Florida is one of the best vacation destinations in the world. It has some of the warmest weather in the U.S. South Beach and the ocean are right there for relaxation and fun in the sun. And for those who got sick of strict quarantine periods during the pandemic, it presented a place where people could take a trip and get away from it all.
We don’t often think about whether Florida is a good place to move, though, especially with a family. Some of the nightlife and activities Florida offers are more adult-oriented, so it’s important to research whether kids can have a safe upbringing in this Southeastern state.
There’s also the expense of moving to the state. Florida auto insurance is some of the most expensive in the nation. Going to Walt Disney World because it’s only a 30-minute drive from your house is going to add up after a while. There are a lot of financial consequences to living in Florida with your family, and we’ll cover those, too.
Positive: Entertainment
There is so much entertainment in Florida that it can be hard to know what to pick out for your weekend fun. When you are living in the Sunshine State with your family, there is a lot more for you to enjoy than when you are limited to one or two things on a vacation. What will your kids enjoy just as much as you?
You can introduce your kids to the water with some of the state’s great boating culture. Pinellas Point is a great place to start and see some of the great sites around St. Petersburg. You can walk out on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to see even more of the city and surrounding areas if you want a break from the water.
Walt Disney World gets all of the attention as far as amusement parks go, but there are other similar attractions your kids will love. Legoland is an underrated amusement park. Kids will always love seeing the colorful LEGO blocks brought to life around them.
Seaworld is one of the best places to be mesmerized by animal life in the entire world, and kids love learning about these creatures and seeing them in person. Whatever your family wants to do for fun, Florida probably has you covered.
Negative: Auto Insurance Costs
Along with all the fun and excitement in Florida comes a ton of traffic. Between the large population of residents and the enormous amount of tourists each year, Florida has some of the poorest road conditions in the country, including Miami, which is infamous for being voted the worst community for traffic in the U.S.
Drivers are at higher risk of getting into a car accident due to the traffic, and auto insurance companies react by raising their insurance rates.
It’s important to drive safely and not get any violations if you want to try and get good insurance prices in the state. When you move to Florida with your family, it can be hard not to drive with distractions. Having your kids and their friends in the back of the car can add to the stress of driving on the highway.
DUIs are a huge issue in the state, too. Because of all of the nightclubs and entertainment, it can be difficult to avoid drinking and driving. Always have a designated driver, or take another method of transportation if you go out drinking.
There are also ways you can get insurance for low-income families if you are struggling with your finances. Talk to your car insurance agent when it’s time for your teen to drive. You can get discounts sometimes when adding more drivers to your policy.
Positive: The Weather
Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing. The area is one of the warmest in the country, with an average temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. While this makes the state a great destination for a dream vacation, it’s equally convenient to live somewhere and not have to put on a coat very often in the winter.
The weather makes the state a great place to bring your family because kids can play outside with their friends year-round. Exercise and outdoor activities are vital for a healthy childhood, after all. Encourage your kids to go outside and take advantage of the warm weather when you move to Florida. You might even join in on the fun with them.
A negative thing to remember about Florida weather is the risk of hurricanes. Make sure you talk to your real estate agent about whether you are at risk of having your home destroyed by the effects of a potential hurricane. You’ll also want to consider protecting your home from uncomfortably hot weather.
Negative: Diversity Politics
The Parental Rights in Education Bill, more popularly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, is one of the most controversial pieces of legislation signed into law on a state level in recent memory. The bill says schools are not allowed to discuss LGBTQ+ and gender identities with children in grades K-3.
While the bill is supposed to protect children in the state from being taught education topics, there are a lot of ways this could make childhood difficult for children who are questioning their sexualities and gender identities.
Talking About Personal Identity at Home
If you are going to move your family to Florida, it is important you let your children figure out who they are. When educators are forbidden from discussing in schools, it falls upon the parents to talk about these topics at home.
For example, instructors may no longer be allowed to show pictures of their same- spouse on their desks because it could open up a discussion on gay marriage. If your child asks you why their teacher is married to the same, don’t deflect from the topic. It is vital to raise your children in a diverse and accepting environment.
Many people would argue Florida is moving in the opposite direction of what is actually happening in society right now. LGBTQ+ people are more comfortable than ever coming out, and there is a higher number of adults who identify as part of the community than ever before. Moving to Florida could make it hard for your child to understand the changing demographics in American society.
Overall, Florida is a state with a variety of positives and negatives. It certainly will take some careful planning to decide whether it’s right for your family to move there. If you like great weather and entertainment options all year round, and you can overcome some of the political issues in the state, it might just be a good place for your family.
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. He wants to help people understand the positives and negatives of moving to Florida.