Moving from Washington to Florida

Median home prices across the six counties Michael serves run from about $367,000 in Indian River County to about $682,000 for single-family homes in Miami-Dade, with Palm Beach single-family medians around $605,000-$645,000 (county Realtor data, 2026). Homesteaded primary residences get an exemption, and assessed-value growth is capped, so the tax bill stays predictable.

Florida has no state personal income tax, so wages, pensions, Social Security, and investment income are all free of state tax. The state sales tax is 6 percent, with local surtaxes adding roughly a percent in most Florida counties (per the Florida Department of Revenue). Effective property tax rates run about 0.71-0.96 percent of home value depending on county (county property appraiser data).

Florida electricity rates sit near the national average (about 14-15 cents per kWh), with typical monthly residential bills around $160-$166 (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2026); air conditioning runs much of the year, so summer bills run higher. Full utility packages in the Miami metro average around $410 a month.

Florida is car-centric, with I-95 and the Florida Turnpike as the spines and further commuter options on Tri-Rail and Brightline between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Car insurance is a real line item here: Florida leads the nation at roughly $272 a month average for full coverage.

Florida healthcare costs run close to the national average, with major networks across the region, including Cleveland Clinic Florida, Baptist Health, Memorial Healthcare System, and Jackson Health in Miami. Hospital density is strongest in the three southern counties.

Grocery prices in Florida track near the national average (index about 101-103), with Publix, Winn-Dixie, Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe’s well represented along the coast. Seasonal produce and seafood are excellent and inexpensive at local markets.