FLORIDA LIFESTYLES
Since the 1960’s, Florida has attracted more retirees than any other state and to this day holds that #1 ranking. Whenever you see a list or an article on the “best places to retire” you will always see Florida’s cities on the list. According to Media Audit, the top ranking retiree markets in the country are all in Florida and they are:
- Ocala
- Fort Myers-Naples
- Daytona Beach
- West Palm Beach
- Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa
- For the full report click here
There are a multitude of reasons why Florida lifestyles have always been so appealing and will be for decades to come. Some of the quality of life components that make Florida such a great choice for you are:
Florida Climate
Florida’s climate is mild throughout the state. Yes, summers are hot and humid, but many don’t seem to mind. They acclimate. Golfers abound in the middle of 95 degree Florida weather in August. Those that aren’t fond of the heat and humidity spend more time in the air conditioning or spend their summers in more northern climates. If you are a full time resident, you realize that the trade off is well worth it when you are watching a National News Broadcast in January and the snow is falling in New York, Chicago, Michigan or Minneapolis! The temperature on your lanai is perfect and the Florida weather forecast for the next day is better yet!
Different parts of the state have different climates. The South Florida climate is tropical, Central Florida climate is sub-tropical and in the North Florida climate, you will experience a bit of the four seasons. I can attest to a few mornings in January in South Florida when the low was 30 degrees, giving way to a 70 degree perfect day. Cold streaks rarely last more than a few days and in truth, most enjoy the change.
For average Florida weather temperatures around the state as well as average rainfall statistics visit: http://countrystudies.us/united-states/weather/florida/
For average Florida water temperatures visit: http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/egof.html
One can’t talk about Florida climate without addressing hurricanes. Truth be told, we’ve had only two, Category 4 storms since 1950 and only five, Category 3 storms. Most often we are dealing with tropical depressions and a lot of rain. We take hurricane preparedness very seriously in Florida and you will too, when you live here. Residents and government work together for the good of all.
For more information on Florida weather statistics regarding hurricanes click here:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
If you are reading this in January from a northern state, click here for the weather forecast for Florida: http://www.weather.com/outlook/weatherbystate/florida
The Best Florida Beaches
As residents, we sometimes take our beautiful Florida beach sand for granted in that we don’t walk on it, play in it or lay on it, enough! But when we do go for Florida beach getaways, whether it’s for a day or a weekend, we realize what wonderful natural resources are ours to enjoy as often as we would like. Wherever you choose to live in Florida you are no more than an hour away from a beach! We have 1200 miles of gorgeous coastline. Whenever you see an article about “top beaches,” Florida beaches are always on the list. Florida beaches vary from region to region. Most of Florida’s beaches are on barrier islands, separated from the mainland by rivers and lakes. Intracoastal Waterways exist on both coasts because these rivers, lakes and marshy areas have been dredged and linked together, allowing watercraft to explore and enjoy Florida’s nature preserves, waterways, marinas, restaurants and downtowns.
Natural and undiscovered, family oriented and fun, quiet and peaceful, Florida’s beaches truly are some of the best in the world. Many are located in State and County Parks and Nature Preserves where one can hike or camp or launch a small boat, kayak or canoe. Some Florida beaches are on islands that you can only get to by boat!
You’ll find that the sand is very different on the beaches in Florida from one part of the state to the next. On Tampa Florida beaches and Saint Petersburg Florida beaches, the sand is fine, white and soft. In Northeast Florida, the sand is fine and packed down hard. In many towns you can drive on the beach. It’s golden colored on the Atlantic southern coast. Panama City, Florida beach houses front sand like fine white powder in the Panhandle. Sugar best describes it on the Gulf Coast in Southwest Florida. The sand on Venice’s beach is dark gray to black in some areas and known for the fossilized shark’s teeth that you often find.
