The Neuman Group · Relocation Manual · June 03, 2026

How to Actually Move to Florida: The Step-by-Step Manual

Deciding to move is the easy part. The hard part is the hundred small logistics nobody warns you about. This is the manual we wish every client had — the real checklist for getting from a New York apartment to a Florida home, in order, with the resources to handle each step. Save it. Work it top to bottom.

We keep a vetted list of movers, attorneys, title companies, surveyors, insurance agents and more for our clients. Ask us and we'll send the names — that's what we're here for.

8–12 Weeks Out: Plan the Move

Pick your neighborhood before your home. South Florida is spread out — Aventura, Boca, Hollywood and Surfside are very different lives. Start with community, schools and shul, then search homes.
Get quotes from 2–3 movers. Book early for summer (peak season). Ask about car shipping if you're not driving down.
Line up your team: a Florida real-estate attorney or title company, a homeowners/flood insurance agent, and a CPA if you have New York income or a business. Ask us for referrals.

4–6 Weeks Out: The Paperwork Starts

Move your car

Ship it or drive it. Door-to-door auto transport from the NY metro to South Florida typically runs a few weeks lead time — book it now.
Within 30 days of becoming a resident, Florida requires you to title and register the vehicle and get Florida plates. You'll need proof of Florida insurance first (Florida minimums differ from New York).

Forward your mail

File a change of address with USPS (usps.com/move) — you can set a start date. It forwards first-class mail for up to a year while you update everyone.
Update your address with your bank, credit cards, brokerage, insurance, employer, IRS, and any subscriptions.

2–3 Weeks Out: Turn On Your New Life

Set up utilities at the new home

Electric: FPL (Florida Power & Light) covers most of South Florida — start service online a couple weeks before move-in.
Water/sewer: set up through your city or county utility (Miami-Dade Water & Sewer, Broward, or your municipality).
Internet/TV: Xfinity/Comcast and AT&T are the main providers — schedule install for move-in day so you're not without it.
Gas (if applicable): TECO/Peoples Gas or your local provider.
Trash/recycling: usually handled by the city; condos handle it building-wide.

Move Week

Confirm the movers, elevator reservation (for condos on both ends), and parking/COI requirements your building needs.
Pack a "first night" box: bedding, toiletries, chargers, a few dishes, medications, important documents.
Do a final walkthrough of the new home — test the AC, water heater, appliances, and that utilities are on.

First 30 Days: Become a Floridian

To establish Florida residency (and get the no-state-income-tax benefit cleanly):

Florida driver's license — at a DMV/tax collector office, within 30 days (bring proof of identity + two proofs of Florida address).
Register your vehicle and get Florida plates.
Register to vote in Florida.
File a Declaration of Domicile with the county clerk — a simple, powerful document if you're leaving New York for tax purposes.
Apply for Homestead Exemption on your primary home (by March 1 of the following year) — it lowers your property tax and caps annual assessment increases.
Update doctors, find your shul and school, and register the kids.

Don't do this alone. Tell us your move date and we'll hand you the exact people for each step — and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Start with the home → · Talk to Dan & Ava →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to sell my Brooklyn home and buy in South Florida at the same time?

Most families take 3–6 months from listing to closing on both ends. The timing challenge is avoiding a gap where you own nothing or everything at once — bridge loans, rent-back agreements with your Brooklyn buyer, or a short-term lease in Florida can cover the overlap.

Do I need a Florida real estate agent separate from my NYC agent?

Yes. NYC and Florida are different markets, contracts, and customs. You want a Florida agent who knows the specific neighborhoods you're targeting — someone who can walk properties for you on video and flag HOA issues, flood zones, and insurance costs before you fly down.

What's the actual cost difference between living in Brooklyn and South Florida?

No state income tax in Florida is the headline number, but the real calculation includes homeowner's insurance (significantly higher than NYC, especially near the coast), property taxes, and whether you're replacing a rent-stabilized apartment you can never get back. Run a full monthly budget comparison, not just the tax line.

Can I buy a Florida home without being physically there?

Yes, and many Brooklyn families do it. You'll need a trusted local agent who will do live video walkthroughs, a reliable home inspector, and the ability to sign closing documents remotely via a notary or attorney. It works best when you've already visited the area and know which neighborhoods fit your needs.

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