Moving from New York to Florida in 2026

Thousands of New Yorkers make the move to Florida each year, and in 2026 the reasons are more compelling than ever. Lower taxes, a warmer climate, no state income tax, and a lower cost of living have made Florida the top destination for relocating New Yorkers. And now, with Florida lawmakers approving a constitutional amendment on June 2, 2026 to expand the homestead exemption and put it before voters in November, the financial case for moving from New York to Florida could become even more compelling.

Why New Yorkers Are Choosing Florida in 2026

New York consistently ranks among the highest-tax, highest-cost states in the country. Florida, by contrast, has no state income tax, no estate tax, and a homestead exemption that reduces taxable property value by $50,000 today (with a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would raise it to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 if voters approve). For many families and retirees, the annual savings from relocating to Florida can reach $10,000 to $30,000 or more depending on income and property value.

Beyond taxes, Florida offers a dramatically different lifestyle. Year-round outdoor living, proximity to beaches, a business-friendly economy, and growing job markets in cities like Jacksonville, Orlando, and West Palm Beach have made the state a magnet for remote workers, retirees, and families looking for more space for the money.

The Big Tax News: Property Tax Amendment Heads to November Ballot

Here is the development that has real estate conversations buzzing across Florida. On June 2, 2026, the Florida Legislature approved by supermajority a constitutional amendment that would phase the homestead exemption from $50,000 today to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Before final votes, both chambers carved out school district property taxes from the amendment, so the expansion applies only to non-school levies. The measure now goes to Florida voters on the November 2026 ballot, where it needs 60 percent voter approval to take effect.

For full detail on what passed, what was modified from the original DeSantis proposal, and what the path forward looks like, see our Florida Property Tax Relief in 2026: The Save Our Homes Plan guide.

For buyers considering moving from New York, this adds a new dimension to an already-compelling financial picture. Even without the ballot measure, Florida’s current property taxes are substantially lower than what most New Yorkers pay. For a side-by-side look at how Northeast Florida counties compare today, see our detailed breakdown: St Johns vs Duval County Property Taxes.

Cost of Living: New York vs Northeast Florida

The numbers tell the story. Here is how key costs compare for a household making the move:

• Housing: Median home prices in Jacksonville range from roughly $280,000 to $380,000 depending on the area. In the New York City metro, comparable homes typically run $600,000 to well over $1 million.
• State income tax: New York charges up to 10.9 percent on top earners. Florida charges zero.
• Property taxes: New York effective rates run roughly 1.4 to 1.7 percent depending on county. Florida averages around 0.83 percent, with St Johns County competitive within Northeast Florida.
• Everyday costs: Groceries, dining, and services generally run 15 to 25 percent cheaper in Northeast Florida than in the New York metro area.

For households earning $150,000 or more annually, the combined savings from eliminating state income tax and reducing housing costs can be significant over even a five-year horizon. Source: Tax Foundation and U.S. Census Bureau cost-of-living data.

Best Cities in Northeast Florida for New Yorkers

Northeast Florida offers a range of communities that appeal to different lifestyles and budgets. Here are the most popular destinations for people relocating from New York:

Jacksonville: Florida’s largest city by land area, Jacksonville offers urban amenities, a growing tech and finance sector, miles of beaches, and a cost of living that feels almost unreal to most transplants from the northeast. Neighborhoods like San Marco, Riverside, and Avondale offer a walkable, arts-forward character that New Yorkers tend to appreciate immediately. For more on Jacksonville sub-area options, see our Best Jacksonville Neighborhoods for Families 2026 and Best Jacksonville Neighborhoods for Young Professionals 2026 guides.

Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee: For those seeking top-rated schools, planned community living, and proximity to both the beach and Jacksonville’s employment centers, Nocatee and Ponte Vedra Beach are consistently ranked among the best places to live in the state. St Johns County schools are rated among the best in Florida, drawing families who prioritize education when choosing where to put down roots. See our Ponte Vedra Beach Area Guide and Nocatee Area Guide for the deeper picture.

St Augustine: The oldest city in the United States, St Augustine offers a rich historic district, waterfront living, and a small-city character that appeals to retirees and remote workers who want something more distinctive than a typical suburb. Anastasia Island and Palencia are perennial favorites for buyers making the move from the northeast. See our St Augustine Area Guide for the full picture.

Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach: For those who want true beach town living, the Beaches communities along A1A offer a coastal lifestyle at prices that would be impossible to match in the New York metro area. Demand here stays strong year-round.

For retirees specifically, our Best St Johns County Neighborhoods for Retirees 2026 guide covers five communities that consistently rank well for retirement living.

Ready to see what is available? Browse homes across Northeast Florida to see current listings and get a sense of what your budget can accomplish here.

Central and South Florida Options

If Northeast Florida is not the right fit, Florida’s other major markets also attract significant numbers of New Yorkers. Orlando has become a healthcare and tech hub with strong new construction inventory and suburbs like Lake Nona and Winter Garden offering master-planned amenity living. For those wanting South Florida’s energy, West Palm Beach and Boca Raton offer renowned dining, arts, and an international community alongside Florida’s tax advantages.

For a full look at Orlando’s relocation picture, see: Relocating to Orlando 2026.

Schools, Safety and What to Expect

School quality is often the deciding factor for families with children. St Johns County consistently ranks among the top school districts in Florida, with multiple high schools earning national recognition. Duval County (Jacksonville) has seen significant investment in magnet and charter programs. Orange County (Orlando) and Palm Beach County both offer strong district and private school options for families with a range of priorities.

Crime varies by neighborhood as it does anywhere, but the communities most popular with New York transplants, including Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fleming Island, and Palencia, consistently rank among the safest in the state.

Tips Before You Make the Move

• Time your sale carefully. If you are selling a New York home, coordinate timing thoughtfully. Florida’s market moves quickly and locking a closing date before listing your NY home can create unnecessary pressure. Our team works regularly with out-of-state buyers and can help you sequence this.
• Visit in the summer. Many New Yorkers fall in love with Florida on a winter vacation but are caught off guard by summer heat and humidity. A summer visit will help calibrate your expectations and confirm the lifestyle fits year-round.
• Establish Florida residency properly. The homestead exemption and tax benefits of Florida residency require that you establish domicile here. You will need to change your driver’s license, voter registration, and file a Declaration of Domicile with your county clerk. A Florida attorney can walk you through the steps specific to your situation.
• Work with a local agent. Northeast Florida’s market, especially in St Johns County and coastal communities, moves quickly and local inventory knowledge matters. An agent who knows what is coming to market, and what to avoid, is a real asset in this transition.
• Factor insurance into the picture. Florida homeowners insurance has its own dynamics, particularly for coastal properties. See our Florida Homeowners Insurance 2026 guide before finalizing your budget.

Whether you are ready to make the move or still in the early research phase, our team is here to help. Explore homes across Northeast Florida and beyond, or reach out to our team to talk through your options with a local expert who knows this market well.