There’s no doubt that moving from one state to another is a significant life change that comes with its share of challenges.
Beyond the logistics of transporting your belongings across multiple states, you’re facing multiple decisions: where to live, how you’ll adapt to a different climate, and what you’ll do to navigate a new lifestyle.
But here’s the good news: if you’re planning a move from the Lone Star State to the Sunshine State, this guide has all the information to guarantee it’s a smooth transition. We break down the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes associated with your Texas-to-Florida move.
Is Moving to Florida a Good Idea?
Your lifestyle preferences, career opportunities, and long-term goals can help you answer that question. Yes, the Sunshine State offers year-round warmth, tax benefits, and coastal living, but living there has its challenges, such as hurricane seasons and tourist crowds.
Why People Move to Florida
Given what we said, why is it that Florida was in the top 5 moved-to states in 2024? Well, the state’s appeal extends beyond its famous theme parks and beaches. Instead, it seems many Texans are drawn to Florida’s diverse opportunities and lifestyle benefits.
For starters, the state’s strong economy, absence of state income tax, and growing job market make it financially attractive. Additionally, the vibrant multicultural communities and outdoor recreation opportunities make it a hot spot for hikers, adventurers, and foodies.
Finally, Florida is internationally connected through major airports like MCO and MIA. People seeking both professional growth and lots of vacation time view that as an advantage.
Benefits of Moving to Florida
Natural Beauty & Recreation
- Year-round access to world-renowned beaches and crystal-clear waters
- The Florida Keys is renowned for world-class fishing and island life
- Abundant wildlife and preserved natural areas
- Swimming enthusiasts can enjoy an extensive network of freshwater lakes
Lifestyle Advantages
- No state income tax, similar to Texas
- Strong building codes with hurricane-resistant concrete construction
- Rich cultural diversity and cuisine options
- Consistent warm weather, particularly pleasant in winter months
- Professional sports teams and entertainment venues
Travel & Connectivity
- Multiple international airports (MCO, PBI, FLL, MIA)
- Convenient and affordable travel to the Caribbean
- Strategic location for both domestic and international travel
- Well-connected interstate system for road trips
Things to Know Before Moving to Florida
The first thing you should know is that Florida isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Hurricane season and sinkholes are a real threat that requires preparation and proper insurance. Afternoon thunderstorms are also common in the summer months.
As a result, regular home maintenance is necessary due to the tropical climate. This also means that insurance costs can be higher than in Texas due to weather risks. Finally, peak tourism seasons can impact daily life.
Texas Vs. Florida Cost of Living
Housing & Utilities
Florida housing costs average 6.6% higher than Texas. Downtown apartments cost significantly more in Florida cities, too. Property insurance rates are generally higher in the Sunshine State. That said, internet and utility costs tend to be lower there.
Daily Expenses
Most things short of transportation (2.9% less) and clothing costs (3.6% lower) are expensive in Florida. For example, groceries cost 12.5% more, while restaurant dining is 8% more expensive.
Family Expenses
Good news: childcare is 25.2% less expensive than in Texas, and even private education costs are lower in Florida. However, entertainment and sports activities cost 1.6% more. Overall, the cost of living is 1.9% higher than in Texas.
Texas Vs. Florida Lifestyle
If you’ve lived in Texas long enough, you know that the Lone Star State emphasizes traditional values and community gatherings. Florida, on the other hand, embraces a more coastal, vacation-oriented lifestyle.
You also know how Texas maintains a stronger emphasis on local community events and traditions. Florida is more fast-paced. The state is divided between tourist areas and residential communities.
As for sports, Florida offers plenty of outdoor water activities because of its plentiful beaches. Texas offers more varied terrain and outdoor activities. The state is known for BBQ, rodeos, and Tex-Mex, while Florida is known for its fusion of cuisine (Cuban, South American, and West Indian).
Reasons to Move To Florida
We understand the hesitation; it’s a major life decision, after all. So, let’s see what makes Florida a state to which 1 million+ people moved last year.
Economic Opportunities
Florida’s economy is the fourth-largest state economy in the nation, with a GDP of over $1.58 trillion in 2023. The state has experienced significant job growth, particularly in sectors like healthcare, technology, and tourism.
Major employers like AdventHealth, Publix, and tech companies in the growing “Space Coast” region offer diverse career opportunities. Cities like Tampa and Orlando have emerging tech hubs, with Tampa’s tech job growth increasing by 30% between 2020 and 2025.
Educational Excellence
Florida’s education system ranks among the top in the nation, with the University of Florida and the University of Miami leading in research and innovation. Then there’s the state’s renowned Bright Futures Scholarship program.
