Short advisory video by Scott Selleck (NJ→Florida transition advisor) listing five practical lessons he wishes clients knew before moving from New Jersey to Florida: (1) Florida tax and housing-related savings are often smaller than expected once insurance, HOA, and homestead-exemption timing are considered; (2) hurricane insurance is costly, carriers have withdrawn, and deductibles are commonly 2–5% of home value; (3) cost of living can be higher in areas like groceries, AC and lower wages may offset income-tax savings; (4) Florida housing markets move quickly (many cash buyers), homes sell in days — plan for bridge loans and different home styles; (5) Florida contains distinct regions (South, Central, Southwest, Northeast, Panhandle) with different costs, risks, and lifestyles. Video closes with Scott's contact and offer of a relocation guide.
Chapters
Thinking about moving from New Jersey to Florida. Sunshine, beaches, no state income tax. Sounds perfect, right? But there are five critical things most people don't discover until after they move. And by then it's too late. I'm Scott Selleck, your NJ to Florida transition advisor. I've helped hundreds of Bergen county families buy and sell their homes. And today I'm sharing what I wish every client knew before they made that move from New Jersey to Florida. Number one, Florida property taxes aren't that big of a bargain that you think you're escaping to bergen County. Taxes of 15 the 25,000 plus gle property taxes for it sounds like paradise. But here's the truth. Any insurance In Florida runs 3 to 8,000 plus a year versus 12 to 2,000 a year. That's over six thousand dollar difference. HOA in Florida communities are 3 to 800amonth. That's another 3,600 to 9,600 a year. And you don't automatically get the Florida homestead exemption. You must establish a residency and apply. You missed that you pay the full taxes without the $50,000 exemption. To do the math, your Florida savings might only be $3,000 to $5,000, not the 15,000 you expected. Number two, hurricane insurance could be a nightmare in Florida. Many carriers have pulled out of the state. State options are also very expensive. I helped a client sell her home at Port St. Lucie, Florida. She had one small claim for wind and rain damage and almost stopped her sale because the buyers had difficulty getting a reasonable homeowner's insurance policy. The insurance was, you know, there for the seller. That's what it's supposed to be there for. She paid the premiums. In Bergen county, you know, you want to get hurricane insurance. It's much more reasonable. In Florida, your hurricane deductible is 2 to 5% of your home value. On a $650,000 home, that's 13,000 to 32,000 out of your insurance before they even do anything. Out of your pocket before they do anything. Get quotes from the address that you're looking to buy. Two miles from the coast versus 10 miles could be five to $10,000 difference in your policy. Number three, the cost of living isn't actually cheaper. You save 6,000, 8,000. Your income taxes, that's great. Or more. But groceries are 8 to 12% higher. Air conditioning is 3 to $500 a month versus in Florida versus 120amonth in New Jersey. And wages are lower. People go from Bergen county making 120,000 to Orlando, for example, making 85,000. And there's a lot of hidden costs, budget everything, your insurance, your hoa, your utility cost. Sometimes you'll come out ahead, sometimes you won't. But know your numbers. Number four. It can be a challenge at times to ideally time to say I love your. And also the purchase of a house in Florida. The Florida market was very quick. There's a lot of cash buyers. So you know, selling your place for like 850 to a million, buying in Florida for 500,000 sounds wonderful, but you're, you know, you really have to move quickly because homes in Florida can sell in just 40, 48 hours. So you may need a bridge loan, some type of temporary living. Also, the home styles in Florida are different. You know, you're used to colonials. On a quarter acre in Florida you'll find these villas, stucco homes and communities and that could be like a culture shock. So it's to have a business, you know, have a backup plan. Number five, Florida isn't one place, it's five different regions. South Florida, Miami, like for example Fort Lauderdale is expensive and moves at fast pace. Like you know, northern New Jersey, Central Florida, Orlando and Tampa. It's geared towards, you know, customers with schools in mind and lots of theme parks. Southwest Florida, like Naples and Fort Myers is quieter and retiree focused. Northeast Florida, for example Jacksonville and St. Augustine has actual season changes. They're panhandled, the most affordable, also the most hurricane prone. Something you have to take into consideration. Picking wrong and you'll be miserable. I've seen families hate their choices and within six months want to move back. Visit multiple times, spend weeks in even areas, live there, don't just vacation. Move from New Jersey to Florida can be incredible, but only if you do it right. Ready to make your move? Give me a call. Reach out to me directly. I'm Scott Selleck, your NJ to Florida transition advisor. Your move matters. Make it smoother. Schedule a consultation with me at 201-970-3960 or my email scott@celexcelsnj.com More importantly, DM me for a free NJ to Florida transition relocation guide that can make all the difference in your ability to make the most prepared and ultimate decision. Take advantage of my 32 years experience.