In our Florida Beach Book, we profile over 350 Florida Beaches throughout the state. You’ll find private Florida beaches, pet friendly Florida beaches and romantic Florida beaches. There’s a bonus as well – gift certificates from the best Florida restaurants on or near those beaches. Read more about the best Florida beaches, top Florida restaurants and preview the Florida Restaurant Gift Certificates.
Homes in Florida
In every Region of Florida, in every county, in every town and many times, in the same community, if you are buying a home in Florida you can find modest condominiums, moderately priced single family homes, luxury condominiums, small bungalows or estate homes. Typically, the closer you get to the coasts, the more expensive homes are, but there are always exceptions. It’s very difficult to report price ranges for towns because of so many of these kinds of variables.
In our Florida’s Counties, Cities and Towns, we list median prices (50% of homes sell below this price and 50% of homes sell above this price) for most Florida counties and cities in 2007, 2008 and a recent 2009 month. For example, the median price of a single family home in the Fort Myers MSA in 2007 was $254,700. In 2008 it dropped to $158,200. In April of 2009 it was down to $85,500. By contrast, in the Tampa MSA, the median price in 2007 was $208,990, in 2008 it was $169,500 and it is currently $135,200. Condominium median prices are also listed. Therefore, you can see how particular Florida cities and towns compare to one another and you can also see the direction of the market. As we’re sure you’ve heard by now and fortunately for you, median prices have dropped significantly over the last 2-3 years and it is a great time to buy!
Whatever it is that you want—old Florida construction or new, golf course communities or waterfront in Florida, over 55 communities or family oriented, condominium or single family home, you can find it here. You have a choice of every type of housing in every price range. We would be delighted to work with you in determining where you want to buy your vacation home in Florida or to help you in investigating the best places to retire in Florida. Learn more about our personalized Florida Relocation Services.
Florida Recreation and Sports
You can definitely find shuffleboard courts in Florida, but if you are like a lot of Baby Boomers who are considering Florida relocation, you are more interested in playing golf, tennis, bocce ball and pickle ball. Many Boomers are swimming, fishing, hunting and working out. There are many public facilities in towns and neighborhoods as well as fabulous State and County Parks and Preserves. The Florida On-Line Park Guide is a great resource. Visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/default.cfm for your free copy.
Knowing that today’s retirees want to stay active, developers include many amenities in their communities. In many Florida retirement communities you’ll find indoor pools, outdoor pools, tennis facilities, biking paths, walking trails, fitness centers and the like. We have full time sunshine here – every day can be an active day if you want it to be!
Florida Golf
Florida has over 1250 golf courses, more than any other state and could very well be the world’s leading golf destination! For a free Play Florida Golf Directory visit: http://www.flasports.com/page_aboutus_freeguides.shtml
In addition to having many choices on where to play, you also can choose how to play Florida retirement golf!
Bundled Golf Communities offer many benefits. Your golf and social membership is included with your home purchase. Your golf dues are typically built into your Master Association Fee, which can range anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 per year. On top of this fee, you typically pay a cart fee each time you play ($15 - $20) or if you want to use your own cart, you pay a yearly trail fee ($1250 - $1500.) Many find this option to be a viable one as opposed to joining an equity club.
A consideration with bundled golf is the number of members that belong to the club. That can range from 500-800 for 18 holes. This may present a problem in season for a serious golfer. Most bundled courses have gone to the Chelsea System which sets tee times according to how often you play, keeping the process fair for everyone.
On a positive note, if you rent out your Florida vacation home for any length of time, in most cases in a bundled golf community, your membership is transferable to your renters. This is a highly desirable arrangement for both you and your renter.
Equity Golf Communities abound in Florida. If you are a serious golfer and the private country club lifestyle appeals to you, you can surely find the perfect spot among the many private clubs to choose from. Initiation Fees vary widely. In Southwest Florida for example, initiation fees range from$35,000 to $250,000. Yearly dues vary as well. However, in these economic times, many private clubs are offering special promotions to attract new members. They’re lowering initiation fees, offering installment plans and special memberships which allow you to play a limited number of times in season and unlimited off season. Most clubs have reciprocal arrangements with other clubs in the area which allow you play over 50 other courses in the off season – a nice perk!
