Moving to Florida? Join the Welcome to Florida Webinar Before You Make the Move

Thinking about moving to Florida?

Whether you're planning to retire, relocate for work, buy a second home, or simply start a new chapter somewhere warmer, there is a lot more to moving to Florida than finding a house you like.

Property taxes work differently.

Homeowners insurance can surprise people.

HOA and CDD fees vary dramatically from one community to another.

New construction can look like a great deal until you start adding homesite premiums, design upgrades, and community fees.

And even choosing the right area can be harder than people expect.

That's exactly why I created the Welcome to Florida Webinar.

This free online webinar is designed to help you understand what living in Florida actually looks like before you make the move.

What Is the Welcome to Florida Webinar?

The Welcome to Florida Webinar is a free online relocation seminar for people considering a move to Florida.

I created it after seeing the same questions come up over and over again from buyers moving from other states.

People would ask:

• How do Florida property taxes work?

• What happens to taxes after I buy a home?

• How expensive is homeowners insurance?

• What's the difference between an HOA and a CDD?

• Is new construction really a better deal?

• What should I know about hurricanes?

• How do 55+ communities work?

• What are the hidden costs of moving to Florida?

• Which Florida communities fit my lifestyle?

Instead of answering those questions one at a time, the webinar brings everything together in one place.

The goal is simple:

Help you understand Florida before you buy in Florida.

Who Should Attend the Welcome to Florida Webinar?

This webinar is ideal for anyone who is seriously considering a move to Florida.

That includes:

• Retirees

• Pre-retirees

• Second-home buyers

• Families relocating for work

• Buyers moving from the Northeast or Midwest

• Golf and lifestyle-community buyers

• Buyers considering 55+ communities

• People exploring new construction

• Anyone comparing different areas of Florida

You do not need to be ready to buy tomorrow.

In fact, many people attend months—or even a year—before they plan to move.

That's often the best time to start learning.

Florida Property Taxes: Why Buyers Get Surprised

One of the biggest topics we discuss is Florida property taxes.

Many buyers make the mistake of looking at the current owner's tax bill and assuming theirs will be similar.

That can be a costly assumption.

Florida's property tax system includes:

• Homestead Exemption

• Save Our Homes

• Reassessment after a sale

• Portability

• Local millage rates

• Non-ad valorem assessments

The previous owner may have owned the home for years and benefited from limits on increases in assessed value.

After a sale, the property can be reassessed under Florida law.

That means the future owner's tax bill can look very different from what appears on the current listing.

Understanding this before you purchase is extremely important.

Florida Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is another area where relocation buyers often underestimate the cost.

Insurance costs can vary substantially based on:

• Property location

• Distance from the coast

• Roof age

• Roof type

• Wind mitigation features

• Flood zone

• Age of the home

• Electrical systems

• Plumbing

• Previous claims

A home that looks like a great value may become far less attractive once you receive an insurance quote.

That's why I encourage buyers to investigate insurance early in the process.

During the webinar, we talk about what buyers should be looking for before they make an offer.

HOA Fees and CDD Fees

If you're moving into a Florida community, there's a good chance you'll encounter an HOA.

You may also encounter a CDD.

They're not the same thing.

An HOA generally covers the operation and maintenance of the community and its amenities.

Depending on the neighborhood, that may include:

• Gated security

• Lawn care

• Pools

• Fitness centers

• Pickleball

• Tennis

• Clubhouses

• Community activities

• Landscaping

• Common areas

A CDD, or Community Development District, is different and is commonly found in newer master-planned communities.

Understanding both is critical when comparing the true monthly cost of different neighborhoods.

New Construction vs. Resale Homes

Florida has an enormous amount of new construction, particularly in growing areas.

And builders frequently advertise incentives that look very attractive.

You may see:

• Closing-cost incentives

• Interest-rate buy-downs

• Design-center credits

• Quick-move-in discounts

• Lot incentives

But buyers also need to understand the expenses that aren't always obvious in the advertised price.

That can include:

• Homesite premiums

• Structural upgrades

• Design upgrades

• CDD fees

• HOA fees

• Builder deposits

• Closing costs

New construction can be a fantastic option.

But you need to compare the real final price, not simply the number advertised online.

