Trading the Windy City for the Sunshine State
If you’re considering a move to Florida from Illinois, you’re joining nearly 1,000 people who make this transition every single day. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Steps for Moving to Florida:
- Budget for the move – Factor in moving costs ($4,000-$11,300 for long-distance), housing, and travel expenses.
- Choose your destination – Popular cities include Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Naples.
- Secure employment – Target growing sectors like tourism, healthcare, and aerospace.
- Establish residency – File a declaration of domicile, get a Florida driver’s license, and register to vote.
- Register your vehicle – Complete within 10 days of arrival.
- Prepare for the climate – Stock hurricane supplies and adjust to hot, humid summers.
Why People Move to Florida:
- No state income tax
- Lower cost of living compared to Illinois
- Year-round warm weather (goodbye, Chicago winters)
- Abundant outdoor activities and 832 miles of coastline
As Mina Georgalas, owner of Bernard Movers, I’ve helped countless Illinois families successfully move to Florida over my nearly 30 years in the moving industry. This guide will walk you through everything from budgeting and finding work to establishing residency and adjusting to your new lifestyle.
The Logistics and Lifestyle of Your Move to Florida
This guide covers everything you need to know to make your move to Florida from Illinois as smooth as possible, from choosing a city and finding work to establishing residency and adjusting to a new climate.
Why Illinois Residents Choose Florida & Popular Destinations
Families from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs often move to Florida for the same compelling reasons: significantly better weather, a lighter tax burden, and a lifestyle centered around the outdoors. Trading brutal Midwestern winters for Florida’s mild ones allows for year-round activities like boating, golfing, and beachcombing. The financial incentive is also huge; Florida has no state income tax, which can mean thousands in annual savings for families leaving Illinois. This, combined with generally lower property taxes and the valuable homestead exemption, makes the state exceptionally financially attractive for new residents.
When it comes to choosing where to settle, Florida offers incredible variety to match any lifestyle. Popular destinations for Illinois transplants include:
- Miami: A global hub that attracts young professionals and entrepreneurs with its vibrant nightlife, diverse culinary scene, and strong ties to international business and finance.
- Tampa: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the Tampa Bay area offers a booming job market in healthcare and tech, professional sports, and beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.
- Jacksonville: As the largest city by land area in the contiguous U.S., it provides surprising affordability, abundant green spaces along the St. Johns River, and a growing financial services sector.
- Orlando: While famous for its world-class theme parks, it’s also a burgeoning hub for technology, simulation, and healthcare jobs, offering a dynamic lifestyle for families and professionals alike.
- Naples: This upscale community on the Paradise Coast boasts a sophisticated atmosphere, pristine white-sand beaches, and world-class golf courses, making it a favorite destination for retirees and those seeking a life of luxury.
The state’s regions also have distinct personalities. The East Coast, anchored by Miami and Fort Lauderdale, is known for its high energy and international flair, while the West Coast, including cities like Tampa and Sarasota, tends to be more relaxed and family-oriented.
If you’re specifically considering a move to Florida from the Chicago area, we’ve put together detailed insights about Moving from Chicago to Florida that you’ll find helpful.
Understanding the Costs of Your Move to Florida
Understanding the financial picture is crucial. For most people relocating from Illinois, Florida offers a more affordable lifestyle, largely due to taxes.
Housing costs vary significantly by region. While the state’s average home prices in Florida are around $382,136 and average rent costs are near $2,400 per month, prices differ greatly between cities. The tax advantages are where Florida really shines. With no state income tax, you’ll see substantial savings compared to Illinois’s 4.95% flat tax.
Florida’s average property tax rate is around 0.82%, much lower than in many parts of Illinois. Additionally, the homestead exemption can reduce your home’s taxable value by up to $50,000, further lowering your tax burden.
Here’s a quick comparison between Chicago and Tampa to illustrate the difference:
The actual cost of your move to Florida from Illinois typically ranges from $4,000 to $11,300. Our Long Distance Movers Cost Guide breaks down what to expect.
