Moving From Hawaii to Florida

Why Hawaii residents move to Florida

Warm weather, beaches and no state income tax — the closest thing to island climate on the mainland, though very far from Hawaii.

Cost of living: Florida vs. Hawaii

Below Honolulu on price, but insurance and HOA costs can be high.

Income tax: No state personal income tax. Sales tax: 6% state rate plus local surtax.

Climate shock

Hot, humid, hurricane-prone (June–November). Winters are mild. Homeowners insurance is a major cost.

Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community

Smaller Hawaii community; Hawaii clubs exist in Orlando and Tampa.

Jobs

Tourism, healthcare, aerospace (Space Coast), logistics, MacDill AFB.

Getting your things there

Goods usually cross the country from a West Coast port, 35+ hours by truck or by rail.

Neighbor-island goods ride a barge to Honolulu first. See the shipping guides for timing.

First steps after you arrive

• Get a FL driver's license and register your car — check the deadline with Florida HSMV.
• Understand your first-year tax filing with Florida Department of Revenue.
• File a part-year resident return in Hawaii for the year you leave.