Florida has long been a favorite destination for expats, and it’s easy to see why. With its year-round sunshine, relaxed coastal lifestyle and mix of cultures, the Sunshine State offers a welcoming environment for those moving from the UK. Regardless of why you’re moving, Florida boasts a wide variety of cities and towns to suit every lifestyle and budget. From bustling city hubs to peaceful beach communities, there’s somewhere for everyone.

Where Should Expats Live in Florida?

Florida isn’t just one of the USA’s top holiday destinations, it’s also one of the most attractive states for expats seeking sunshine, culture and a laidback lifestyle. From vibrant coastal cities to charming suburban towns, Florida offers something for every kind of expat, whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, family life or a completely fresh start.

Miami

Miami is where you’ll find international communities, nightlife and coastal living. It’s one of the most recognised cities in Florida and a cultural melting pot with a strong Latin American influence, making it especially welcoming for Spanish-speakers. With a booming job market, impressive beaches and a cosmopolitan vibe, Miami is perfect if you’re seeking energy and diversity. Expats head to Miami due to the large international population and beachfront lifestyle.

Tampa

Tampa is popular amongst families, young professionals and those looking for a balanced lifestyle. It’s grown rapidly in recent years and is now one of the top destinations for both domestic movers and expats moving from the UK. It offers a mix of urban life and beach relaxation, plus great schools and healthcare. Its lower cost of living compared to Miami makes it appealing to those moving on a budget.

Sarasota

If you’re a retiree, nature lover or someone who enjoys a slower pace of life, Sarasota is worth considering. It’s often considered to be one of the best places to retire in the USA, but it’s not just for retirees. With its pristine beaches, artsy vibe and welcoming community, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a more relaxed Florida experience. You can expect a safe, clean and peaceful lifestyle in Sarasota.

Orlando

Orlando is famous for Disney and theme parks, drawing in families from around the world, but there’s a lot more to this central Florida city than you might expect. It’s a hub for hospitality, healthcare and tech, making it a great base for expats needing to work. Plus, its central location makes travel around Florida easy. Orlando balances a fun lifestyle – with parks, lakes and attractions – with plenty of job opportunities. Plus, you shouldn’t struggle to find accommodation when you first move.

Fort Lauderdale

If you’re a fan of boating or the beach, but don’t want to give up city amenities, you might want to consider Fort Lauderdale. It brings beachfront, city living but without Miami prices. Located just north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale offers a more relaxed pace with all the perks of living in a big city. It’s a popular spot for expats and the city has a thriving boating and waterfront culture, creating a vibrant, but less crowded, marina lifestyle.

Naples

When it comes to upscale living in Florida, Naples is one of the first places that springs to mind.

It offers a quiet, luxurious lifestyle with top amenities, low crime and beautiful surroundings. It’s perfect for expats who want peace, security and sunny days by the sea, who are moving to Florida for a high quality of life, beautiful real estate and coastal views. Naples is also a hub for golf, boating and leisure, enabling you to make the most of the year-round sunshine.

Jacksonville

If you’re moving to Florida on a bit of a budget, or if you want a lot of space, Jacksonville is an area that might tick a lot of boxes. It’s Florida’s largest city by area and offers a more laid-back, affordable lifestyle with easy access to beaches, parks and rivers. It’s a great place for families or expats who want a mix of urban and suburban life without the high cost.

Choosing Your Ideal Place to Live in Florida, USA

There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning to move to Florida, and it’s not all deciding which popular American dishes you’ll be tucking into when you arrive. Before you book your removals to the USA, you need to choose where to live, and there’s a fair few things to consider.

Lifestyle

Florida offers every kind of lifestyle, from the fast-paced energy of Miami to the quiet charm of Naples, or the artsy vibe of St. Petersburg. If you’re a beach lover, almost every coastal city offers a slice of paradise. But, if you prefer nature and hiking, central Florida offers plenty of green spaces and lakes.

Proximity to Work

Your job location or your industry will play a major role in choosing where to live, as Florida’s major job markets vary by city. For example, Miami is where you’ll find finance, international trade and media. In Orlando, it’s all about tourism, tech and healthcare. Head to Tampa if you’re in finance, tech or logistics, or Fort Lauderdale if it’s marine, hospitality or aviation that you’re in.

If you’re working remotely, you have more flexibility to focus on lifestyle and cost of living instead.

Cost of Living

While Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, the cost of living can still vary widely depending on where you choose to live. Coastal cities tend to be pricier, especially in the south. But there are still affordable gems if you know where to look. Some of the most affordable cities include Jacksonvilla, Cape Coral and Pensacola, whereas Miami, Key West and Naples are more expensive.

Family

If you’re moving with family, you’ll want to consider education, safety, healthcare and recreational opportunities. Florida offers some great school districts and family-friendly neighborhoods, but what’s available does vary by city. In the Tampa Bay Area, you’ll find great schools and lots of parks, whereas Sarasota boasts safety and cultural activities. The suburbs of Orlando are good for kids, and being close to Disney World and other theme parks is a huge selling point.

Accessibility

If you travel often for work or plan to pop back to the UK to visit family, having access to international airports and good road systems matters. Miami INternational Airport has

extensive global routes, as does Orlando INternational. Tampa International is expanding, and boasts a wide range of domestic flights, making it easy to travel elsewhere in the USA.

Weather

Florida is famous for its sunshine, but it’s not all palm trees and clear skies. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season – which runs from June to November – can be intense, especially along the coasts. Northern Florida is cooler and less humid, whereas Central Florida and Orlando have a milder hurricane risk. If you want year-round beach weather, consider Miami or Naples. If you’re not used to tropical climates, you may want to avoid the hottest months when first arriving.

Make Your Move to Florida a Hassle-Free One

Relocating to Florida can be the start of an exciting new chapter. But, like any big move, it comes with its challenges. That’s why working with expert removal services can make all the difference. At United International Removals, our professional movers take the stress out of the removals process so you can focus on settling into your new home. Get in touch to find out more.