Public Golf Courses are many and varied throughout the state. You can choose to live in a community that is built around a public course or simply travel a mile or so when you want to play. Rates are reasonable, especially in the off season. Check out the South Florida PGA GolfPass – it’s a great bargain: http://www.sflorida.pga.com/index.cfm?menu=3006
The PGA Tour, First Tee, Golf 2020, LPGA, National Golf Foundation, PGA of America, the World Golf Hall of Fame and World Golf Foundation are ALL headquartered in Florida. There are eight PGA Tournaments, three Champions Tournaments and one Nationwide Tournament that are played throughout the state, allowing for fun filled day or weekend trips to watch the pros.
Florida Sports for Spectators
16 Major League Baseball teams have their spring training headquarters facilities in Florida. Take in a game at a greatly reduced rate and watch your favorite teams play each other in what is known as The Grapefruit League. Here are the teams and locations:
Philadelphia Phillies - Clearwater >
Philadelphia
Phillies
Pittsburgh Pirates - Bradenton >
Pittsburgh
Pirates
St. Louis Cardinals - Jupiter >
St.
Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Rays - Port Charlotte >
Tampa
Bay Rays
Toronto Blue Jays - Dunedin >
Toronto
Blue Jays
Washington Nationals - Melbourne >
Washington
Nationals
Atlanta Braves - Lake Buena Vista >
Atlanta
Braves
Baltimore Orioles - Fort Lauderdale >
Baltimore
Orioles
Boston Red Sox - Fort Myers >
Boston
Red Sox
Cincinnati Reds - Sarasota >
Cincinnati
Reds
Detroit Tigers - Lakeland >
Detroit
Tigers
Florida Marlins - Jupiter >
Florida
Marlins
Houston Astros - Kissimmee >
Houston
Astros
Minnesota Twins - Fort Myers >
Minnesota
Twins
New York Mets - Port St. Lucie >
New
York Mets
New York Yankees - Tampa >
New
York Yankees
Major League Baseball Teams include:
Florida Marlins - Miami www.floridamarlins.com
Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Tampa www.devilrays.com
The Florida State League boasts:
Brevard County Manatees -Melbourne www.manateesbaseball.com
Clearwater Thrashers - Clearwater www.thrashersbaseball.com
Daytona Cubs - Daytona Beach www.daytonacubs.com
Dunedin Blue Jays - Dunedin www.dunedinbluejays.com
Fort Myers Miracle - Fort Myers www.miraclebaseball.com
Jupiter Hammerheads - Jupiter www.jupiterhammerheads.com
Lakeland Tigers - Lakeland http://floridastate.league.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t570
Palm Beach Cardinals - Jupiter www.palmbeachcardinals.com
Sarasota Reds - Sarasota www.sarasotareds.com
St. Lucie Mets - Port St. Lucie www.stluciemets.com
Tampa Yankees - Tampa www.legendsfieldtampa.com
Vero Beach Devil Rays - Vero Beach http://floridastate.league.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t457
The Southern League (AA)
Jacksonville Suns - Jacksonville www.jaxsuns.com
National Football League Teams include:
Jacksonville Jaguars - Jacksonville www.jaguars.com
Miami Dolphins - Miami www.miamidolphins.com
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tampa www.buccaneers.com
The Arena Football League is alive and well in Florida:
Orlando Predators - Orlando www.orlandopredators.com
Tampa Bay Storm - Tampa www.tampabaystorm.com
Arena Football 2:
Florida Firecats - Estero www.floridafirecats.com
National Basketball Association teams include:
Miami Heat - Miami www.heat.com
Orlando Magic - Orlando www.orlandomagic.com
National Hockey League
Florida Panthers - Sunrise www.floridapanthers.com
Tampa Bay Lightning - Tampa www.tampabaylightning.com
East Coast Hockey League
Florida Everblades - Estero www.floridaeverblades.com
National Indoor Soccer League
Orlando Sharks www.orlandosharks.com
Professional Racing is well represented with the Daytona International
Speedway, Gainesville Raceway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Moroso Motor Sports
Park in Jupiter and USA International Speedway in Lakeland.
