The Sunshine State may be one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, but it’s also a red-hot place for people to now call home. In 2021, Florida was ranked the number five state people were moving to. Whether you’re moving to Florida for retirement, lifestyle, or your job, here are our top things you should know before making FL your “home sweet home.”
Florida Weather is Warm
Of course, Florida is warm; that shouldn’t come as a surprise. But some people may not be prepared for the humid climate. The average daily temperature in Florida is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and there are approximately 200 sunny days per year. While this is a great way to get your Vitamin D, it also means you need to be prepared with the proper wardrobe – plus sunscreen and sunglasses – when moving.
Brush Up on Hurricane Safety
It’s not all sun and games in Florida. Out of all 50 states, Florida has been hit by the most hurricanes since direct hurricane hits were recorded in 1851. Some areas are more hurricane-prone than others, such as the Northwest Floridian panhandle and Southwest Florida. If you’re looking to minimize your chances of hurricanes, look at moving inland or to the northeastern part of the state.
No matter where you live in Florida, make sure your move includes hurricane supplies. Additionally, you should consider contacting your insurance company about hurricane coverage (which is a combination of floor, home, and wind insurance), as well as general flood insurance. You should also know what to do during and after a hurricane. Check out the Florida Department of Health’s and the CDC’s hurricane safety tips.
Wildlife is More Than Gators
Animal lovers rejoice. Florida can be divided into five different ecoregions with different species found in each. Be on the lookout for more than just gators, as you’ll encounter numerous aquatic animals, insects, and birds.
The Everglades National Park is home to waterfowl, American crocodiles, and Florida panthers. The Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary located in the western panhandle is an excellent place for sea turtle viewing, while the Crystal River is ideal for manatee spotting.
Florida is Packed with Attractions
Your move to Florida means you get to live where other people vacation. That’s because you’re surrounded by an abundance of different attractions.
- Tropical Destinations: There’s no need to jet away to an island paradise when the Keys are in your backyard. The Florida Keys are a 125-mile chain of islands, with Key West at the most southern point.
Whether you’re looking to park hop to ride the rollercoasters, or relax by the pool at a gorgeous resort, Orlando has something for you. Since Orlando sits mid-state towards the Atlantic Coast, it is drivable from many popular cities, making it great for a day or weekend trip.
Florida has Many Professional Sports
Make sure to get some new sports gear once you’ve arrived, as Florida has many professional sports teams. You have multiple options to root for, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winner of the 2021 NFL Superbowl. Some other popular teams include Miami Heat (basketball) and Tampa Bay Lightning (hockey). If you’re looking for the races, hop down to Daytona Beach and catch the Daytona 500 races held every year.
Do you prefer to play versus watch? There is golfing galore throughout the entire state. While Florida homes are generally basement-free, you can always store your new equipment in your garage or a convenient Prime Storage self storage unit.
Sinkholes Aren’t a Myth
Ground sinkholes can form anywhere in the state – making them tricky to predict – and will swallow up whatever is above them. Because of the karst limestone in Central Florida, sinkholes are more frequent in this zone. Weather conditions, acidic rain, and droughts are other environmental factors that increase sinkhole likelihood.
When you move into your new home, you should become aware of sinkhole signs, as there is visible early warning. Warning signs may include cracks in your stucco or brick, depressions in the yard or street, wilting plants, and loss of pool water.
Consider Self Storage
Are you moving from a cold-weather state? There may be a lot of gear that you no longer need on a seasonal basis, including sweaters, down jackets, thick comforters, skis, and snowboards. Before moving, decide what you want to keep, what you want in your new home, and what should be packed in storage.
Just because your winter gear isn’t a necessity doesn’t mean you need to toss it all away. If you plan on visiting chillier states, self storage is an excellent option for you. Keep those skis for your next trip to Aspen.
Are you looking to store more than your winter wardrobe? If your stored goods include paintings, furniture, antiques, and vinyl records, climate control is a great way to go. Prime Storage has convenient and affordable self storage facilities throughout the Peninsula State, including Pensacola, Miami, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.
It’s easier than ever to find a Prime Storage unit in Florida near your new home. Just click here and quickly begin your self storage rental online today!
