – Sarasota County

Middle Schools:

• Doral Academy of Technology – Miami-Dade County
• Okaloosa STEMM Center – Valparaiso
• Bak Middle School of the Arts – Palm Beach County
• Archimedean Middle Conservatory – Miami

High Schools:

• School for Advanced Studies (SAS) – Miami-Dade County
• Pine View School – Sarasota County
• Archimedean Upper Conservatory – Miami-Dade County
• Westshore Junior/Senior High School – Brevard County
• Stanton College Preparatory School – Duval County

Getting Around Florida

Florida is a massive state, so the best method of transport for you will depend on where you live.

Driving 

Florida is a car-dependent state, as public transport isn’t as advanced outside of the big cities. It’s the most convenient option and preferred by residents. Residents will benefit from purchasing a SunPass as there are many tolls throughout the state. The major highways in Florida include the I-95 (East Coast), I-75 (West Coast), and the I-4 which goes from Orlando to Tampa. 

Public Transit in Florida’s Cities

There are public transport options in a few Florida cities.

Miami – The Miami-Dade Transit provides the Metrorail, the free Metromover, Metrobus, and the Tri-Rail throughout Miami. Residents use apps like MDT Tracker, Transit App, and Google Maps to navigate the public transport times and stops. These are great options for getting to downtown, the airport, and the inner suburbs.

Orlando – LYNX is the public transport provider in Orlando, with the main transport being the LYNX buses. These cover Orlando, the suburbs, and key stops like Disney, Universal, and the airport. This is the best option for local commuters, but many visitors rely on their cars.

Tampa – In Tampa, HART provides the HART bus system, the free TECO Line Streetcar, and the Downtowner shuttle bus. OneBusAway and the Transit App are the best apps to buy tickets and view times. Downtown is covered well, but the suburbs are still falling behind.

Jacksonville – The JTA runs the JTA Bus Service, the free Skyway Monorail, and a rapid bus, the First Coast Flyer. Coverage is still very limited in Jacksonville, so many residents rely on their cars.

Can I Use My UK Driver’s License?

Florida does not have a license exchange agreement with the UK, so your UK license can’t simply be converted. Once you become a Florida resident, you can only use your UK driver’s license for 30 days. You will then have to obtain your Florida driver’s license. You will need to sit the vision, written, and driving skills test. 

You will need to bring your UK Driver’s License, passport and visa, Social Security Number, and two documents showing your Florida address. The fee for a first-time driver’s license in Florida is $48. You can still keep your UK driving license for when you go back home, but you must always carry your Florida license when driving in the U.S.

Importing My Car to Florida 

At 1st Move International, we can get your car safely shipped to Florida via our sister company, Autoshippers. With over 25 years of experience transporting vehicles to the U.S., using Roll on Roll off services for cars, SUVs, autos, motorhomes, trucks, vans and buses, they are the first choice. 

All sailings are direct from the UK ports of Liverpool or Southampton to many ports in the USA including New York, Galveston, and Brunswick. It’ll cost on average £1,578 to ship your standard saloon car or £2,513 for an SUV/4×4 to Jacksonville, Florida. 

How Does Florida’s Climate Compare to the UK?

Depending on the area of Florida, the climate is either subtropical or tropical. South Florida areas like Miami and Key West have year-round sunshine. The summer months in Florida are May to October, and the temperatures are around 29–35°C. Winters tend to be cooler in the north, and remain mild in the south, with temperatures ranging across Florida between 18°C and 27°C. 

One major weather type to be aware of in Florida is hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with August to October being peak hurricane times. The south and coastal areas in Florida witness the most direct hits, but residents are well prepared with evacuation routes and insurance plans. 

Snow in Florida is extremely rare, with the north seeing very light dustings over time. South and central Florida don’t experience snow, which is a big reason many UK expats and retirees are attracted to the state.

Entertainment and Social Life in Florida 

Florida is rich with entertainment and cultural activities, with unique offerings in each city. 

Major Attractions

Florida is home to many tourist attractions, with many of them being in Orlando, like Universal Studios and Disneyland. There are also many professional sports teams across the state, like the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, and the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team. 

Food Scene

Different cities in Florida have their own staples, from Cuban street food to Michelin-starred fine dining, with strong seafood, Caribbean, and Latin American influences throughout the state. Stone Crab is a popular dish from October to May, especially in Miami. Key Lime Pie is a favourite throughout Florida, and you’ll find citrus in almost every dish thanks to Florida’s citrus groves. 

Nightlife 

Miami is renowned for having some of the most exciting nightlife in the U.S. From world-famous nightclubs in South Beach like LIV and Story to upscale rooftop lounges offering stunning skyline views, the city caters to every kind of night owl. Beach bars along Ocean Drive offer a more relaxed setting. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key but equally entertaining, head down to Key West, where the nightlife takes on a more eclectic and laid-back charm. 

Outdoors 

Florida is home to many beautiful beaches, making for endless outdoor activities. Check out Miami Beach for its nightlife and Art Deco architecture, Clearwater Beach for family fun on white sands, or Key West for a more laid-back vibe. There is a strong beach culture in Florida, with many residents enjoying sunbathing, exercising, and even dining on the beach. Florida is also home to stunning natural parks and reserves, like the Everglades, Ocala National Forest, and Blue Spring State Park, where you can hike, camp, or even spot manatees in the wild.

Arts and Entertainment

Florida is a haven for art lovers that is often overlooked. St. Petersburg has the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s work outside Spain, and The Ringling in Sarasota boasts beautiful art in an incredible garden. The annual Florida Film Festival in Orlando has been running for 34 years and holds Oscar-qualifying status. Further south, Miami boasts a booming contemporary arts scene. The Pérez Art Museum Miami features modern and contemporary works with a global perspective, while the nearby Wynwood Walls transform the city’s warehouse district into a colourful outdoor gallery of large-scale street art. 

How Much Does it Cost to Move to Florida? 

If you’re shipping household goods and personal effects to Florida, costs will depend on the size of your move and final destination.

Here are the average costs for moving from the UK to Florida:

• Small Move: £1,002
• 1 bed flat: £1,245
• 2 bed flat: £2,135
• 3 bed house (20 ft container): £5,650
• 4+ bed house (40 ft container): £7,450

About our international moving services to Florida

1st Move International can safely ship your household and personal belongings from the UK with our international removals to Orlando or Miami service. We offer a guaranteed weekly shipping service that ships directly to multiple ports in the U.S. Our safe packing and shipping techniques provide full protection for your items. 

Visit our International Removals page and find out more about our great range of packing, shipping, and insurance options, or you can get a moving overseas quote, tailored to your individual moving requirements.

You can also check out our online international moving costs calculator here.

For more details on our packing process and the benefits of shipping with commercial co-loaders, see our Faster Shipping, Safer Packing and Smarter Billing pages.