Insight

A Change of Scenery: The Migration to Florida

A Change of Scenery: The Migration to Florida

Roy D. Oppenheim

Roy D. Oppenheim

December 31, 2020 06:08 PM

Moving to Florida? Interested in Homestead, title transfers? You need a Florida Real Estate Attorney, call 954-384-6114

Since the pandemic began, relocating to Florida has accelerated. In fact, since 2014, Florida eclipsed NY, becoming the third largest state in population behind Texas and California. People are leaving the Northeast and relocating to Florida particularly for the climate and because Florida just so happens to be one of only seven states with no state income-tax.

Why Florida?

Prior to 2018, northerners in high-tax states like New York and New Jersey could deduct some of their income-tax by taking a state and local Tax (SALT) deduction. Due to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018, the SALT deduction is now capped at $10,000.00. As a result, many people are moving to our Sunshine State.

It is not just individual homeowners that are leaving but also large corporations are considering Florida as their new hub. On December 13th, news broke that Goldman Sachs, one of the largest investment banks based in New York City, is considering moving its asset management operations and many of its other large divisions to South Florida, with Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach County the most likely destinations. Several other investment firms such as Citadel and Blackstone have also recently boosted their presence in Florida, most seeking lower costs, warmer weather and, of course, a friendlier state tax code.

Besides the climate and taxes, there are other reasons why people continue to choose Florida home. While COVID-19 may have proved to be the final straw for families who were on the fence, many find that Florida is much less cramped than the large northern cities, provides access to style and culture to which they have grown accustomed, and has much more affordable housing. For the price of a one bedroom in Manhattan, you can own a single-family home within a short drive to cultural and financial meccas such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

To Do’s for Relocation

Should you decide to move to Florida, whether it be to take advantage of the tax laws or for any other reason, there are a few important steps you need to take in order to establish yourself as a Florida resident. First, make sure you update the DMV in your current state with your new Florida address and surrender any license plate tags once you have settled into your new home in Florida. Florida’s Department of Motor Vehicles requires to you register your vehicle within 30 days after establishing your Florida residency. Next, register to vote in Florida. Conveniently, you may apply for your Florida Voters Registration at the DMV when you are getting your Florida driver’s license and registration, or you can apply online.

After you close on your home, apply for Florida Homestead protections with your county’s property tax collector’s office. Many northern states have enacted laws that allow them to classify people who domicile elsewhere as “statutory residents” in order to collect taxes from people or businesses who have moved elsewhere. Some states even require former residents to file Nonresident State Tax Returns if there was any income generated from that particular state. As a result, you may also want to record a Declaration of Domicile in which you confirm that Florida will be your principal residence. This document further strengthens your position that Florida is your intended residence for income and estate tax purposes.

Finally, if you still have a financial connection to your prior state such as a corporate entity, you should speak with your accountants and attorney regarding transferring the corporation to Florida.

In addition to the steps above, there are a few tips to consider in order to establish domicile in Florida and effectuate a smooth transition:

  • Spend over 6 months in Florida; and less than 6 months in any other State;
  • Open a bank account at a Florida branch and use your account regularly;
  • List a Florida address on your Federal tax return; and,
  • Confirm that your Will, Trust, or other Estate documents comply with Florida requirements.

Our office can assist in making your transition to Florida as smooth as possible. The title professionals, at our sister company, Weston Title & Escrow, are here to help when you are purchasing a home and our attorneys are here to answer any questions you may have. On a personal note, I moved from New York City more than 33 years ago with my partner and wife, Ellen, so I look forward to guiding you should you decide to relocate to Florida.

Roy Oppenheim

From the Trenches

​Oppenheim Law
2500 Weston Rd #209
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33331
954-384-6114
https://www.oppenheimlaw.com

originally posted at: https://www.oppenheimlaw.com/a-change-of-scenery-the-migration-to-florida/

Tags: Florida Lawyer, Florida migration 2020, Florida Real Estate Lawyer, Florida relocation, Florida relocation jobs, moving to Florida guide, New York Lawyer, New York Real Estate Lawyer, relocating to Florida, relocating to Florida information, Weston Title & Escrow

Related Articles

How Injury Lawyers Can Keep Their Heads Above Water by Referring Maritime Cases


by Justin Smulison

The maritime lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. are ready to help injury lawyers fight for their clients in catastrophic cruise ship injuries.

Maritime Lawyers for Personal Injury Cases

Trending Articles

Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition


by Jennifer Verta

Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.

Flags of Spain, representing Best Lawyers country

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

How to Increase Your Online Visibility With a Legal Directory Profile


by Jennifer Verta

Maximize your firm’s reach with a legal directory profile.

Image of a legal directory profile

Paramount Hit With NY Class Action Lawsuit Over Mass Layoffs


by Gregory Sirico

Paramount Global faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly violating New York's WARN Act after laying off 300+ employees without proper notice in September.

Animated man in suit being erased with Paramount logo in background

The Future of Family Law: 3 Top Trends Driving the Field


by Gregory Sirico

How technology, mental health awareness and alternative dispute resolution are transforming family law to better support evolving family dynamics.

Animated child looking at staircase to beach scene

Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher


by Jamilla Tabbara

The power of effective communication beyond the law.

 Image of Jefferson Fisher and Phillip Greer engaged in a conversation about effective communication

The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In


by Jennifer Verta

Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.

Person standing at a crossroads with multiple intersecting paths and a signpost.

The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.

Lawyers networking

Safe Drinking Water Is the Law, First Nations Tell Canada in $1.1B Class Action


by Gregory Sirico

Canada's argument that it has "no legal obligation" to provide First Nations with clean drinking water has sparked a major human rights debate.

Individual drinking water in front of window

New Mass. Child Custody Bills Could Transform US Family Law


by Gregory Sirico

How new shared-parenting child custody bills may reshape family law in the state and set a national precedent.

Two children in a field holding hands with parents

Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing


by Jennifer Verta

How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.

Portrait of Jefferson Fisher a legal marketing expert

Finding the Right Divorce Attorney


by Best Lawyers

Divorce proceedings are inherently a complex legal undertaking. Hiring the right divorce attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of any case.

Person at a computer holding a phone and pen

New Texas Law Opens Door for Non-Lawyers to Practice


by Gregory Sirico

Texas is at a critical turning point in addressing longstanding legal challenges. Could licensing paralegals to provide legal services to low-income and rural communities close the justice gap?

Animated figures walk up a steep hill with hand

The Future of Canadian Law. Insights from Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honorees


by Jennifer Verta

Emerging leaders in Canada share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Canadian law

Digital eye with futuristic overlays, symbolizing legal innovation and technology

Family Law Wrestles With Ethics as It Embraces Technology


by Michele M. Jochner

Generative AI is revolutionizing family law with far-reaching implications for the practice area.

Microchip above animated head with eyes closed