The latter provides substantial support for in-state students, making higher education more accessible. Additionally, Florida’s school choice programs offer families flexibility in K-12 education (with over 2,000 private schools and 700 charter schools).
Healthcare Access
You’d be happy to learn that the state boasts world-class medical facilities, including the renowned Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and Cleveland Clinic in Weston.
Florida’s healthcare system particularly excels in geriatric care, with specialized medical centers and research facilities focused on aging-related conditions. The state has more than 300 hospitals – many of which rank nationally in various specialties.
Tax Advantages
Beyond the well-known absence of state income tax, Florida offers additional financial benefits.
For instance, the homestead exemption provides up to $50,000 in property tax exemptions for primary residences. Senior citizens may qualify for additional exemptions as well.
The state also offers a “Save Our Homes” assessment limitation that prevents property tax values from increasing more than 3% annually. For homeowners, this translates to long-term financial predictability.
Reasons Not To Move To Florida
As with anything, there are plenty of downsides to moving to the Sunshine State. You should be fully aware of the stats and numbers below to be absolutely certain of your decision. You’ll also need to consider these facts if you have a family or kids.
Weather Extremes
Florida’s climate presents serious challenges. From June through September, temperatures regularly soar above 90℉ with humidity levels reaching 90% – that’s a heat index exceeding 105℉.
This combination can be dangerous, especially for elderly residents and those with respiratory conditions. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are issues to look out for. Any outdoor activities you have planned often become limited to early morning or evening hours.
The intense humidity also accelerates mold growth in houses. You’ll have to be constantly vigilant to maintain a safe home and prevent health issues.
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes aren’t the only natural disaster that awaits you in Florida. The state’s sinkholes, for example, are record-high, increasing in numbers in recent years – particularly in central Florida’s “sinkhole alley.”
That area spans Pasco, Hernando, and Hillsborough counties. Some sinkholes are small, but most are large and can swallow homes, roads, pools, and entire buildings.
Obviously, insurance for these hazards can be costly, with some areas seeing annual premiums exceeding 10% every passing year. Flooding presents another concern. In fact, about 41% of Florida properties are at substantial flood risk at any given moment.
Worse still, an estimated $69 billion in coastal properties that aren’t at risk of flooding now will be by 2030. That’s given the tides continue to rise at the pace they are currently at.
In any case, you’ll be looking at additional insurance coverage beyond standard homeowner’s policies.
Population Pressures
Popularity comes with one major downside: too many people. Did you know that major Florida cities like Miami and Orlando face increasing traffic congestion, with average commute times exceeding 58 minutes?
Such popular areas also experience overcrowding during tourist seasons when some beaches and attractions have wait times of several hours. This seasonal influx affects everything from restaurant reservations to medical appointment availability.
Wildlife Concerns
In 2024, Florida recorded a substantial number of alligator nuisance calls. Then you have invasive species, like Burmese pythons and fire ants, who’ve become increasingly problematic in residential areas.
As a result, pest control becomes a year-round necessity – especially since termites and mosquitoes thrive in the state’s humid climate. You’ll be facing ongoing maintenance costs and potential property damage.
Planning Your Move – Costs & Logistics
A successful move from Texas to Florida requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. The distance between states averages 1,000 to 1,500 miles, depending on your starting location.
As such, it’s essential to plan your timeline, budget, and logistics carefully. Pay close attention to the following, and if it sounds stressful, consider our professional moving services.
Cost to Move to Florida
Moving Company Expenses
Long-distance moving costs from Texas to Florida typically range from $3,500 to $8,000 for a three-bedroom home. This variation depends on factors like total weight, distance, and additional services required.
Full-service moves that include packing and unpacking can add $2,000 to $3,000 to your total. Consider getting quotes from multiple movers at least two months before your planned move date to secure your best rates.
Transportation and Travel
If driving your own vehicle, factor in fuel costs (approximately $200-300), overnight accommodations ($100-150 per night), and meals during the journey.
Vehicle shipping services range from $700 to $1,200 per car – depending on the type of transport (open or enclosed) and delivery timing.
Some families choose to fly while their belongings are in transit. You should know that flight costs average $200-400 per person from major Texas airports to Florida destinations.
Additional Moving Expenses
We’ve seen many people often overlook miscellaneous costs such as storage fees ($150-250 monthly for a 10 x 10 unit), insurance for valuable items (typically 1-2% of declared value), and utility setup fees in your new location ($200-500 total).
You’ll also need to budget for initial supplies like cleaning materials, basic furniture, and household essentials ($500-1,000).
Many movers recommend setting aside an additional 10-15% of your total budget for unexpected expenses that inevitably arise during long-distance moves.
