Short-Term Rentals & Local Ordinances: Florida vs. NYC
How state preemption, city rules, and condo/HOA bylaws affect hosts—and what to check before you list
Thinking about hosting your place when you move from New York to Florida? Great idea—but the rulebooks are very different. New York City’s Local Law 18 created one of the toughest STR regimes in the country, while Florida uses state preemption (with local carve-outs) plus a separate state lodging license. Here’s what that means in practice—and a punch-list to stay compliant.
Estate & Inheritance Planning: New York Estate Tax vs. Florida
Why many retirees re-paper wills and trusts after a move—plus titling and homestead nuances
Relocating from New York to Florida can simplify income taxes—but it also changes your estate plan. New York has a state estate tax; Florida does not. Florida also has unique homestead protections and spousal rights that affect how you title your home and who inherits it. That’s why so many retirees re-sign wills, trusts, and deeds once they settle in the Sunshine State.
This guide explains the key differences and a practical checklist to make your plan “Florida-correct.”
Alimony Reform & Family Law Differences: Florida vs. New York
Key shifts in Florida’s alimony framework vs. NY standards—and how relocating couples should plan
Thinking about moving from New York to Florida during (or after) a separation? The rules for support and parenting look very different in each state. Florida overhauled alimony in 2023, while New York continues to use guideline formulas and advisory duration ranges. Here’s the plain-English comparison—with practical next steps.
School Choice & Education Policy: Florida vs. New York
How vouchers/ESAs and charter rules shape where families settle
When families compare a move from New York to Florida, schools and education policy are often the tie-breaker. Florida now runs one of the broadest school-choice ecosystems in the country, centered on education savings accounts (ESAs) and multiple scholarship pathways. New York, by contrast, is anchored in district schools with capped charter growth and no statewide voucher/ESA program. Here’s what that means for day-to-day options—and your address search.
Condo Laws & Milestone/SIRS Requirements in Florida
What New Yorkers must review in HOAs before buying
Florida tightened condo safety rules after the Surfside tragedy. If you’re relocating from New York—and eyeing a Florida condo—you’ll need to understand two pillars: Milestone Inspections (structural checkups) and SIRS (Structural Integrity Reserve Studies for funding). Done right, these protect owners and buildings; ignored, they can mean surprise special assessments and loan issues.
Property Insurance Reforms in Florida: What NY Movers Need to Know
Recent changes to litigation, roof claims, and assignment-of-benefits—and what that means for premiums vs. NY
Florida’s property-insurance market has changed fast over the last few years. Lawmakers targeted lawsuit volume, roof-claim abuse, and third-party assignment-of-benefits (AOB)—and those reforms meaningfully affect how claims get handled, what your policy covers, and ultimately what you pay. Here’s a plain-English guide for New Yorkers considering a move.
Landlord–Tenant Laws: New York Protections vs. Florida Flexibility
Security deposits, notice periods, rent rules—how investors and renters should plan when switching states
Moving between New York and Florida isn’t just a climate change—it’s a legal one. From security-deposit limits to notice periods and rent-control policy, the rulebook you operate under as a landlord or renter shifts in important ways. Here’s a practical, side-by-side guide.
Remote Work Taxes: NY’s “Convenience of the Employer” Rule
How remote NY workers can get double-taxed—and why changing domicile to Florida can change the math
If you’re leaving New York for Florida to cut taxes, there’s a catch many movers miss: New York’s “convenience of the employer” rule can keep taxing your wages even after you move—if your job is still tied to a New York office. Here’s what the rule means, how double-tax can happen, and the specific steps that actually shift the math in your favor.
Homestead Exemption & “Save Our Homes” Portability
How Florida’s constitutional protections cap assessments and shield equity—what NY movers must file and when
If you’re moving from New York to Florida, the two biggest property-tax tools to understand are Florida’s Homestead Exemption and Save Our Homes (SOH) Portability. Used correctly, they can lower your tax bill now and protect you from big assessment jumps later—plus let you carry tax savings to your next Florida home. Here’s how they work and the filing timeline New Yorkers need to hit.
No State Income Tax: Domicile Rules NY vs. FL
Moving from New York to Florida can meaningfully lower your annual tax bill—but only if you properly change your residency. That means two parallel tasks: (1) stop being taxed as a New York resident, and (2) start being recognized as a Florida domiciliary. Here’s the plain-English playbook.
NYC Congestion Pricing vs. Florida Commute Costs: What Movers Actually Save
If you’re a New Yorker eyeing Florida, the biggest money swing you’ll feel day-to-day isn’t coffee or rent—it’s driving costs. New York’s new Congestion Relief Zone tolls changed what it costs to bring a car into Manhattan, while Florida’s SunPass world rewards frequent highway users with the lowest per-mile rates. Here’s how the math—and the lifestyle—compare.
Why Move to Clearwater? Beach Life, Everyday Convenience, and Real Value
If you’re dreaming of turquoise water, sugar-sand beaches, and a community that still feels approachable, Clearwater belongs on your short list. It offers a rare mix of resort-level coastline, year-round outdoor living, strong local services, and housing options for every stage of life—without the big-city grind.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in Water Street / Channelside & Harbour Island (For Residents Who Love Waterfront City Living)
Living in Tampa’s Water Street / Channelside district and Harbour Island means front-row access to the Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, Sparkman Wharf, and skyline sunsets on repeat. If you call this area home (or want to), here are the five best things to do that make everyday life feel like a staycation.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in Seminole Heights (For Locals Who Love Charm & Culture)
Seminole Heights is Tampa’s cozy creative hub—front-porch bungalows, towering oaks, and a food scene with real personality. If you live here (or want to), these are the five best things to do that make everyday life feel like a neighborhood festival.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in Westchase (For Locals Who Love Easy, Active Living)
Westchase was built for everyday convenience—tree-lined streets, sidewalks everywhere, pocket parks, and a true town-center vibe. If you live here (or want to), these are the five best things to do that make the Westchase lifestyle feel effortless.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in South Tampa (For Locals Who Want the Good Life)
Living in South Tampa means waterfront sunrises, oak-shaded streets, and plans that practically make themselves. Whether your weekend vibe is sweat, saltwater, or spritzes on a patio, here are the five best things to do—curated for residents who want to enjoy the neighborhood like a local.
The Pros of Moving to Water Street / Channelside & Harbour Island (Tampa, FL)
If you want bayfront views, car-light living, and instant access to dining, sports, and culture, Tampa’s Water Street / Channelside district and Harbour Island deliver in a big way. These connected neighborhoods put you steps from the Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, Sparkman Wharf, and the TECO Streetcar—blending resort vibes with true urban convenience.
The Pros of Moving to Seminole Heights (Tampa, FL)
If you’re looking for a neighborhood with soul, style, and serious convenience, Seminole Heights is hard to beat. Think historic bungalows with big front porches, a creative food and brewery scene, shaded streets, and a central location that makes the whole city feel close.
The Pros of Moving to Westchase in Tampa, FL
If you want resort-style amenities, top convenience, and a true neighborhood feel, Westchase is one of Tampa’s standouts. Tucked along the Veterans Expressway between Westshore and Clearwater, this master-planned community blends walkable town centers with parks, pools, trails, and well-kept streets—making day-to-day life easy and enjoyable.
The Pros of Moving to Davis Islands, Tampa
Thinking about island living without giving up city convenience? Davis Islands delivers a rare combo: walkable streets, waterfront access, small-town charm, and a five-minute hop to Downtown Tampa. Here’s why so many buyers set their sights on this iconic South Tampa enclave.