Moving from Boston to South Florida
With the Massachusetts surtax on high incomes and an estate tax on estates above $2 million, many Boston households look hard at Florida residency. Here are the published rules and live South Florida prices.
The rules that matter
Florida does not levy a personal income tax on individuals.
Source: Florida Constitution, Article VII, Section 5; Florida Department of Revenue
Florida does not impose a separate state estate tax or inheritance tax.
Source: Florida Department of Revenue
A permanent Florida resident who owns and occupies a home as of January 1 may claim a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 of assessed value.
Source: Florida Constitution, Article VII, Section 6; Section 196.031, Florida Statutes
The homestead application is filed with the county property appraiser by March 1 of the year you claim it.
Save Our Homes caps the yearly increase in a homestead's assessed value at 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.
When you move from one Florida homestead to another, up to $500,000 of the Save Our Homes benefit can be transferred (portability).
The rules you leave behind
Massachusetts taxes most income at 5%, plus a 4% surtax on taxable income above an annually adjusted threshold of just over $1 million.
Massachusetts imposes an estate tax on estates above $2 million.
Tax rules as published for tax year 2025. Tax law changes and residency rules turn on your facts; confirm with a CPA or tax attorney before you act. Atlantic Luxury Advisors does not give tax or legal advice.
What homes cost here today
Active residential listings for sale, refreshed every few hours.
- For sale:
- 11
- Median asking:
- $5.65M
- Avg. days on market:
- 295
A small, private oceanfront town.
- For sale:
- 1,562
- Median asking:
- $299,000
- Avg. days on market:
- 98
A walkable downtown and historic neighborhoods.
- For sale:
- 606
- Median asking:
- $799,000
- Avg. days on market:
- 94
Boating and a relaxed coastal town.
How life changes
- Nonstop flights connect Boston with Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami; check current schedules for your routes.
- Historic and in-town neighborhoods with character, and a sailing and boating culture on the Intracoastal.
- Barrier-island towns such as Gulf Stream and Manalapan offer a quiet, private coastal life.
Take the Boston guide with you.
Every tax rule on this page with its source, today's live prices in the towns to start with, and the lifestyle notes, in one printable PDF.
Ready to look? Search homes for sale or talk to Anthony.