If you are planning a state to state move in or out of Florida, you may be seeing two different moving trends at once. Depending on which way you’re headed, you’re probably curious what you should know about these trends, and why they matter for your own move.
At National Van Lines, our own internal data shows that Florida’s moving patterns have changed over the past several years. With nearly a century of nationwide moving experience we have a strong presence in the state of Florida, and we are seeing these shifts play out in real life on the moves we do in the region. By understanding what’s going on in both directions, you’ll be able to make a more informed and educated decision about your own long distance move.
What Does the Data Say About Moving to Florida?
The data is clear that individuals and families are still moving to Florida. The U.S. Census reported that beginning in 2021, Florida is one of the states that has “increasingly topped domestic migration rankings.” This is still holding true today, and our data at National Van Lines reflects it. As of the first half of 2026, long distance moves to Florida remain at a high volume. In fact, moves to Florida make up 23.5% of all the moves we complete.
Some of the main reasons people choose to relocate to the Sunshine State include the following.
- There is no personal income tax. Many people move to Florida because the lack of a state income tax can provide significant savings. You can learn more about Florida’s tax policies on the official Florida Department of Revenue Website.
- The job market is strong and continues to grow. According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida boasts the 14th-largest economy worldwide, and the 4th-largest in the United States. It’s a top place for new start-ups and manufacturing jobs.
- Warmer climates in inland cities. Florida is famous for its warm, subtropical climate and miles of coastline. However, people moving to a new home in Florida often choose inland spots to avoid the more hurricane-prone areas. That way they can still enjoy the warm weather with lessened risk during hurricane season.
Together these factors explain why Florida remains a popular destination for many long distance movers. And knowing these facts can help you decide where you want to end up in Florida, and how you want to budget for it all.
What if You Are Moving Out of Florida?
If you’re moving long distance and you’re leaving the state of Florida, you might be wondering who else is making a similar journey. Census Bureau data indicates that Florida’s net migration numbers dropped nearly 66% between 2022 and 2025. Florida is still gaining residents overall, but growth has shifted away from the state’s largest and most expensive metro counties out towards more affordable mid-sized counties. Some people are moving out of Florida for reasons like these.
- Rising housing costs. Some people are choosing to move out of the state because the median price is starting to rise. As of 2026 the typical Florida home was selling at about 2% greater than the national average.
- Steeper insurance costs. Because Florida is prone to severe weather like flooding and hurricanes, some residents find insuring their home or other property to be too costly.
- Wanting a calmer environment with four seasons. For retirees and seniors especially, many are choosing to move up the East Coast to places like North Carolina and Tennessee. The lifestyle is more laid back than the bigger cities in Florida, with less intense winters than many American states further north.
Of course, Florida still draws long distance movers for several reasons, from its tax policy to overall job growth and its year-round warm weather. But at the same time, more people are weighing the full cost of living there, including home prices and insurance, before making a final decision. Looking at the full picture – both the reasons people arrive and the reasons some choose to move on – can help you make a more informed decision about your own long distance move.
National Van Lines’ Top Tips for Moving In or Out of Florida
Whether you are packing to move to Florida or packing to leave, these tips can help.
- Check home insurance costs before you pick a neighborhood. If you’re moving to Florida, get an insurance quote for that exact area first. Coastal counties often cost far more to insure than inland areas, and the difference can be significant.
- Look at your full cost of living, not just the home price. If you’re leaving Florida, compare more than housing costs. States like the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee often have lower insurance and lower taxes too.
- Consider a smaller metro area, not just the big names. Some of the fastest-growing cities in the country right now are smaller Florida metros with shorter commutes and more affordable homes. In other words, it’s worth looking beyond Miami, Tampa and Orlando.
- Book your move early either way, as Florida stays busy in both directions all year. The same peak seasons and pricing patterns apply whether you are moving in or moving out. Because a move to or from Florida often crosses state lines, it can also help to understand what counts as a long distance move before you compare quotes and timelines.
No matter which direction you’re headed, a little research goes a long way. Taking time to compare insurance costs, tax policy and cost of living before you settle on a location can save you money and stress down the road. And once you know where you’re headed, working with an experienced mover like National Van Lines can make the transition that much smoother.
“Because Florida is such a popular corridor for us, we see a lot of people coming and going for many reasons. However, our advice is the same for both directions. Get the real cost picture first, then decide.”
— Aaron Bacon, Director of Sales Development
Move to or From Florida With National Van Lines
When it comes to leaving or arriving in Florida, the story is a little more complex than you might have originally thought. Whether you’re coming or going, having the right long distance moving support behind your move can make all the difference. National Van Lines brings nearly a century of experience to every relocation, backed by an agent network of real people and established operations on both ends of your move.
Whether Florida is your destination or your starting point, we’re ready to help you get there. Whichever direction you’re headed, the best next move is talking to us. Call 800-323-1962 or request a free National Van Lines quote and start planning your move with confidence.