Florida's colleges and universities have exciting
state rivalries and many are nationally ranked. Here's the list with
website links:
NCAA
NAIA
Participatory Sports
Would you rather participate than watch? You may want to consider The Florida State Senior Games – Age 50+
The Senior Games movement first started in Florida when the Golden Age Games were created in Sanford in 1974. Soon after, these Florida sports events began appearing nationwide, especially throughout Florida.
In 1992, the first Florida Senior Games State Championships were held in Bradenton. Over the years, the Florida Senior Games have continued to grow, and together with the Local Games, they provide fun, fellowship, fitness and competition for Florida’s fastest growing age group. The focus of the Senior Games is not winning, but participating. The Florida Senior Games is dedicated to:
- Encouraging and promoting healthy lifestyles for Florida’s seniors.
- Providing Florida Seniors with the opportunity to compete at the local, state and national levels.
- Providing all Florida Senior citizens with an affordable and quality multi-sport festival they can call their own Games.
Every year, the Florida Sports Foundation sanctions Local Games in Florida, which serve as a qualifier for the State Championships. Every Olympic year, the Florida Senior Games State Championships serves as a qualifier for the National Senior Games held every non-Olympic year.
Information on competing at the local, state and national levels can be found on the Florida Sports Foundation website at http://www.flasports.com/page_seniorgames.shtml.
Sports at the games include:
Archery
Badminton
Basketball 3 on 3
Basketball Shooting
Billiards
Bocce
Bowling
Cycling
Golf
Horseshoes
Pickle ball
Power lifting
Race Walk
Racquetball
Road Race
Shuffleboard
Swimming
Table Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball
Lifelong Learning in Florida
If Lifelong Learning is as important to you as it is to many enjoying Florida retirement living, you’ll enjoy the many and varied choices
throughout the state.
Most colleges offer continuing education classes specifically for adults age 50 and older. These courses typically last a few weeks instead
of an entire semester. There is also a network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at approximately 120 colleges and universities in the
U.S., including six in Florida. These courses for older adults don’t require papers or exams, and the fees can range from $125 to $350
annually for an unlimited number of courses over four semesters.
Here are the website links for all colleges in Florida and their locations:
University of
Florida (UF/Gainesville)
Florida State
University (FSU/Tallahassee)
University
of South Florida (USF/Tampa)
University of
Miami (UM/Miami)
Florida
Agricultural & Mechanical Univ. (FAMU/Tallahassee)
University of
Central Florida (UCF/Orlando)
Florida
International University (FIU/Miami)
Florida
Atlantic University (FAU/Boca Raton)
University of
West Florida (UWF/Pensacola)
University of
North Florida (UNF/Jacksonville)
Florida Gulf
Coast University (FGCU/Ft. Myers)
New College of
Florida (Sarasota)
Barry
University (Miami Shores)
Bethune-Cookman
College (Daytona Bch)
Eckerd
College (St. Petersburg)
Embry-Riddle
(Daytona Bch)
Florida
Institute of Technology (FIT/Melbourne)
University
of Tampa (Tampa)
Nova
Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale)
Ringling
School of Art & Design (Sarasota)
Rollins
College (Winter Park/Orlando)
Stetson
University (DeLand)
Florida
Southern College (Lakeland)
Community
Colleges
Brevard
Community College
Broward Community
College
Central Florida
Community College
Daytona Beach
Community College
Edison Community
College
Florida Community
College/ Jacksonville
Florida Keys Community
College
Gulf Coast
Community College
Hillsborough
Community College
Indian River
Community College
Lake-Sumter
Community College
Manatee Community
College
Miami-Dade Community
College
North Florida
Community College
Okaloosa-Walton
Community College
Palm Beach
Community College
Pasco-Hernando
Community College
Pensacola Junior
College
Polk Community
College
St. Johns River
Community College
St. Petersburg
Junior College
Santa Fe
Community College
Seminole Community
College
South Florida
Community College
Tallahassee
Community College
Valencia
Community College
Florida’s County Public School Systems offer adult education. Since we have such a large retiree population, the class offerings
are usually extensive. By way of example, visit http://www.collieradulted.com/ to see the summer schedule for Collier County (Naples).