Long-distance Mover Texas
At Word of Mouth Moving, we’ve established ourselves as one of Texas’s most trusted long-distance moving companies. Our impressive 5-star rating and over 170 glowing customer reviews reflect our commitment to excellence.
The Moving Services We Offer
We provide end-to-end moving services that cover every aspect of your relocation – from carefully packing your cherished belongings to safely transporting them to your new Florida home.
Rest assured that our experienced team handles each step with precision and care. We specialize in residential moves, so you can trust us with delicate items like pianos, artwork, and antiques.
What Sets Us Apart From Other Movers
- Professional team with extensive interstate moving experience
- Fully insured and licensed for long-distance moves
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Custom moving plans to fit your specific needs
- Regular communication throughout the moving process
- Specialized equipment for safe transport
- Flexible scheduling options
Our Customer-First Approach
Our success is built on clear communication and exceptional service. We maintain open lines of communication from your first quote request to the moment we place your final piece of furniture.
We pride ourselves on being responsive, reliable, and thorough – qualities that have earned us a stellar reputation in the Texas moving industry. Take it from one of our satisfied customers:
“If I could give 10 stars, I would. These guys were amazing. I was moving to Austin from another state (during COVID-19) and I was stressed out. I was texting Eric a lot and he was super responsive and accommodating. I had Travis and Jack unload my U-Haul and they were fantastic! Had me all unloaded in just over an hour. What?! They worked fast and efficiently. I have used so many moving companies in the past and none of them were as great as Word of Mouth, seriously. Eric even helped me return my U-Haul — that is going above and beyond for your customers. Thank you so much, Word of Mouth!”
We Guarantee a Stress-Free Moving Experience
Interstate moves are a complex process. We understand this, which is why we handle all the logistics, including proper documentation, transportation requirements, and timing coordination.
Our team arrives on schedule, works efficiently, and makes sure your belongings are safely delivered to your new Florida home. Let us handle everything so you can focus on beginning your new chapter.
Texas to Florida Drive Time
The journey from Texas to Florida spans approximately 1,364 miles via I-20 E, typically taking around 20 hours and 16 minutes if you’re planning to drive. For safety and comfort reasons, we recommend breaking this trip into 2-3 days of travel.
Keep in mind, though, that the exact duration depends on your starting point in Texas and your final destination in Florida – as both states are quite expansive.
This makes flying the quickest option, with direct flights taking 2-3 hours and costing between $70-355 (depending on the route and season).
Where to Move in Florida?
Naples for Luxury Living
Naples is all about pristine beaches and upscale living. It’s perfect for retirees and affluent families. The city boasts top-rated schools like Naples High School and exclusive golf communities.
Pros
- Highest-rated safety index in Florida
- Exceptional healthcare facilities, including NCH Baker Hospital
- Year-round cultural events and art festivals
Cons
- One of Florida’s highest cost of living areas
- Limited job market outside service and healthcare industries
The Cultural Hub of Sarasota
Sarasota is ideal for arts enthusiasts and families who care for cultural enrichment. It’s home to the Ringling Museum of Art and Sarasota Opera House. The city even offers excellent educational opportunities, including the nationally recognized Pine View School for gifted students.
Pros
- Thriving art and theater scene
- Top-rated public schools
- Diverse dining and entertainment options
Cons
- Heavy tourist traffic during peak seasons
- Higher than-average housing costs
Tampa Bay for Metropolitan Living
Are you a young professional or a family seeking urban amenities with coastal access? Then Tampa is the place for you. The city features the historic Ybor City district, Busch Gardens theme park, and the Florida Aquarium.
Pros
- Strong job market across multiple industries
- Excellent professional sports scene (e.g. Buccaneers, Lightning)
- Diverse neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles
Cons
- Challenging traffic during rush hours
- Hurricane vulnerability
Family-Friendly Jacksonville
Jacksonville is excellent for military families and first-time homebuyers. It features 22 miles of beaches, the largest urban park system in the nation, and the Jacksonville Zoo. It’s also home to multiple military bases and major corporations like CSX Transportation.
Pros
- More affordable housing compared to other Florida metros
- Plentiful and diverse job opportunities
- Excellent public school options
Cons
- Spread-out city requiring long commutes
- Less tourist infrastructure than in other Florida cities
Orlando: The Entertainment Capital
Orlando isn’t just Disney World and Universal Studios. However, we can’t deny that the city is perfect for young families and entertainment industry professionals. It’s where you can find the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and Lake Eola Park as well.
Pros
- Abundant job opportunities in tourism and technology
- World-class entertainment options
- Central location with easy access to both coasts
Cons
- Heavy tourist congestion
- Higher cost of living near attraction areas
