Expat Lifestyle

Private Schools

B+

Family Friendly

B+

Single Friendly

Senior Friendly

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

B-

Cost of Living

A-

Recreation

Nightlife

Restaurants

C+

Crime

Expat Exchange > Florida

Florida

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: Yes (amtrak, brightline, tri-rail, sunrail, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Greyhound, Megabus, RedCoach, relatively safe)

Florida is a large southeastern U.S. state known for its peninsula geography extending into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The state has a diverse economy centered on tourism, agriculture, aerospace, and increasingly technology and finance sectors. Florida's culture blends Caribbean, Latin American, and American influences, particularly in cities like Miami. The state is characterized by warm weather year-round, extensive beaches, and natural attractions including the Everglades wetlands. Major cities include Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, each offering distinct urban experiences. Life in Florida appeals to retirees, families, and young professionals seeking warm climate and outdoor recreation opportunities.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Best Places to Live in Florida

Discover the top-ranked towns in Florida. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Florida on our Florida forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Visit the Florida Community

Cost of Living

Florida's cost of living varies significantly by region. Housing costs in popular areas like Miami and Tampa have risen substantially, with median home prices ranging from $300,000 to $500,000+ depending on location and proximity to the coast. Rental prices are moderate to high in urban centers, typically $1,200–$2,000+ monthly for a one-bedroom apartment. Daily expenses like groceries and utilities are generally comparable to the national average, making Florida moderately affordable outside of premium coastal markets.

Weather

Florida experiences a subtropical to tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The state receives significant rainfall, particularly during the summer months and hurricane season (June through November). Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing in most areas, though northern Florida can experience occasional cold snaps. Seasonal variation is minimal compared to northern U.S. states, with summer being notably hotter and more humid than winter.

Educational System in Florida

The educational system in Florida is diverse and serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Public education is managed at the state level by the Florida Department of Education, which sets standards and policies for all schools. Children typically start school with kindergarten at the age of five or six, and they complete their education with 12th grade at around the age of 18. The grade levels are divided into elementary school (kindergarten to 5th grade), middle school (6th to 8th grade), and high school (9th to 12th grade). Florida also offers various options for education, including public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, and homeschooling. The state has implemented the Florida Standards, which outline what students should know at each grade level, and students take standardized tests to assess their progress. High school students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams, which can earn them college credit. Additionally, Florida's Dual Enrollment program allows high school students to take courses at local colleges and universities for both high school and college credit. The state also has a voluntary pre-kindergarten program for four-year-olds, which focuses on early literacy and learning skills to prepare children for kindergarten. Parents moving to Florida from another country will find a range of educational options to choose from, with a focus on preparing students for college and careers