Plenty of New Jersey homeowners look south when property taxes and home prices feel out of reach. Florida has no state income tax and generally lower property taxes, but insurance costs more, and moving 1,100 miles is a project of its own. This guide walks through the real numbers for a move from New Jersey to North Florida, including what you may save, what costs more, and how to plan the sale and the purchase from a distance.
Figures come from published 2026 comparisons and are statewide averages, so your numbers will differ. Talk to a CPA about your tax situation. This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Taxes: Where New Jersey and Florida Differ
- State income tax. Florida has none. New Jersey’s top rate is 10.75%.
- Property taxes. New Jersey has among the highest effective property tax rates in the country, often above 2% of home value. Florida’s average is under 1%, though your bill depends on the county, the millage rate and the assessed value.
- Homestead protection. Florida homeowners who live in their home as a primary residence on January 1 can apply by March 1 for a homestead exemption, which also caps yearly increases in assessed value. Our homestead exemption guide explains the process.
A Worked Example: A New Jersey Sale and a North Florida Purchase
This example uses round numbers to show the effect. It is an illustration, not a forecast.
| New Jersey home | North Florida home | |
|---|---|---|
| Home value | $650,000 | $380,000 |
| Property tax at about 2.2% vs about 1% | About $14,300 a year | About $3,800 a year |
| Homeowners insurance (typical published range) | $1,200 to $2,000 a year | $3,200 to $4,500 or more a year |
In this example, the property tax gap is about $10,500 a year, and the higher insurance cost closes a portion of it. The larger change for many families is the difference between the sale price and the purchase price, which can free up equity for a down payment, a smaller mortgage or both. A 2026 reAlpha comparison lists a Florida statewide median home price of about $392,000 against about $535,000 in New Jersey, but North Florida prices vary by county. See our North Florida home price guide for local figures.
The Costs That Surprise New Jersey Buyers
- Homeowners insurance. Florida premiums are higher, and older homes can face stricter underwriting. Our guide to home insurance in Florida explains what to expect, and our guide to 4-point and wind mitigation inspections covers the reports insurers may ask for.
- Flood and wind coverage. Flood insurance is separate from a standard policy, so check the flood zone for any home you consider.
- HOA and CDD fees. Newer communities may carry both. See our guides to HOA fees and CDD fees.
- Moving costs. The distance is about 1,100 miles. One 2026 moving guide from iMoving puts a long-distance move from New Jersey to Florida at roughly $2,000 to $8,500, depending on the size of your household and the service you choose.
- Air conditioning and summer utility bills. Cooling is a bigger part of the budget than most northern buyers expect.
Why North Florida Instead of South Florida?
North Florida usually costs less than South Florida and the Gulf coast, and it keeps you within reach of Jacksonville’s airport, hospitals and jobs. Clay County offers suburban neighborhoods and newer construction, St. Johns County has master-planned communities and higher prices, Putnam County has lower prices, rural land and river living, and Alachua County is anchored by Gainesville and the university. Our moving to North Florida guide, our cost of living guide and our Jacksonville relocation guide go deeper on each area. If you are comparing with a move from another high-cost state, see our New York to Florida guide.
How to Plan the Move From Out of State
- Decide whether to sell first or buy first. Selling first gives you a firm budget. Buying first removes the pressure of a deadline.
- Get your numbers. Know your likely sale price, your payoff and your net proceeds before you set a Florida budget.
- Get pre-approved. Ask your lender to include insurance and any HOA or CDD charges in the estimate.
- Plan a visit. Take a trip to see two or three areas, at different times of day, before you decide.
- Use virtual tours for the first cut. Narrow the list from home, then visit the finalists in person.
- Line up your insurance quote early. A home that is hard to insure can change your decision.
- Talk to a CPA about the tax effects of the sale and of changing your state of residence.
Your Next Step
The right area depends on your budget, your commute and the lifestyle you want. Kassidy works with buyers moving from out of state in Putnam, Clay, Alachua and St. Johns County, and can help you narrow the list, arrange virtual tours and coordinate the purchase while you finish the sale in New Jersey. Start with a conversation about your timeline and budget.
