Relocation
Moving From California to Florida
About 36,000 people moved from California to Florida in 2024 (US Census estimate). The draws are clear in the numbers: California's statewide median home price was about $901,000 in August 2026, against about $401,000 in the Orlando area, and Florida has no state income tax. Plan the residency change carefully, because California looks at where your strongest ties are, not just your new address.
Kris Persaud · Watson Realty Corp. · 1390 N Hancock Rd, Clermont, FL 34711
The numbers
California vs Central Florida at a Glance
| California | Central Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price, Aug 2026 | $901,420 statewide; $946,950 Los Angeles County (C.A.R.) | $400,676 Orlando area (Orlando Regional Realtor Association); about $453,000 Clermont (Redfin) |
| State income tax | Up to 12.3%, plus 1% on income over $1 million (2025) | None for individuals (Florida Constitution) |
| Property tax basis | Prop 13: 1% plus local debt; value rises up to 2% a year until sold | Combined millage of about 1.54% to 1.78% in Lake County cities (2025), with a homestead exemption and a 3% yearly cap |
| Payroll disability tax | 1.3% State Disability Insurance (2026), no wage cap | None |
| Main insurance risk | Wildfire | Hurricanes and flood |
Sources: California Association of Realtors (Sept 16, 2026); Orlando Regional Realtor Association (Aug 2026); Redfin (Aug 2026); California FTB 2025 rate schedules; EDD; Board of Equalization Pub 29; Lake County Property Appraiser 2025 millage.
Property taxes need a closer look. A California owner who bought years ago may pay little under Prop 13, while a new Florida purchase is taxed on its full value. Read the property tax guide and the homestead exemption guide before you set a budget.
Do it properly
Changing Your Residency
California decides residency by your closest connections: where your spouse and children live, your main home, driver license, car registration, voter registration, bank accounts, doctors, professional licenses and how permanent your work is. Spending more than nine months of the year in California creates a presumption that you are a resident (FTB Publication 1031). In the year you move, you file as a part-year resident on Form 540NR.
Move your ties together
Florida driver license within 30 days of becoming a resident; Florida insurance, title and registration for your car within 10 days (FLHSMV). Register to vote in your new county.
File a Declaration of Domicile
A sworn statement filed with the clerk in your Florida county (Fla. Stat. 222.17). It's one more record of your intent.
File for homestead
Own and live in the home on January 1, then apply by March 1.
Close out California carefully
Keep records of your move date. A tax professional who knows California residency rules is worth the fee, especially if you keep property or income there.
Places
Where Californians Look Around Orlando
Buyers moving from other states often ask about space, lakes and newer homes within reach of Orlando's jobs and airport. West of the city, Clermont has rolling hills (rare in Florida), a chain of lakes and the South Lake Trail; Winter Garden has a busy downtown on the West Orange Trail; Minneola and Groveland have a lot of new construction; Windermere and Montverde have higher median prices.
Expect a different climate: hot, humid summers, afternoon storms and a hurricane season from June through November. Read the home insurance guide early, since insurance and flood coverage can shape which homes make sense.
From a distance
Buying Before You Arrive
Kris has helped buyers who started out of state and abroad, including a Toronto buyer who bought without visiting first, according to his Zillow reviews. Video tours, digital signing and a clear schedule make a long-distance purchase manageable.
Census figures show California was Florida's fourth-largest source of new residents from other states in 2024, after New York and Texas.
Kris guided us instead of pushing us.ingram5dc · Bought and sold in Clermont · Zillow · 2014
Questions
Moving from California questions
How many people move from California to Florida?
About 36,194 in 2024 and 39,052 in 2023, according to US Census American Community Survey estimates. About 16,000 moved the other way in 2024.
Is Florida cheaper than California for housing?
On median price, yes: about $901,000 statewide in California in August 2026, against about $401,000 in the Orlando area. Insurance and property taxes on a new purchase can narrow the gap, so compare full monthly costs.
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No. Florida's constitution bars a state tax on the income of individual residents.
How do I stop being a California resident for tax purposes?
California looks at your closest connections, such as home, family, licenses, registrations and accounts. Move those ties to Florida together, keep records of your move date, and talk to a tax professional about your part-year return.
How soon do I need a Florida driver license?
Within 30 days of becoming a Florida resident, and your car needs Florida insurance, title and registration within 10 days (FLHSMV).
Keep reading
Related pages
Planning a move from California?
Call or text Kris directly on his cell, or send a message and he will get back to you.
Kris Persaud · Watson Realty Corp. · 1390 N Hancock Rd, Clermont, FL 34711