2008-08-01T19:07:10.689Z

Retiring to Florida?

So you're thinking of moving to Florida. Since 1980, Florida's population has grown an average of 873 new residents daily. Many of those newcomers have been among the ranks of the retired ? perhaps fulfilling a life-long dream to live closer to family and friends, or seeking a warmer climate. Many older individuals considering relocation to Florida contact the Department of Elder Affairs for information about transitioning to life in the Sunshine State.

Retirement in Florida

Florida's elder population (people 60 years of age and older) has grown to over twenty three percent of the state's total population. The counties with the largest percentages of people age 65 and older are Charlotte (35%), Highlands (33%), Citrus (32%), and Sarasota (31%).

Retired life in Florida varies according to individual preferences and budgets. Experts suggest that a potential retiree should travel throughout the state, renting rather than buying for the firstyear, before making a decision about a permanent residence. This allows a person to find a community that provides opportunities for participating in those leisure interests developed earlier in life or those hobbies he or she may have always wished to develop.

Climate

As the southernmost state on the U.S. mainland, 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. The year-round semi-tropical climate, moderate rainfall, abundant sunshine, fresh and sea waters, and freedom from the heavy frost, snow and ice all combine to make Florida an appealing place to live.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs does provide a Disaster Preparedness Guide for those who are unaccustomed to hurricanes and related weather.

Cost of Living

Because Florida has less severe winters than many other parts of the country, consumers usually spend less on heavy clothing and fuel. Otherwise, depending on personal taste and standard of living, the cost of living in Florida is comparable to other states. According to the Governor's Office of Planning and Budgeting, prices are generally higher in the southern half of the state.

There is no state income tax in Florida. To alleviate the property tax burden, Florida grants its homeowners relief under a homestead exemption provision. This exemption is available to any person who holds legal title to real property in Florida and uses the property as his/her permanent residence. Florida's unique Homestead Property Tax Deferral Act permits the real estate tax on a residence that qualifies under the homestead exemption statute to be deferred.

For more information on Florida taxes, contact Department of Revenue, Tax Information Services, 1379 Blountstown Highway, Tallahassee, Fl 32304-2716 or call 1-800-352-3671 (Florida only) or 850-488-6800.

Sample Relocation Resources

The public library and bookstores are great sources of relocation information. In addition to daily newspapers, look for answers to your questions in books such as the ones listed below:

Where to Retire in Florida : 1999 Edition, Richard & Betty Fox. A review of 99 Florida cities and towns including a look at longtime hotspots and many undiscovered havens. Provides information on taxes, costs of living, health care, climate, recreation and crime rates, with a rating of each town's potential for retirement living from both male and female perspectives.

Retirement Communities in Florida: 1997, Mary Lucier-Brooks, Pineapple Press, Inc.. A comparison of the three major types of service-oriented retirement communities - Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Adult Living Facilities and Independent Living Rental Retirement Communities. Information based on cost, facilities, and services with consumer oriented information about meals, health care, transportation, entertainment, and housekeeping. A directory of over 250 listings organized by type within four major regions of the state is included.

The Complete Guide to Life in Florida: 1995-1996 Edition, Barbara Brumm LaFreniere and Edward LaFreniere, Pineapple Press, Inc., Sarasota, Florida, 1995. Statistics and comparisons on cost of living, the environment, taxes, transportation, housing, leisure activities, top industries, health care and other topics of interest.

Making the Move: A Practical Guide to Senior Residential Communities, Lettice Stuart, Avon Books, New York, 1997. Information on the ever-increasing number and variety of senior residential facilities. Explains the concept and defines the terms and also includes resources, checklists, thinks to look for and questions to ask.

Florida Retiree's Handbook: Answers to Your Legal and Financial Questions, Elwood Phillips, Attorney-at-Law, Pineapple Press, Inc., Sarasota, Florida, 1995. Answers legal and financial questions about buying and selling a home, owning a condominium or mobile home, renting, taxes and other consumer issues.

Estate Planning in Florida, 2 nd Edition: John T. Berteau, 1997. Complex legal terms, constantly changing estate tax laws, and the multitude of options available can be confusing. This book provides advice written in clear terms for the layperson, and answers questions about the legal and financial aspects of planning in your estate in Florida.

We look forward to seeing you in the Sunshine State