Living in Florida
Last updated on Feb 17, 2023
Summary: People often describe life in Florida as sunny, laid-back, and full of outdoor activities. People love the warm weather, the beautiful beaches, and the abundance of outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and golfing. The cost of living in Florida is slightly higher than the national average, but it is still relatively affordable. The approximate population of Florida is 21.48 million, and the largest cities are Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orlando. The cons of living in Florida include the high cost of insurance, the threat of hurricanes, and the high cost of living in some areas.
Is the cost of living in Florida high?
We asked people about the cost of living in Florida, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Florida varies depending on the area, but generally tends to be higher than the national average. Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Florida can range from around $800 to $1,600 per month, and rent for a 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $1,000 to $2,200 per month. Dinner for two at a moderately priced restaurant will usually cost around $50," remarked one expat living in Florida.
What type of recreational facilities are in Florida?
When we asked people living in Florida about recreational activities, they mentioned:
"Residents of Florida enjoy a wide variety of recreational facilities, from beaches and parks to golf courses and amusement parks. There are numerous public and private beaches along the coast, offering swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. Parks are also plentiful, with many offering trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Golf courses are a popular pastime in Florida, with courses ranging from public to private and from beginner to championship level. Amusement parks are also a popular destination, with many offering roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions," mentioned an expat living in Florida.
What is the weather like in Florida?
"The weather in Florida is usually warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers. During the summer months, temperatures can reach the high 80s and 90s, while in the winter months temperatures can dip into the 50s and 60s. The humidity is usually high, making it feel even warmer than the actual temperature," said an expat in Florida.
Are there good restaurants in Florida?
"One of the most popular restaurants in Florida is Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach. Founded in 1913, this iconic seafood restaurant is known for its signature dish, stone crab claws. The restaurant also serves a variety of other seafood dishes, as well as steaks and salads. Joe's Stone Crab is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Another popular restaurant in Florida is Bern's Steak House in Tampa. This classic steakhouse has been serving up delicious steaks and seafood since 1956. The restaurant is known for its extensive wine list and its decadent desserts. Bern's Steak House is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City is another popular restaurant in Florida. This Spanish-Cuban restaurant has been serving up delicious dishes since 1905. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, the Cuban sandwich, as well as its paella and other Spanish-Cuban dishes. The Columbia Restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike," mentioned one expat inFlorida.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Florida?
"People living in Florida typically buy groceries from supermarkets, convenience stores, and farmers markets. Other shopping can be done at malls, department stores, and specialty stores. Additionally, many people in Florida take advantage of online shopping to purchase items from the comfort of their own homes," mentioned one expat inFlorida.
What are the visa & residency requirements in Florida?
"In order to obtain a visa to enter the United States, including Florida, you will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. This usually requires a visit to a U.S. consulate outside of the U.S. and submitting forms and fees, along with supporting documents such as a valid passport and proof of financial resources. It is important to apply for the correct visa for your purpose in visiting the U.S., as some visas only allow for a temporary stay and not for seeking residency. In order to become a resident of Florida you will need to submit an Alien Registration form to the relevant authorities, including proof of financial resources, identification documents and proof that you have health insurance. You may be requested to provide additional documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, educational qualifications and/or criminal background check. After the application is processed you will either be granted residence or denied. If denied, you can appeal the decision," said one expat.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Florida?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Florida can be expensive. The cost of health insurance premiums in Florida is higher than the national average, and the cost of healthcare services can also be high. Additionally, many people in Florida are uninsured, which can lead to higher costs for those who do have insurance," remarked one expat living in Florida.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Florida?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Florida?
- Will I be able to find a job in Florida?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Florida appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Florida?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Florida accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Florida like?
- How are healthcare services in Florida?
- What are medical services in Florida like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Florida?
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- As a foreigner living in Florida, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?