The Florida Reality Check: Why 40% of People Regret Moving to the Sunshine State

Florida’s Instagram version and its grocery-store-parking-lot-in-August version are two very different places. I learned this 25 years ago when my kids started groaning about going to Disney, again. When my family first moved to Orlando, we wanted our daily life to feel like a permanent vacation. We quickly realized that trying to live in vacation mode 24/7 is not only incredibly expensive, it is impractical.

About 40% of people who move to Florida end up regretting it. If you are planning a move in 2026, you need to understand the "Florida punch in the gut" that hits new residents before you sign a lease or a mortgage.

The Insurance Shock: A Systematic Financial Hit

The insurance crisis in Florida comes in waves, and the first wave is usually your auto policy. Florida consistently ranks as the second most expensive state for car insurance in the nation. This is driven by high accident rates and a staggering statistic: 1 in 4 drivers on the road next to you has no insurance at all. You are paying a premium just to protect yourself from the uninsured.

Then comes the homeowners insurance. While the national average hovers around $2,200, Florida residents often see averages closer to $6,000. If you are looking at coastal property, expect quotes between $10,000 and $15,000. While we only account for 9% of the country’s insurance claims, Florida is home to 79% of the nation’s insurance lawsuits. When you pay your premium, you aren’t just paying for storm protection; you’re paying for everyone else’s lawyers.

HOA Fees: The Second Rent Payment

Many move into beautiful, master-planned communities without realizing the Homeowners Association (HOA) fees are essentially a second rent payment. These monthly fees can rival a car payment, and for many families, it feels like throwing money down the drain for amenities they barely use. If you don't factor this into your monthly budget, your Florida dream will be blown out of the gate.

The Reality of Central Florida Traffic and Weather

There is a running joke you must accept: Orlando is an hour away from Orlando. Whether you are going 10 miles or 30, between the I 4 Eyesore (the Majesty Building), endless construction, and tourists cutting across three lanes of traffic to find Magic Kingdom, you must block out an hour for every trip.

If it rains, which it does nearly every day around 3:00 PM, add another 20 minutes. The heat isn't just "hot"; for half the year, it feels like walking into a sauna the moment you step outside.

Transient Friendships and the Permanent Vacation Myth

Florida has a transient nature. People come and go, often staying for just a few years. If you value deep, long-term roots, Florida can feel lonely initially. However, because everyone here has had to rebuild their lives, the connections you do make are often some of the strongest because of that shared vulnerability.

The biggest mistake people make is moving for a "feeling." People who move for a feeling leave. People who move for structure—lower taxes, better business climates, and more space, stay. If you are moving from a place like Chicago, the math makes sense; you could save tens of thousands in state income and property taxes. The beach should be a side effect, not the strategy.

Conclusion: Build Your Life Intentionally

Florida isn't a vacation; it’s a specific lifestyle choice. You shouldn't move here because it looks fun; you should move here because your life works better here. If you can handle the "Sunshine Tax" and the reality of the heat and traffic, you will be among those who thrive.