Barb Carter’s move to Florida turned out to be far from the postcard life she had envisioned. After dealing with an armadillo infestation, a hurricane, and struggles to find a doctor for a tumor removal, she decided to move back to her home state of Kansas, selling her Florida home at a loss. Despite Florida’s population boom and attractions like beautiful weather and no income tax, nearly 500,000 people left the state in 2022 due to rising costs, a divisive political environment, worsening traffic, and extreme weather.
Jodi Cummings, a recent transplant from Connecticut, found Florida to be much more expensive and challenging than she had anticipated. High costs of living, difficulty in making friends, and the intense heat led her to plan a move back to the Northeast. Rising car insurance, rent, and food costs offset the lack of income tax in the state, affecting her quality of life. Similarly, Louis Rotkowitz, a former emergency medicine worker from New York, struggled with long commutes, high homeowners association fees, and safety concerns due to relaxed gun laws in Florida.
Veronica Blaski, who moved to Florida for a better lifestyle and warm weather, was hit with unexpected costs, including $16,000 to $30,000 for a new roof and rising insurance premiums. These expenses, coupled with stagnant wages, forced her to take on a second job. Other residents, such as Donna Smith and Noelle Schmitz, found themselves uncomfortable with the state’s conservative policies and increasingly divisive political atmosphere, prompting them to leave for states with a different political climate.
Despite some newcomers being drawn to Florida for its politics, others are deterred by the state’s political affiliations. Real estate agent John Desautels noted that politics has become a significant factor for homebuyers, with some expressing preferences for neighborhoods based on political affiliations. Additionally, the state’s politics have led to tensions and alienation of certain groups, affecting the local economy. For some sellers, the state’s political environment is a contributing factor in their decision to leave.
Barb Carter’s return to Kansas allowed her to find more affordable housing and a sense of community, compared to her experiences in Florida. She now pays less rent and enjoys the ability to save money, allowing her to visit Florida when she desires. Overall, Florida’s allure as a popular destination is being offset by rising costs, divisive politics, and other challenges faced by residents, leading to a reverse migration out of the state for many individuals seeking a different quality of life elsewhere.
