Moving to Florida
With stretches of sandy beaches, golf courses galore, and plenty of amusement parks to enjoy, the Sunshine State has a lot to offer Brits moving to Florida.
Already home to over 22 million people, Florida is a popular destination with newcomers of all ages.
For retirees, the warm weather and relaxed pace of life is enticing. For families and professionals, bustling cities like Orlando, Miami and Tallahassee provide a blend of career opportunity and leisure.
Visas for moving to Florida
If you are thinking about moving from the UK to Florida, one of your first considerations should be the legality of immigrating.
Types of visas
There are multiple types of visas that you can apply for when moving internationally to Florida. The type of visa you need will depend on factors such as your employment situation or if you have family already in the USA. It is important that you apply for the correct one.
Working with an immigration specialist or solicitor can help you navigate the red tape and make sure you apply for the correct visa.
Shipping your belongings internationally
Once you’ve sorted the paperwork, it’s time to pack your bags and arrange your items for
shipping your items internationally.
Compare international removal companies
Compare international removal companies to get the best deal for your move.
Make sure you are also aware of any restrictions and prohibited items when you are packing your belongings. Our
international shipping guide for moving to America can help you understand what you are able to take with you.
Your removal company may often handle customs forms and technical aspects of the move for you.
It’s important to be aware of any additional costs and expenses such as packing services, storage costs, insurance, and taxes.
Choose which city to move to
Before moving to Florida, you’ll want to choose which area of the state you will want to relocate to.
There are many great places to choose from depending on your specific needs.
Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando are good options for those moving with a family. Whereas The Villages, Ocala, and Port Charlotte might be a good option for those looking to retire in Florida.
Do your research about the local area to make sure you find the best place to move in Florida for you.
Weather in Florida
Despite being called the Sunshine State, it is important to be prepared for all types of Florida weather. Florida has mild, dry winters and hot summers, but you should be prepared for hurricane season that runs for six months from June 1
st – November 30
th.
Preparing for the difference in weather between the UK and Florida can help make settling in smoother.
Amenities & Leisure
If you are emigrating to Florida, you’ll be moving to a state that is world-famous for its entertainment and amenities.
From the natural beauty of the Everglades and Sanibel Causeway to the sights and sounds of Disneyland and Universal Studios, there is a great deal on offer to enjoy at any stage of life.
There some 900 natural springs throughout the state, and you can snorkel in many of these year-round.
Theme parks aside, there are plenty of other good national parks to be close to, and in suburbs such as St. Johns and Longwood, you’ll be surrounded by local parks filled with baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and playgrounds to entertain children.
Travel and Public Transport in Florida
Florida is well serviced by a number of international airports, and there is a comprehensive network of interstates and highways available to make it easy to drive.
For those reliant on public transport, all major cities have impressive infrastructure in place, with Orlando and surrounding central Florida being serviced by public bus systems.
Schools in Florida
The state capital of Tallahassee is home to two of the state’s largest and most prolific universities, Florida State University and Florida A&M University.
There are over 14,000 schools across the state, and these are categorised as being private, public, or public charter. The latter school type receives public funding, and yet is able to operate independently of the local school system.
If you are moving to Florida from the UK with kids in primary (elementary) or secondary (high school) education, there are online resources that can help you locate schools in your new chosen neighbourhood.
For more information about moving to a new country with children, take a look at our guide on
how to move abroad with kids.
Moving to Florida FAQs
How to move to Florida from the UK?
Your best option when looking to move abroad to Florida is to plan and prepare well in advance. Do lots of research to make sure you are prepared for your move both financially and legally with your visa.
Hiring a good international removals company can help make your job a lot easier and can help with the process of shipping your belongings internationally.
Can I move to Florida without a job?
Although it’s possible to move to Florida and obtain certain work visas without a job offer you must meet requirements and prove that you have enough funds for your stay until you find a job.
These visas are limited and are not easy to obtain, receiving a job offer will make your application much easier.
How do I choose a good international removals company?
Use our online quote form to receive quotes from multiple moving companies. You should compare costs and reviews to find the company best suited for your move.