From Drizzle to Sunshine - Why More Brits Are Moving to Florida
Florida has long been a favorite destination for British holidaymakers, but today it’s becoming much more than that. Increasingly, UK residents are making the Sunshine State their permanent home. In fact, the UK now ranks as the fifth-largest group of international buyers in Florida real estate (The Times). This growing trend is being fueled by economic pressures at home and lifestyle opportunities abroad.
In the UK, the financial squeeze is real. Housing prices have risen 3.9% nationally, with Scotland jumping 6.4% and Northern Ireland nearly 10% in the past year (ONS Housing Data). Renters aren’t faring much better—costs are up 6.7% across the country, with London tenants facing 7.3% hikes (ONS Rental Index). At the same time, new tax rules are squeezing high earners, retirees, and property owners, adding yet another layer of financial stress.
By contrast, Florida offers relief and reward. The state’s lack of personal income or inheritance tax allows residents to keep more of their income, pensions, and investments. Property tends to stretch further as well, with larger plots, more square footage, and lifestyle amenities that feel aspirational by UK standards (The Times). All of this comes with the promise of a climate that delivers over 230 days of sunshine a year, transforming daily routines into something more active, social, and outdoors-oriented.
The economic backdrop in Florida is equally compelling. The state ranks among the world’s top 20 economies, with thriving sectors in tourism, health care, finance, and technology (Investopedia). Cities like Tampa, Orlando, and Clearwater have become magnets not only for American families but also for international buyers, including many Britons. High-profile relocations—think Jeff Bezos, Tom Brady, and Lionel Messi—only add to Florida’s allure, but the real story lies in the steady flow of everyday movers seeking space, opportunity, and a new pace of life.
Retirees describe Florida as a place that makes them feel “younger and fitter” (The Times). Families relish the space and sunshine, while professionals enjoy the ability to work remotely in a globally connected state. For many, the choice is not just about escaping the UK’s economic challenges, but about stepping into a lifestyle that feels both liberating and sustainable.
The Bottom Line
UK buyers are now #5 among international purchasers in Florida real estate.
Rising UK costs—higher housing, rents, and taxes—are pushing people abroad.
Florida’s draw lies in no income tax, more affordable property, and endless sunshine.
Established British communities in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa make settling in easier.
As a Compass agent in South Florida, I’ve seen this shift firsthand. I help families, retirees, and investors navigate the move, whether that means finding the right school district, identifying a second home, or choosing a neighborhood that fits their lifestyle.
The migration from the UK to Florida isn’t just a matter of geography, it’s a reinvention. With rising costs at home and financial, cultural, and lifestyle benefits abroad, Florida is becoming the natural choice for Britons seeking a brighter, sunnier chapter.
