Leaving California. Landing in Florida.
Why families are making the move
The money: what you will actually save (and what costs more)
| California | Florida | |
| State income tax | 1% to 13.3% (10 brackets) | None |
| Median home price (2026) | ~$782,000 to $905,000 | ~$420,000 statewide |
| Combined sales tax (avg.) | ~8.8% | ~7.0% |
| Avg. property tax rate | ~0.74% (Prop 13 caps) | ~0.8% (homestead exemption + 3% Save Our Homes cap) |
| Homeowner's insurance | Rising, with wildfire-driven non-renewals | Higher, varies by location; 2026 reforms easing rates |
Freedom on paper: the laws that actually differ
Second Amendment
- Florida: permitless concealed carry since 2023. Most adults 21 and older can carry concealed without a license, and as of 2026 open carry is legal as well. Optional licenses remain available for reciprocity when traveling.
- California: a 16-hour training requirement for carry permits, long lists of prohibited "sensitive places," a 10-round magazine limit, an assault-weapons ban, and as of January 1, 2026, a storage law that makes it a violation to keep a firearm on your own nightstand.
Homeschooling and school choice
- Florida: a flexible homeschool law with no required subjects and no mandatory testing. Keep a portfolio and do a simple annual evaluation. The Tim Tebow Law guarantees homeschoolers access to public school sports and clubs, and Florida's universal school choice provides roughly $8,000 per student per year for private or home education expenses, regardless of income.
- California: homeschooling generally requires filing a private school affidavit and complying with private-school requirements.
Schools
Where to land: a quick tour for California families
For a wider look at the state, including schools, the economy, and day to day life, see our Move to Florida overview.
Tampa Bay
Sarasota and the Gulf Coast
Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral)
Jacksonville and St. Johns County
The Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie and Stuart)
A note on Miami and South Florida
What surprises Californians (so nothing surprises you)
- Get an insurance quote before you make an offer. Rates vary by location, roof age, and construction, and newer inland homes can be very reasonable. Our agents factor it in from the start.
- Hurricane season is real, June through November. You are trading wildfire and smoke season for hurricane season, so plan accordingly. Newer construction built to post-2002 codes is dramatically safer and cheaper to insure.
- Summer humidity is the price of winter paradise. Coming from dry California this is the biggest climate adjustment, and you will live in air conditioning July through September.
- HOA and condo fees deserve scrutiny. Newer reserve requirements have pushed some older condo associations into large special assessments. Read the budget before you buy.
- No state income tax also means no state tax return, and you leave California's residency rules and the highest income-tax rate in the country behind.
- Florida is flat. If mountains and elevation are part of your California life, that is a real change, though the trade is beaches, springs, and year-round outdoor time.
How to make the move without living it twice
conservativemove.com/get-startedFrequently asked questions
Is it really cheaper to live in Florida than California?
For most families, substantially. No state income tax and home prices roughly half of California's outweigh higher insurance costs, and Florida's sales tax is lower too. Families typically keep $10,000 to $25,000 or more per year. Run your specifics through our tax savings calculator.
Do I have to live in Florida six months to escape California taxes?
To establish Florida residency you will generally spend 183 or more days there and make Florida your domicile. California audits departing residents aggressively, so do it properly. Talk to a tax professional about your situation, and our agents can refer you to one experienced with California-to-Florida moves.
Which part of Florida is best for conservative families?
Southwest Florida and the northern Gulf Coast lean most reliably conservative, St. Johns County wins on schools, and the Treasure Coast wins on value. Your Conservative Move agent matches the town to your priorities, not the other way around.
Should I sell my California home before I buy in Florida?
It depends on your equity, financing, and timeline. Because our agents work both ends of your move together, you can plan the sequence deliberately instead of gambling on timing.
Can I use my own agent to sell my California home?
Yes. Many clients keep a trusted local agent for the sale and use Conservative Move for the Florida purchase. Use as much or as little of the service as you need.
How long does a California-to-Florida move usually take?
Families who are ready typically complete the move in 3 to 6 months, and many plan 6 to 18 months out, often timed to the school year or a California closing. The earlier we are involved, the smoother the sequencing.
An honest word before you go
No move is only upside. Florida has trade-offs of its own, and the right answer depends on your family, your budget, and your timeline. Our job is to give you the real picture and connect you with a trusted conservative agent on both ends, at no cost to you. We only earn when a partner agent closes your sale or purchase.
Sell in California. Buy in Florida.
One team coordinates both sides of your move so you never have to live it twice. Free to you, start to finish.
Get Started FreeOr call 800-277-5487