You’ll notice that the costs are reasonable, the hours convenient and that you have a wealth of options to choose from. These are the
kinds of programs available in any number of Florida counties.
Our eBook, How to Create the Perfect Retirement, discusses Lifelong Learning along with many other retirement tips and retirement ideas
like reinventing yourself, how much money do I need to retire and retirement travel. Find out how to reinvent yourself after retirement in
this 100 page informative and thought provoking eBook!
Florida Senior Centers
The Florida Senior Center is an important fixture in 260 communities throughout the State. For Florida seniors this means that 380,000 of
them have fabulous places to go and participate in a wealth of programs and activities. Their hours of service vary, as well as the
programs that they offer. In addition to bridge, cards, dancing, field trips and travel groups, they also offer lifelong learning courses
in computers, language, creative writing, history, book discussion, genealogy.
Visit http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/english/seniorcenter.php#scya to find all of the Florida Senior Centers as well as the websites for
the nationally accredited ones. You’ll see just how busy and active they are.
Rather than being, or in addition to being a participant, you may want to consider volunteering your time and talents at your local Florida
Senior Center to teach a class or lead a group! What a great way to become involved in your new community.
Florida Fishing & Boating
Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World! We have a huge variety of sport fish species, from largemouth bass in nearly all our fresh
waters, to redfish along shorelines and sailfish offshore. More International Game Fish Association records are set in Florida, and more
anglers come here to fish than anywhere else in the nation. Best of all, in the Sunshine State, fishing is great year round.
Download Visit Florida’s Florida fishing guide: http://www.visitflorida.com/guides/pdf/Fish_Cap.pdf. It lists 30 freshwater Florida
fishing spots that were selected as being consistently good destinations for quality recreational fishing. However, with 7,700 named lakes
and so many rivers and streams, opportunities are nearly limitless. We urge you to explore a diversity of habitats from pristine streams to
man-made canals and from natural lakes to artificial reservoirs. During various times of year, different species will be most active, so
plan to try an array of different fishing techniques.
Florida’s inshore, near shore and offshore waters have a large diversity of saltwater fish available to anglers. With 2,276 miles of tidal
shore, Florida has the most diverse saltwater fishing on the continent. No other state offers such a range of tropical, subtropical and
northern species of fish, nor more productive fishing waters. No wonder anglers worldwide are drawn by Florida’s outstanding fishing
opportunities. There are four geographic regions of the state that provide tremendous fishing diversity and opportunity. The North Zone is
highlighted by cobia, redfish and spotted sea trout. In the South Zone bonefish, tarpon and permit abound. Along the east coast consider
redfish, spotted sea trout and tarpon; and the west coast provides snook, redfish and tarpon.
Visit the Florida Sports Association and order their free Florida Fishing and Boating Guide
http://www.flasports.com/page_golffishing_flafishingboating.shtml
Boating in Florida
Surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and even a part of the Caribbean Sea, the peninsula of Florida is a
unique and expansive boating destination.
There are over 1 million registered boats in the state. Deep sea fishing, scuba diving and coral reefs have long since established Florida
as a place with plenty of boating businesses. Don't forget about the wetlands and the Everglades, where you can go out on an air boat or
rent kayaks and canoes.
You can rent a houseboat on the Saint John’s River, learn to sail or operate a power cruiser, and charter a catamaran, a yacht with a
captain or a smaller pleasure boat for a weekend excursion. Have your own boat? There are numerous marinas with both wet and dry slips
available throughout the state. With 7,710 natural lakes of 10 acres or more, 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals, Intra
Coastal Waterways on both coasts and of course, the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is a boating heaven!