Finding Work and Housing in the Sunshine State
Securing a job and housing are top priorities. Having employment lined up before you move to Florida can significantly ease the transition. Florida’s diverse economy is growing, with major job sectors including:
- Tourism and Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and theme parks.
- Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, and assisted living facilities.
- Aerospace and Aviation: High-tech jobs, especially around Cape Canaveral.
- International Trade: Logistics and finance, particularly with Latin America.
The state government is also a major employer; explore openings at Florida’s state job portal.
When finding housing, consider renting first to explore neighborhoods before buying. When you do hunt for a house, be aware of Florida-specific factors like flood zones, which impact insurance costs, and hurricane preparedness. Check if a home has hurricane-rated windows or shutters and know your evacuation zone. Our guide on creating a Moving Out of State Budget can help you plan for these expenses.
Key Steps for Your Move to Florida from Illinois
To make your move official and enjoy Florida’s tax benefits, you must complete several administrative steps to establish residency. Key actions include filing a declaration of domicile, registering to vote, and getting a Florida driver’s license.
Here’s a timeline for key tasks:
- Within 30 days of residency: Obtain your Florida Driver’s License. You’re considered a resident once you accept a job or enroll a child in school.
- Within 10 days of residency: Register Your Vehicle in Florida. You’ll need your title, proof of Florida insurance, and your new license.
- After getting your license: Register to vote. This is another key step in establishing residency.
Don’t overlook healthcare. Find new doctors and specialists early on. Websites like HealthGrades.com can help you research physicians in your new area.
To stay organized, use our comprehensive Moving Out of State Checklist for your move to Florida.
Adjusting to the Florida Lifestyle and Climate
Adjusting to Florida’s climate is key. Summers are hot and humid, with daily afternoon thunderstorms and temperatures in the 90s. You’ll learn to plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings. Winters are gloriously mild, with average temperatures in the 60s and 70s, allowing for a year-round outdoor lifestyle.
Hurricane season (June 1 – Nov 30) is a serious consideration. While direct hits are not an annual occurrence for most, being prepared is non-negotiable. Know your evacuation zone and have a plan. Your hurricane kit should include:
- Water and non-perishable food (3-day supply)
- Battery-powered radio and flashlight
- First aid kit
- Whistle, dust mask, and basic tools
- Cell phone chargers and backup batteries
The Florida lifestyle is centered around the outdoors. Accept it by exploring beaches, state parks, and waterways. Driving can be challenging due to tourists and heavy traffic, so patience is essential. Finally, the sun is intense, so sunscreen and a hat are daily necessities, as is insect repellent for mosquitoes.
For more general guidance, our Cross Country Relocation guide offers helpful tips that apply to your move to Florida.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Feeling excited but nervous about your move to Florida is normal. Let’s recap why this journey is worth it. Picture trading snow shovels for sunshine, Illinois’s state income tax for more money in your pocket, and bundled-up winters for year-round beach walks. This is the Florida lifestyle that awaits.
The path to Florida involves three phases: planning, budgeting, and executing. This means researching your ideal city, creating a realistic budget for moving and housing, and tackling the practical steps like finding a job and establishing residency.
Here at Bernard Movers, we’ve been helping Illinois families make this exact journey for nearly three decades. We know the route from Chicago, Melrose Park, Des Plaines, and every corner of Illinois to the Sunshine State like the back of our hands. Our team treats your belongings like our own, and we understand that you’re not just moving furniture—you’re moving your life, your memories, and your dreams.
Right now, we’re offering something special to help make your move to Florida more affordable: a 20% discount on moves booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. This is on top of our already competitive rates for long-distance relocations. Whether you’re moving from our Northfield location or anywhere else in Illinois, we’re here to handle the logistics while you focus on the exciting adventure ahead.
The Chicago winters aren’t getting any warmer, and Florida’s beaches aren’t getting any less beautiful. If you’re ready to trade snow shovels for flip-flops and gray skies for endless sunshine, we’re ready to help you get there. Contact our Northfield moving company for your move to Florida and let’s start planning your journey to the Sunshine State. Your new life is waiting—let’s make it happen together!
