Sunny Florida isn’t just a destination location for vacationers, snowbirds, and families seeking out the wonders of Disney World. It is also a hotspot for people looking to move, with an average of 900 people a day relocating there.
Many of these people come from Texas. In 2019, Texas sent more than 26,000 people to Florida, accounting for more than 4 percent of Florida’s new out-of-state residents. At the same time, Florida is the 4th most popular destination for Texans who choose to relocate.
So what is it about Florida that attracts Texans? And what should you know about the transition from the Lone Star State to the Sunshine State? While both are beautiful, appealing, and popular destinations, the two states are also very different. Read on to learn 10 of the most important things to know before moving from Texas to Florida.
Cost of Living
When compared to the nation as a whole, Florida’s cost of living is a reasonable 2 percent above the average. Some essentials, such as healthcare, are slightly less than the national average.
However, compared to the cost of living in Texas (Whose cost of living is 6.1 percent less than the national average), Florida is a more expensive place to live. Most essentials, including groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation, cost less in Texas.
You should also plan to spend more on car insurance in Florida. The average monthly cost in the Sunshine State is $194, and, as a no-fault state, requires you to add personal injury protection to your insurance bill. On the other hand, Texas has a much lower monthly car insurance rate of $125.
The difference in housing costs is particularly striking between the two states. The median home price in the Sunshine State is $237,100, while the median home price in Texas is only $195,000.
In light of these cost differences, you will need to budget more for necessities when you move from Texas to Florida.
Beaches
Texas may have a reputation as a dry state, but it boasts about 3,000 miles of beaches. The good news is that when you move from Texas to Florida, you gain access to even more coastline: about 8,000 miles of water-lined beaches. Some of these beaches are defined by pure white sand and gorgeous views. Living close to the beach and the sunny, sandy life you love is one of the most appealing reasons to make the transition from the Lone Star State to the Sunshine State.
Moving Guns
Moving guns between Texas and Florida will require you to understand the differences in gun laws between the two states. Florida is welcoming to gun owners, with no required permit to purchase a gun, no background check laws, and no firearm registration requirements.
The primary thing you need to be aware of is Florida’s concealed carry law. Your concealed carry permit from Texas will only be valid for 90 days after you become a legal resident of Florida. After those 90 days, you will need to obtain a Florida license, called a CWFL, in order to continue carrying a concealed weapon.
Transportation
Transportation is more expensive in Florida, but you can expect to get convenience and accessibility in return for your added expenses. Florida ranks 18th in the country for transportation rankings, while Texas ranks at 25 on the list.
Expect to enjoy these changes in the transportation landscape when you move to Florida from Texas:
- Affordable public transit
- Numerous highways
- Less traffic congestion
- Shorter average commutes
Don’t forget to bring your car along when you move from Texas. Despite good public transit options in many parts of Florida, you will want a car to get around.
You will have 30 days to register your car once you come to Florida, and you will need to bring certain documents, including proof of Florida insurance, your original car title, and proof of inspection, to your local DMV. You will also need to come prepared to pay the initial registration fee, which begins at $225.
Moving a Business
If you are an entrepreneur in Texas, you may wish to move your business with you to Florida. Florida makes this process easy through conversion or domestication — The transference of either an LLC or a corporation, respectively, from another state to Florida.
In order to complete the conversion, you will need to follow a multi-step process that includes the following:
- Draft a plan of conversion.
- File required paperwork with state agencies.
- Ensure compliance with all Florida and Texas statutes.
The process of conversion or domestication will leave your business much the same as it currently is, with the same EIN number, management structure, and so forth. The only change you may need to make is the name, if it conflicts with an existing Florida company.
Moving a Boat
You may find it a little bit difficult to move a boat from Texas to Florida. Chances are that you will need to hire a transportation company to help you make the trip, since taking the boat across the Gulf of Mexico can be a tricky journey that not every boat, or boat owner is properly equipped to undertake. Make sure you find a reliable company with a successful track record of safely bringing boats between the two states.
Medicare
If you have Medicare in Texas, you may wish to keep your Medicare benefits when you move to Florida. For many plans, you may not need to do anything to ensure that your coverage extends to Florida. For example, original Medicare plans apply no matter where you live.
For other plans, especially Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans, you may need to enroll in a new Medicare plan for your specific area. Just make sure you look into the requirements of your particular plan before you complete your move.
Driver Licenses
You can easily transfer your Texas driver license to Florida with a few documents and stop by the local DHSMV (DMV) office. The process is simple:
- Bring ID, SS number, proof of residency, your old driver’s license, and the Class E driver’s license fee.
- Pass a vision test.
- Turn in your old license.
- Pay the fee.
- Leave with a temporary license, while your regular license is mailed to you.
You will receive your regular license in about a month.
DMV
The DMV in Florida is also referred to as the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and may be abbreviated as FDHSMV, DHSMV, or DMV.
When you need to handle car registration, driver license renewal or other related tasks, you can look up the nearest branch to your location. Just be aware that some locations may only handle licenses, while others will handle a variety of tasks. Make sure you know the right place to go for the task you need to accomplish.
Cuisine
Neither Texas nor Florida lack vibrant and delicious cuisine. However, when you relocate from Texas to Florida, you can expect to move from incredible Tex-Mex cuisine to fresh and mouth-watering seafood. You can trade Texas sheet cake for key lime pie, and embrace the freshness of citrus. With a diverse menu and fine dining throughout the state, you are sure to find a food culture that is every bit as delicious and rewarding as in Texas.
Moving Cost
Moving from Texas to Florida can be an exciting time, but overspending on your moving budget definitely won’t be. That is why Ward North American provides you with a reliable, accurate, and comprehensive quote for your moving services. Check out the average costs of moving with us, and then call us for a free quote tailored to your moving plans.
| FROM | TO | Studio Apartment | 1 Large Bedroom | 2 Bedrooms | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bedrooms |
| TX | FL | $1,680-$1,890 | $1,880-$3,120 | $2,200-$3,550 | $2,970-$4,632 | $3,885-$6,500 |
If you are planning a move from Texas to Florida, reach out to the movers who can help you get there with a minimum of stress. Here at Ward North American, we are prepared to handle a move of any size or distance with the professionalism and efficiency you deserve.
