Before you choose a house, choose the Florida life that actually fits you.
Born and raised in Florida. Family roots in New York & New Jersey. Your local guide from the first video tour through closing day.
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Neighborhoods, lifestyle, market insights, and insider guidance.
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Relocation, vacation homes, and investment support.
A Florida move can change your housing options, tax considerations, insurance needs, routine, travel plans, and overall lifestyle.
| NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY | FLORIDA | |
|---|---|---|
| Cold winters and seasonal outdoor living | TO | Warm climate and year-round outdoor opportunities |
| Proximity to Northeast family and employment | TO | Access through PBI, FLL, MIA, and other Florida airports |
| State and local tax structure | TO | No Florida state personal income tax |
| Urban and suburban housing patterns | TO | Coastal, inland, condo, golf, gated, suburban, and active-adult options |
| Familiar insurance and maintenance concerns | TO | Wind, flood, roof age, humidity, hurricane preparation, and insurance availability |
Individual costs and tax circumstances vary. Buyers should consult qualified tax, insurance, legal, and financial professionals.
Ten everyday legal differences NY & NJ buyers should know before (and after) closing on a Florida home.
Florida does not tax personal income; New York and New Jersey both do. Individual financial circumstances vary.
Florida law requires a radon gas disclosure notice in every real estate sale contract and lease (Fla. Stat. Section 404.056(5)).
Florida's primary-residence property tax exemption is paired with a cap limiting annual assessment increases — a combined benefit NY/NJ don't offer.
Florida charges a transfer tax of $0.70 per $100 of sale price at closing (different in Miami-Dade) — a different structure than NY or NJ transfer taxes.
Florida's constitution limits who you can leave your primary home to by will if you're survived by a spouse or minor child.
Condos and co-ops three stories or taller must complete structural inspections and reserve studies on a set schedule (Florida Building Safety Act).
Florida doesn't require an attorney at closing. NJ customarily includes an attorney-review period; NY closings are typically attorney-led.
Wind-mitigation inspections, flood zone status, and roof age directly affect Florida insurance availability and cost.
Florida relies on case law requiring disclosure of known defects, not a statutory form like New York's Property Condition Disclosure Statement.
A surviving spouse can claim 30% of the estate regardless of the will — Florida's rule differs from New York's elective share statute.
General information reviewed August 2026 — not legal, tax, or estate-planning advice. Laws change; confirm specifics with a licensed Florida attorney, CPA, or insurance professional.
South Florida is made up of micro-markets. Conditions vary by county, city, neighborhood, price point, property type, and community.
Source: MIAMI REALTORS® + RWorld, Miami MLS & BeachesMLS, Palm Beach County July 2026 statistics. Local results vary.
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