Relocating to Florida - Moving to Florida
You can just imagine the mix of trepidation and excitement on a dreary
winter's day in England, as you and your family set off for the airport,
ready to make your move to the warm shores of Florida. Imagine how many
months and years may have gone into informing your decision. All the
visits to locations throughout the US, attendance at emigration shows,
consolidated preparation for the final move, and a few last weeks of
frantic activity. Despite the worries you may entertain privately, just
imagine how wonderful it could feel to get on that plane.
People have many different reasons for undertaking such a dramatic
move, including retirement, career opportunities, wanting investment,
or simply wanting a second home. Some make a permanent move, others
seek a few weeks escape for holidays, renting out the property when
it is not in use. Whatever the reason, a low cost of living and a need
for sun in a place where English is spoken are paramount considerations.
Picking the right place
The first consideration is location. This depends on many factors and
is almost entirely subjective. Every buyer has different needs, concerned
with business for some, educational institutions for others, as well
as broader lifestyle issues. It is sensible to discuss your particular
needs with an experienced relocation consultant who can advise you thoroughly
of the key differences between UK and, US culture. The good news is
that Florida has the ' resources to cater for all kinds of different
lifestyles.
The next step is to take a holiday in your chosen area, in order to
develop your knowledge so you can make an informed decision about where
to buy. Whether you are going to be making regular trips out to the
US or whether you hope to relocate permanently, it may be a good idea
to think about ease of access. Tampa, Orlando and Miami airports all
offer regular flights to the UK, while Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale
are within an hour of international airports.
In many ways Florida is ideal for British people who find foreign languages
a struggle but also do not want to live in an expat enclave. Although
there are numerous expat communities in Florida, it is easy enough to
avoid them if you wish to do so. Although generalisations can be misleading,
it is fair to say that many Americans living in Florida are very friendly,
tend to be conservative, patriotic and inward looking. The Christian
faith is extremely important to many Floridians.
Using a Real Estate Agent
It is sensible to find an expert who will give you impartial advice
on buying your new home in Florida. Use an agent who has worked with
people relocating from the UK before, who can give you property advice
from a British perspective. Finding a good agent who specialises in
British relocation can be difficult, So we have selected Florida
Estates, owned and operated by expat Lloyd Hart.
Working in Florida
unemployment rates in Florida are currently low. If seeking employment,
please bear in mind that the US observers very different working practices
to the UK. They tend to work much longer hours and take much shorter
holidays. Tax rates and allowances such as mortgage tax relief are more
advantageous in the US than in the UK.
Some Britons moving over to Florida will be relocating on a visa attached
to a business they are buying. Buying a business requires caution, however,
with lavish claims motivated by high commissions, it is unusual for
the seller to pay 10 per cent to a broker. Receiving poor advice can
be a problem, as can ignorance of certain specifics, such as not knowing
that business insurance costs are based on the current American owner,
leading to significantly higher premiums for a new British owner. Extensive
research will prove very helpful.
Healthcare
There is no free health care in the US. Treatment is expensive and
failure to take out medical insurance can lead to financial ruin. There
are several expat policies although it's best to use a mainstream American
provider if you can. Companies often provide their employees with health
insurance.
Bank arrangements
Opening a bank account and obtaining credit cards is a challenging
experience. Regardless of your standing in the UK, you will not have
any official US credit rating. Don't forget the impact of currency exchange
rates, and always take advice from the specialist currency trading companies.
You will need to get a Social Security number, as it is used for recording
everything from healthcare to your mortgage, to your credit rating.
It is relatively easy to obtain from the Social Security Administration
(www.ssa.gov).
Removals and transport
The top tip for removals is to take as little with you to Florida
as possible. Most household goods are cheaper in the US, so you would
be wise to buy over there. Using an established removal company who
is part of a reputable trade organisation will cost you more, but will
reduce the stress of losing irreplaceable possessions.
Of course, once you get out there, you will almost certainly want to
buy your own car. This is a priority to save on rentals and associated
high insurance costs, but you will need to haggle with fast-talking
car salesmen as well as take the Florida driving test. The real pain
will come when you apply for car insurance, as US insurance companies
will treat you as though you have no credit history.
Orlando Florida International
Airport
Orlando Sanford International
Airport
Pets
It is possible to take pets with you, though it might not be a great
idea. Cats seem less popular in Florida, and are mainly kept indoors.
The wider, busier Floridian roads are also cause for concern.
