Moving to Florida: costs, checklist and what to know
Florida at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Jacksonville · capital Tallahassee · Eastern (the western Panhandle is on Central time) time.
Quick facts for moving to Florida
- Income tax: Florida does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
- Sales tax: Florida's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Most counties add a discretionary sales surtax.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Florida driver's license within 30 days, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Jacksonville (about 340 road miles) runs roughly $590–$1,160 with a rental truck or $1,940–$4,520 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Florida
- Florida has no state income tax. Homeowners who make Florida their permanent residence can apply for a homestead exemption with the county property appraiser; the deadline is March 1.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance, and new flood policies often have a 30-day waiting period.
- Registering an out-of-state car requires a VIN verification, which a law enforcement officer, notary or tax collector office can complete.
Main cities and metros include Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando. Florida borders Alabama and Georgia.
How much does it cost to move to Florida?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Jacksonville, the largest city in Florida. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 1,000 | $1,570–$3,010 | $3,000–$6,900 |
| Los Angeles | 2,570 | $3,640–$6,870 | $5,510–$12,550 |
| Chicago | 1,040 | $1,610–$3,080 | $3,060–$7,040 |
| Dallas | 1,090 | $1,670–$3,180 | $3,140–$7,220 |
| Atlanta | 340 | $590–$1,160 | $1,940–$4,520 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Florida moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Florida
Late fall through spring (November–April) is drier and cooler. A move in August–October means planning around peak hurricane season.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Florida new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Florida: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Florida?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 340 miles from Atlanta to Jacksonville costs roughly $590–$1,160 if you rent a truck or $1,940–$4,520 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No. Florida does not have a broad state income tax on wages.
What is the sales tax in Florida?
Florida's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Most counties add a discretionary sales surtax.
How long do I have to get a Florida driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Florida?
Late fall through spring (November–April) is drier and cooler. A move in August–October means planning around peak hurricane season.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Florida Department of Revenue and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.