The default American retirement state — and still the #1 destination. No state income tax, no estate tax, year-round warm weather, and the country's largest retiree community.
| State income tax | No state income tax |
| Social Security | Fully exempt |
| Pensions & 401k/IRA | Not taxed (no state income tax) |
| Avg combined sales tax | 7.00% |
| Estate / inheritance tax | None (no estate or inheritance tax) |
Effective property tax: 0.82% (ranked #24 of 50 states).
$50,000 homestead exemption + 'Save Our Homes' 3% annual cap on assessment increases
Cost of living index: 102.8 where the US average is 100 — about 3% above the national average.
Hot/humid year-round, especially May–October. Mild winters statewide. Hurricane season June–November.
Strong — large hospital systems statewide (Cleveland Clinic Florida, Mayo Jacksonville, AdventHealth). Above-average Medicare Advantage options.
The Villages, Sarasota, Naples
No, Florida does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
No state income tax. All retirement income state-tax-free.
Florida's cost of living index is 102.8 where the US average is 100. Effective property tax averages 0.82% and combined sales tax averages 7.00%.
Popular retirement spots in Florida include The Villages, Sarasota, Naples.
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Tax data current as of 2026 publication. Rates and rules change annually — verify with a CPA before relocating. This page is educational and not personalized tax or legal advice.