Florida, the Sunshine State, renowned and nicknamed for its exceptionally sunny and warm climate. From sandy shores and balmy breezes scented with the sweet smell of hibiscus and jazmine to specatuclar sunrises and sunsets, Florida is the land of dreams for many of us and a top domestic and internatioal destination.

Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon was the first European to explore Florida. He named it Pascua de Florida or “Feast of Flowers” for the succulent flora and abundance of flowers. Florida is the warmest state in the United States, the mean daily temperature is 71 °F or 22 °C with warm and sunny climate.

For decades, Florida has been consistently ranked as the number one state for retirement in the United States. Florida’s favarable climate is of course a wonderful bonus point, but the true decision maker here is the fact that Florida is essentially a tax haven: it is a state with no income tax, plus, there is no estate tax or inheritance tax, and no tax on Social Security or other retirement income. In the United States, the vast majority of states levy income taxes. For those earning at the top level, the state taxes can be as high as 13.3% (in California), 8.82 % (New York), 8.97% (New Jersey), 6.99% (Connecticut) and 4.95% (in Illinois). Florida has 0% state tax.

It should come as no surprise then, that Florida is the national leader in both the net domestic and net international migration. Domestically, from July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018, Florida’s net domestic migration was the highest in the nation, at 132 602 net new residents. Florida is the absolute winner here, enjoying a huge lead over all the other states, distantly followed by Arizona with 83, 240 net new residents. Florida leads the nation in the net international migration as well, where the total number of people moving to Florida from another country minus the people moving out to another country is at 175,670 net new foreign residents during the same time period. California and Texas are distatnt second and third.

As Zillow predicts, U.S. home values will rise 2.2% over the next year, while in Florida, they are expected to rise 4.09%. Home values have also been rising throughout Florida and are up 4.64% from a year ago. The market in Florida is heating up, though you might find vast differences from one city or one area of the state to the next. Three Florida cities are listed on Realtor.com’s “The Top 10 U.S. Markets for Flipping” hottest real estate markets for investors. Miami ranks as third, Tampa fourth and Orlando as eights.

Great weather, no state income tax, increase in population and reasonable home prices are all contributing to the heating up of Florida’s real estate market and its attractivity to investors. Owning a property in Florida comes with a few more benefits as well. The state is so diverse, it offers so many multi leveled cultural and nature involving experiences. From art, music and entertainment to shopping, dining and unspoiled nature, everyone can find a thing or two to do here with the sun shining most of the time.

Florida was once the realm of conquistadors and explorers. The humbling forts and brick-lined streets of Pensacola and St. Augustine offer rich glimpses into the state’s colonial history. For more modern history, spend a day at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can explore the history of space travel or even time your visit with a rocket launch.

Traveling off the beaten path comes naturally in Florida. Take an airboat ride or kayak across the wild waters of the Everglades, and hear the stories of the Seminole Indians at Big Cypress Reservation. Ride bicycles along a wide, beachfront promenade or down a rail-trail lined by ancient oaks and Spanish moss. For epic views, there’s lighthouses to climb, but also rooftop bars to relish. Florida’s cities blend sophistication with a warm welcome.

Browse world-class art museums, catch a concert or just stroll the streets posing with the murals that catch your eye. Stop for a bite at restaurants, both casual and upscale, celebrating local seafood, fresh produce and international flavors.

Florida offers so much for everyone… that is one of the many reasons why I, just like you, love the Sunshine State. Call me and I will be there for you every step of the way making sure your dream can became reality.

References

"Net International Migration (change 2017—2018)". www.statsamerica.org. Retrieved 2019-06-10.

"Population Estimate for 2018". www.statsamerica.org. Retrieved 2019-06-10.

"Net International Migration (chg. 2017—2018)". www.statsamerica.org. Retrieved 2019-06-10.

"Population Estimate for 2018". www.statsamerica.org. Retrieved 2019-06-10.

“Home Values Are Heating Up In Florida”. www.finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2019-10-14.

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