Want to escape the snow, ice, and freezing temps and spend your winters in Florida? Many Northerners trade their coats and gloves for their sunglasses to travel to the Sunshine State during the winter months. Anyone can enjoy the sunny days and a mild climate year-round in Florida.
Before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Florida, the best places to live, and how to find the best insurance rates in Florida. You also need to know the requirements and benefits of being a Florida resident versus just living here short-term.
We’ll help pave the way by providing expert tips on everything to know, from the best places to live, what a snowbird actually means, the skinny on becoming a Florida resident, and Florida car insurance laws.
Florida Car Insurance Information
There are different requirements for the minimum car insurance coverage in each state. Car insurance in Florida is essential and required by law. It’s important to understand these penalties so you don’t get caught with a lapse in coverage.
You will not want to be caught driving without insurance in Florida. You could lose your license, face harsh penalties, or get fined. In Florida, the fine for driving without insurance can vary between $150 to $500.
You can also expect for your driver’s license, registration, and license plate to be suspended. Before you take off to Florida or make the Sunshine State your second home, you must have minimum car insurance coverage.
Becoming a Florida Resident
If you are interested in becoming a Florida resident, there are some things you should know before you make this decision. Florida residents enjoy no state income tax on earnings, so this is one benefit. There are also other implications, such as inheritance tax and asset protection laws for Florida residents.
To become a Florida resident for tax purposes, you must reside in Florida for more than six months or a minimum of 183 days a year. You should follow the instructions from a residency checklist to ensure you are doing what’s needed to become a Florida resident.
What is a snowbird?
A snowbird is someone who is typically age 55 and up and has the ability to travel to a warmer climate during the winter months. Many snowbirds are retired or partially retired, but with more remote work options available, some snowbirds may also still be employed full-time.
The Best Places to Live in Florida
There are many great cities and towns to consider for spending your winters. Florida offers many options such as golf courses, baseball spring training, great seafood, beautiful beaches, natural springs, or sea creature viewing. While the best places to live in Florida may come down to personal preference and individual options, here are some of the most popular cities for snowbirds.
Many snowbirds flock to Central Florida and the Orlando area because of the golf courses, friendly residents, and fun attractions. The Villages is a popular large retirement community in this area.
The West Coast includes Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area, also called Tampa Bay. There are many snowbirds with homes in the St. Pete and Clearwater areas because of the nearby beaches, natural beauty, and activities.
Bradenton is just south of Tampa Bay and another popular area for snowbirds. South of this area you will find Fort Myers and Naples which also have great beaches and many activities for retirees.
The East Coast cities like Melbourne, West Palm Beach, and Jupiter are also well-known cities for snowbirds. You will find many beaches, Cape Canaveral, and proximity to other Florida cities like Key West, Miami, and Orlando.
5 Florida Safety Tips
Before you decide on the snowbird lifestyle, there are some important safety and preparation tips to keep in mind.
#1 – Choose a Safe Area
First, determine what area of Florida interests you the most. Many of the most popular areas for snowbirds are safe and low crime, but you will want to research the area to find the safest neighborhoods or cities.
It’s a good idea to do a short trial of the areas you are most interested in residing as a snowbird. You can try an area for a few weeks or a month before you fully commit.
#2 – Beware of Traffic
During the winter months, traffic increases in these areas because of the increase in the snowbird population. Not only is traffic increased but some drivers may also be unfamiliar with the area. Vacationers and new residents may drive slower or make quick turns, which can cause fender benders if you aren’t paying attention.
#3 – Plan Your Travel to Florida
It’s important to plan your drive down. If your trip is a long drive, you may want to break the trip up into multiple days. Plan for stops to stretch, refuel, eat, or stay in an overnight accommodation.
If you are driving, make sure your vehicle is up-to-date on regular maintenance. Make a road trip packing list to ensure you have the supplies in case of an emergency or breakdown.
If you have medical concerns, make sure you are cleared to travel long-distance. Keep any medications or prescriptions readily available. Make a packing list of essential items, like cell phones, medications, sports equipment like golf clubs, tax documents, and
#4 – Take Care of Your Other Home
You may need to winterize or make arrangements for a part-time caretaker for your other property or home. You should also make sure your bills are either paid by autopay or have electronic copies of them sent to your email so you don’t miss any payments.
#5 – Keep It Simple
To enjoy your time in the sunshine state, keep things simple. A packing list is important, but don’t overpack for your time in Florida. Don’t pack things you can easily buy.
Don’t overbook visitors. You may have loved ones who are eager for a Florida visit, but this can get overwhelming if you have company every week or weekend. Enjoy time with visitors but also plan for downtime too.
While there is more planning that goes into the snowbird lifestyle, it also gives you more flexibility and enjoyable weather during the winter months. It’s important to consider the pros and cons, decide where you want to stay, and make sure you have minimum car insurance coverage before your trip.
Author Bio:
Melissa Morris writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com. She is a university professor at the University of Tampa and has lived in Florida for six years.
