Facts About Retiring in Florida

Amenities like the climate, the sun, the beaches, and the sultry sea air have convinced you to consider retirement in the state of Florida. However, before making such a life-altering move, it is a good thing to consider everything that is involved with a change of this magnitude. Here are some facts to know when you begin your retirement years in Florida.

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With more than 4.8 million residents age 60 and older, Florida currently ranks first in the nation in percentage of citizens who are elders. That senior population is expected to increase to 7.1 million by 2030, according to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. More than 1.6 million Floridians are age 75 and older. Those 85 years and older are the fastest growing age group by percentage.
Florida’s climate is semi-tropical. That means for anyone who seeks retirement in Florida the weather will be warm, wet, and humid.
Florida is home to the largest retirement community in the country. The Villages has more than 75,000 homes according to 55Places.com.
Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states in the country for retirement.
Florida offers options for those seeking retirement in the state. With so many beaches and other waterways, golf courses, parks and hiking trails, staying active is easy to do during retirement in Florida. If you prefer less activity, there are retirement communities in Florida that cater to that lifestyle as well.

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Florida is a big state. There are eight regions to consider when planning retirement to Florida: the panhandle, northeast-Atlantic, mid-Atlantic, central Florida, south Atlantic, middle Gulf, south Gulf, and the Keys. The panhandle stretches west of Tallahassee. The northeast includes Jacksonville, while the mid-Atlantic is commonly referred to as the Space Coast and home to Cape Canaveral. Central Florida is the one place that requires a drive to the beach. There are many people in the south Atlantic region, which includes Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. The middle Gulf is one of the less populated, less developed areas of the state. The south Gulf offers a lot of great towns and terrific beaches. The Keys have the warmest winters, expensive housing, and its own unique vibe.
Hurricanes are definitely a factor throughout the state. Since 1851, 114 hurricanes have made landfall in Florida, including 37 major systems. Pay attention to the weather during storm season, which is June 1 to November 30, and follow instructions for preparation and/or evacuation when conditions warrant. In 2014, only one named storm made landfall in the United States when Hurricane Arthur hit North Carolina.