Considering a Move to Florida?

For those of you who are "on the fence" on your decision as to making the big move to the Sunshine State, I've compiled a list of highly compelling reasons for taking the risk and moving here. After reading this, I'm quite certain that you'll come to the right conclusion: Florida is going to be your NEW home state! So come on down!!!!

8 Considerations On Moving to Florida

1. After tourism, the #2 industry in Florida is construction. So remember, the only way this state continues to grow is to mow down the trees and EXPAND.

2. So, please, please, please move here! We need your money to keep our contractors employed and this economic engine running at full speed.

3. Florida is a cheep place to live. Okay, not really - houses actually cost much more here than advertised. The FAR (FL Ass. of Realtors) has reported the median price for the following towns, and in every case they have under-reported. The Actual median prices for these towns are shown in bold RED.

Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater - $237K, Actual: $295K
Orlando - $261K, Actual: $289K
Melborne - $220K, Actual: $250K
Miami - $379K, Actual: $399K
Jacksonville - $202K, Actual: $252K
Tallahassee - $175K, Actual: $216K

4. Okay, so the houses are more expensive than ever - big deal. Please, please, please move here! Our developers need to keep current on their payments for their jet skis, extra-large SUVs, and waterfront homes.

5. You get to pay more in taxes than everyone else. The "Save Our Homes" tax has set in place a system whereby the existing home-owners pay for less than the actual value of their residence. You, however, as the latest Florida purchaser, get to pay the FULL amount. Result: you will pay more in taxes than the majority of wealthier people who have lived here longer. And until they die or move, you always will.
-> For example, you can expect to pay around $5G/yr for a 3 bedroom home in any of the major metro areas, $6G for a 4 bedroom.

6. Okay, so you have to pay more in taxes than the rest of us who already live here. So what? Please, please, please move here! We need your tax money so we can keep ours.

7. And remember, like any "pass the buck to the new guy" tax scheme, if people keep moving here, eventually the newer people will pay more in taxes than you! Isn't that great? Just wait your turn - it might be awhile.

8. Home insurance might be a tad more expensive than what you're used to - if you can get it, that is. 2 years of record hurricanes (2004-05) has left the welfare version of homeowners insurance, Citizen's, as the #1 policy holder in the Sunshine State. By law, Citizen's has to charge the highest rates in order to not compete with commercial insurance companies. By the way, after 2 years Citizen's is already awash in red ink - they will cover their costs by adding a surcharge to all other policy holders in the state.
-> Expect to pay upwards of $1-$2G/yr for most homes.

8. Okay, enough said. Housing costs are higher than advertised, your taxes will be higher than everyone else on your street (unless you live in a brand-new subdivision), and your insurance costs will be much higher than where you currently reside. But hey, it's a "quality of life" issue. We haven't mentioned traffic, pollution, sub-standard schools, geezers constantly screaming for more state subsidies, OR the red tide - but should we have to? Please, please, please move here! We need your money. Seriously.