55+ Communities and Active Adult Living

Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the country for active-adult living.

But not every 55+ community is the same.

Some are massive resort-style communities with:

• Pickleball

• Fitness centers

• Resort pools

• Clubs

• Activities directors

• Restaurants

• Walking trails

• Social events

Others are much smaller and quieter.

During the webinar, we talk about how to compare these communities based on your actual lifestyle—not simply the amenity list.

Because a community can look amazing on paper and still be completely wrong for you.

Golf Communities and Florida Lifestyle Living

Golf communities are another major part of Florida real estate.

Some communities require:

• Golf memberships

• Initiation fees

• Annual dues

• Food minimums

Others offer optional memberships.

And some newer communities structure golf very differently.

If golf is important to you, understanding the membership structure before purchasing is critical.

The same applies to boating, beaches, pickleball, fitness, and other lifestyle priorities.

Your lifestyle should help determine where you live, not just which house you buy.

Hurricanes and Living in Florida

Hurricanes are part of living in Florida.

That doesn't mean people spend the entire year worrying about them.

Preparation is the key.

During the webinar, we discuss some of the things newcomers should understand about hurricane season, including:

• Home preparation

• Insurance

• Wind mitigation

• Flood considerations

• Generators

• Storm shutters

• Evacuation planning

People who have never lived through a Florida hurricane naturally have questions.

It's better to learn how Florida residents prepare before hurricane season arrives.

The Cost of Moving to Florida

One of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing only on the price of the house.

Your real Florida budget may also include:

• Property taxes

• Homeowners insurance

• Flood insurance

• HOA fees

• CDD fees

• Auto insurance

• Utilities

• Vehicle registration costs

• Home maintenance

• Community membership expenses

Florida has no state income tax, which is a significant benefit.

But that doesn't mean Florida is automatically inexpensive.

The goal is to understand the total cost of living, not just the purchase price of the home.

Choosing the Right Florida Community

This is probably the most important part of the entire relocation process.

Most people start with houses.

I think that's backwards.

Start with lifestyle.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to live near the beach?

• Do I want golf?

• Do I want a gated community?

• Do I want 55+ living?

• Do I want new construction?

• Do I want boating access?

• Do I want a walkable downtown?

• Do I want resort-style amenities?

• Do I want quiet and low density?

• Do I want restaurants and shopping nearby?

Once you know how you want to live, choosing the right area becomes much easier.

Then you find the house.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Welcome to Florida Webinar

Is the Welcome to Florida Webinar free?

Yes. The webinar is completely free to attend.

When is the webinar?

The Welcome to Florida Webinar is held Wednesdays at 7 PM Eastern. You can select the date that works best for you when you register.

Is this only for people moving to the Treasure Coast?

No. The information applies broadly to people considering a move to Florida, although I specialize in Florida's Treasure Coast and frequently discuss communities in Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and surrounding areas.

Do I need to be ready to buy a home?

No. Many attendees are still in the research stage.

The earlier you understand Florida taxes, insurance, communities, and lifestyle options, the easier your eventual move will be.

Can I ask questions during the webinar?

Yes. The webinar is designed to help relocation buyers understand the process and get answers to the questions that come up when planning a move to Florida.

Is the webinar only for retirees?

No. While many attendees are retirees or pre-retirees, the webinar is helpful for anyone considering relocating to Florida.

Ready to Learn What Moving to Florida Is Really Like?

Moving to Florida can be exciting.

But the best moves happen when you understand the costs, communities, and lifestyle before you start looking at houses.

That's exactly what the Welcome to Florida Webinar is designed to help you do.

🎥 Join the Free Welcome to Florida Webinar

Wednesdays at 7 PM Eastern — choose the date that works best for you.

Register here:

https://calendly.com/melaineygunning/moving-to-florida-webinar

📘 Download the Free Florida Relocation Guide

If you're still researching your move, you can also download my free Florida Relocation Guide for information on communities, housing, insurance, taxes, and what to expect before relocating.

https://canva.link/hubwcembzg2g21n

Whether you're moving next month, next year, or you're just beginning to explore your options, getting educated before you buy can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

Helping you relocate your life—not just buy a home.