Living & Working in Florida
Rent vs. Buy Analysis
Median home price is $410,000 . Buying analysis: High home prices may make renting more feasible with moderate salaries.
Neighborhoods by Value & Commute
Jacksonville
URBAN/SUBURBANTampa
URBANQuick Decision Guide
Major HVAC Employers
Top-Rated School Districts in Florida
- St. Johns County School District: Consistently ranked as the top district in here, with high test scores and graduation rates. Source
- Sarasota County Schools: Known for strong academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. Source
- Martin County School District: Recognized for its small class sizes and high teacher satisfaction.
Childcare Costs in Florida
- Daycare: Average monthly cost ranges from $800 to $1,200, depending on location and facility quality. Source
- Nanny: Full-time nannies average $2,500 to $3,500 per month, with variations based on experience and duties. Source
Recommended Pediatricians and Family Clinics
- UF Health Pediatricians: Offers comprehensive care for children, including specialized services. Source
- Nemours Children's Health: A leading pediatric health system with locations across Florida. Source
- **Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center (
Work-Life Balance Culture
Florida, particularly in cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, offers a mix of fast-paced and relaxed work-life balance cultures. Miami leans toward a fast-paced, career-driven environment, while smaller cities like Sarasota or Naples emphasize a slower, more leisure-oriented lifestyle. Remote work has grown significantly, with coworking spaces like The Lab Miami ($150–$300/month) and Industrious Tampa ($200–$400/month) catering to professionals.
Fitness Facilities
- Gyms:
- LA Fitness: Locations statewide, memberships start at $29.99/month.
- Orlando Barbell: Specializes in strength training, $50/month.
- Miami Beach Boxing Club: Drop-in classes at $25/session.
- Parks & Trails:
- Everglades National Park: Free entry with a $30 annual pass.
- The Riverwalk (Fort Lauderdale): Scenic 2.5-mile trail, free access.
- Lake Eola Park (Orlando): Features a 0.9-mile loop, free entry.
Dining Costs
- Lunch: $10–$15 at casual spots like Taco Craft (Miami) or Black Bean Deli (Orlando).
- Dinner: $25–$50 per person at mid-range restaurants like **Columbia Restaurant (T
Financial Facts for Florida, FL
- State Income Tax Rate: Florida has no state income tax, making it one of the few states with a 0% individual income tax rate. This is confirmed by the here Department of Revenue.
- Property Tax Average: The average effective property tax rate in Florida is approximately 0.89% of a home's assessed value, according to the Tax Foundation. For a home valued at $300,000, this translates to around $2,670 annually.
- Cost of Living Comparison: The cost of living in Florida is about 3% lower than in Atlanta, Georgia, a nearby major city. Housing costs are notably 10% lower in here, as per Bankrate's Cost of Living Calculator.
- Growing Industries Creating Jobs: Key industries driving job growth in Florida include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare. The here Job Growth Grant Fund highlights these sectors as priorities for economic development.
- Business Startup Climate: Florida ranks 4th in the 2024 State Business Tax Climate Index by the [Tax Foundation](https://taxfoundation.org/research/all