Moving from California to South Florida
California's top income tax rate is among the highest in the country, and Florida has no state income tax. This guide sets out the published rules and shows live South Florida prices from our MLS search.
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
California's top personal income tax rate is 13.3%, which includes the 1% Mental Health Services Tax on taxable income over $1 million.
Source: California Franchise Tax Board
California does not impose a state estate tax.
Source: California Franchise Tax Board
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:
- 223
- Median asking:
- $2.50M
- Avg. days on market:
- 153
Estate living on the island.
- For sale:
- 7
- Median asking:
- $72.50M
- Avg. days on market:
- 137
Ocean-to-Intracoastal estates in a small town.
- For sale:
- 1,833
- Median asking:
- $564,900
- Avg. days on market:
- 97
New construction and waterfront choices.
How life changes
- Nonstop flights connect Los Angeles and San Francisco with Miami and Fort Lauderdale; check current schedules for your routes.
- Oceanfront living on the Atlantic, with warm water and boating year round.
- New construction and modern architecture across Palm Beach County.
Take the California 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.