Florida fishing license information and boating licensing and registration information can be found in our Guide to Establishing Florida
Residency.
Hunting in Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission http://www.floridaconservation.org/ says that Florida has 5.8 million acres of
wildlife management areas – one of the largest public hunting systems in the country. The Commission manages over 575 species of wildlife.
Waterfowl and Duck hunting are popular. You can also hunt for deer, turkey, quail, gray squirrel, bobcat, otter, wild hog, rabbit,
raccoon, opossum, skunk, nutria, beaver and coyote.
Visit Florida Hunting Today at http://floridahuntingtoday.com/blog/ to learn more about your sport.
Hunting License information can be found in our Guide to Establishing Florida Residency.
Florida Gambling
Florida has three forms of casino gambling: casino boats, Indian casinos and gaming machines at pari-mutuels in one south Florida County.
Here’s your guide:
http://americancasinoguide.com/florida.shtml
Florida Taxes
When you become a Florida resident you do not pay state income or local income tax; important factors when you are considering the best places to retire.
Florida’s sales taxes include the state rate of 6% plus some counties levy a discretionary sales surtax that ranges from.5 to 1.5% (on the
first $5,000 of the purchase price.)
A complete rundown on taxes, including estate taxes, Florida property taxes and the Florida homestead exemption, along with all other
Florida Residency Requirements, can be found in our Guide to Establishing Florida Residency.
Florida Cultural and Entertainment Activities
From major theatre productions to small town dinner theatres and everything in between, you’ll find whatever it is you’re looking for and
then some, in Florida.
Touring Broadway Productions come to the Theatres and Performing Arts Centers in the following Florida cities:
Clearwater, Florida
* Ruth Eckerd Hall
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
* Broward Center For The Performing Arts
Fort Myers, Florida
* Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
Jacksonville, Florida
* Moran Theatre at Times Union Center
Melbourne, Florida
* Maxwell C. King Center For The Performing Arts
Miami, Florida
* Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County
Naples, Florida
* Philharmonic Center Of The Arts
Orlando, Florida
* Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre
Pensacola, Florida
* Saenger Theatre
Sarasota, Florida
* Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
St. Petersburg, Florida
* Mahaffey Theater For The Performing Arts
Tallahassee, Florida
* Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center
Tampa, Florida
* Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Well known entertainers tour the state, from Jimmy Buffet to The Golden Boys: Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell and Fabian. Outside venues are
popular, but we have many indoor theaters, concert halls and auditoriums as well. There are hundreds if not thousands of art galleries,
major art festivals, Wine Festivals, Charity auctions, art and history museums, botanical gardens, dance ensembles, local symphonies and
lectures. If you choose to live in a small town that’s more a quiet haven, you won’t be far from any of the activities mentioned above
should you want to partake. I would encourage you to visit our Florida’s Counties, Cities and Towns Section for more on annual events and
also to subscribe to one or more of the Florida magazines available in our Magazine section to learn more about a specific local area.
Many of the magazines offer you special discounts when you order through Florida-Retirement.net.
Here are a few more cultural/entertainment resources for you:
Art Galleries – Florida Division of Cultural Affairs:
http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/list.cfm?label=galleries
Museums – Florida Division of Cultural Affairs:
http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/list.cfm?label=museums
Music – Florida Division of Cultural Affairs:
http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/list.cfm?label=music
Theatres – Florida Division of Cultural Affairs:
http://www.florida-arts.org/resources/list.cfm?label=theatre
Florida Wineries
Click here to learn about planning a fun day or weekend at a Florida winery:
http://www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/wineries.htm
Florida Art Shows
Florida’s beautiful weather is tailor-made to be the host of a collection of the best art fairs in the country. The winter season will find
you at Coconut Grove, Winter Park and West Palm Beach – great hangouts for artists and for you. Here’s the calendar:
http://www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/florida-art-fairs.html
