Retire to Florida

Retiring in Florida

When mentioning retirement, one of the first things that comes to mind is the state of Florida. According to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, since 1980, the Sunshine State's population has grown an average of 873 new residents every day. Many of those newcomers are coming to enjoy a Florida retirement, seeking a warmer climate in a Florida retirement community. But besides climate factors, there are many advantages for those who retire to Florida thanks to some generous state incentives and an active, vibrant senior community.

However, before electing for Florida retirement, do your homework. Researching the best places to retire in Florida and finding a good Florida retirement community is essential before you pull up stakes and move. Your first step should be to contact the Florida Chamber of Commerce. They can provide a wealth of free information and pass you along to local chambers of commerce in those areas you are considering as a place to retire. Also, don't forget your public library, which might also carry Florida newspapers. This is a great way to get the feel of the place first before actually going there.

Many people choose Florida retirement because of the gentle semi-tropical climate that graces the best places to retire in Florida. Florida's climate ranges from temperate in the north to subtropical in the south. Winter temperatures range from an average of 51 degrees F in the north to 70 degrees F along the southern Atlantic coast. Average summer temperatures are remarkably uniform throughout the state, ranging in the mid-to-low 80s. Precipitation averages about 50 inches annually, with most of the rain occurring during the summer months.

If you are considering Florida retirement in a Florida retirement community, you should decide what you want in a Florida retirement home. If you want to find the most senior-friendly counties, the counties with the largest percentages of people age 65 and older are Charlotte (35%), Highlands (33%), Citrus (32%), and Sarasota (31%).

Florida retirement is a big enough industry that the state has perks for people who retire in Florida. Florida residents are entitled to property tax exemptions of up to $25,000 on the assessed value of owner-or dependent-occupied homesteads. To become a resident of Florida, a person must establish a home or a permanent dwelling place and demonstrate the intent to make Florida the place of permanent legal residence. There is no fixed waiting period. Simply file a sworn statement with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where your new residence is located.