The Florida differences
Four things every out-of-state buyer gets wrong once.
They are not scary, they are just different from the rest of the country. Know them, plan for them, and the state's advantages, sunshine included, arrive undented.
No state income tax, but property taxes
Florida has no state income tax, which is a real planning win. Local property taxes still apply, and the homestead exemption, worth up to $50,000 off assessed value, is only available once you file with the county Property Appraiser by March 1 of the claiming year.
Insurance is a Florida project
Your out-of-state carrier often will not write a Florida policy, so plan a new homeowners policy, a separate wind and hurricane deductible of 2 to 5 percent of dwelling coverage, and possibly flood insurance in mapped zones. South Florida buyers commonly budget roughly $500 to $700 per month.
Flood zones decide the coverage
Homes in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas require flood insurance with a federally backed mortgage. Checking the flood zone is a two-minute lookup on any address, and it belongs on your shortlist before offers, not after.
You can close without flying
Florida permits remote online notarization, so many relocators close entirely by video. The practical move is still one in-person visit to confirm the shortlist, but the closing itself rarely requires a trip.
The relocation timeline
A move window that closes on schedule.
3-6 months out
Decide the region, model the budget with real Florida costs, and start watching listings to learn the price rhythm. This is also the window to line up a Florida lender.
2-3 months out
Pre-approval, shortlist areas, and a virtual tour round with your agent. Request insurance quotes for the specific properties you are serious about.
1-2 months out
One in-person visit to confirm homes and neighborhoods, then offer, inspection, and appraisal on a written calendar with the close date matched to your move.
The move window
Remote or in-person closing, movers booked, utilities transferred, and the homestead exemption filed with the county within the first weeks so the tax clock starts earning for you.
Find your town first
The neighborhood guides cover West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton, with the character, costs, and questions to ask for each. That is where the relocation becomes a life, not just an address.
Browse the neighborhood guidesBook the movers early
Moving across state lines means inventory, so movers book out during peak season. The Preferred Vendors page lists moving companies Kelby's relocating clients have used, and the referral list for your specific route is one call away.
See the preferred vendorsPlanning a move
Start the checklist with a specialist who does this weekly.
Tell Kelby your origin state, your target towns, and your move month, and you will get a personal relocation plan: lender referrals, area reads, and a closing date matched to your move, not the other way around.
Relocation intake
Where you are coming from helps as much as where you are going.