Why Americans Moving Estates to Florida

Florida has long been a magnet for sunshine seekers and retirees, but in recent years, something bigger has been happening. Families, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals from across the country are not only moving their lives to Florida, they’re moving their wealth here too. The reason isn’t just the beaches or the weather. It’s Florida’s unique combination of tax advantages, strong asset protection laws, and estate planning flexibility. When combined with the new federal estate-tax rules under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Florida has become one of the most strategic places in America to protect and grow generational wealth.

At AnidjarLaw, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in clients relocating from high tax states like New York, California, Illinois, and New Jersey. Many arrive thinking they’re simply escaping state income taxes. But what they discover is that Florida offers far more: opportunities to secure their estates, protect their homes, and pass wealth to the next generation with unmatched efficiency. Understanding why this trend is accelerating, and how to make the most of it, can help families and business owners plan smarter for the years ahead.

One of the biggest draws is Florida’s tax-free advantage. The state imposes no income tax, no estate tax, and no inheritance tax. That means income from investments, retirement accounts, or trusts flows directly to beneficiaries without state level deductions. For business owners, this translates to significant long term savings and simpler accounting. When compared to states that levy combined income and estate taxes exceeding 10%–15%, the difference can mean millions in preserved family wealth. And for retirees, the lack of tax on pensions, Social Security, and investment income allows assets to stretch further during retirement.

Florida’s homestead protection is another reason wealthy families are relocating their estates here. Under the Florida Constitution, your primary residence is shielded from most creditors, including lawsuits and bankruptcy claims. For professionals, business owners, or investors, this provides a level of security that few other states can match. Even in uncertain economic times, your home, often your family’s most valuable asset, remains protected. Beyond creditor protection, Florida’s homestead law also caps annual property-tax increases and ensures favorable inheritance rules for surviving spouses and minor children, all of which should be incorporated into your broader estate plan.

The state’s trust laws add yet another layer of appeal. Florida allows dynasty trusts that can last up to 1,000 years, meaning families can protect wealth across generations without triggering additional estate taxes each time property passes down. In practice, this allows parents and grandparents to establish trusts that not only benefit their children, but also their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, while maintaining control over how assets are used. Florida also recognizes directed trusts, where investment and administrative duties can be separated, giving families more flexibility in how their trusts are managed. Combined with the federal estate-tax exemption now set at $15 million per person ($30 million for married couples) under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, dynasty and directed trusts have become essential tools for anyone relocating to the state.

But it’s not only billionaires who benefit. Increasingly, families with modest wealth, a few properties, retirement accounts, and small businesses, are discovering that Florida’s legal environment helps them simplify their estate planning and protect against unnecessary probate. Establishing a revocable living trust allows your estate to bypass Florida’s formal probate process, which can be time-consuming and costly. A properly drafted trust ensures that your family can manage your assets immediately after death without waiting for court approval, saving both time and expense.

For out-of-state property owners, the benefits extend even further. Many newcomers to Florida still own homes or investment properties in their previous states. Without proper planning, those assets can trigger ancillary probate, requiring separate court proceedings outside Florida. By implementing proper estate and business succession planning tools, you may be able to reduce administration costs, preserve assets and control, and flexible to changes in both laws or circumstance. At AnidjarLaw, we can review your full portfolio of assets, including property located outside Florida, and advise you on how best to structure ownership to minimize probate and adhere to your objectives or concerns. Our firm helps clients plan strategically so that their estates are administered efficiently, with reduced costs, greater privacy, and complete legal compliance under Florida law.

Beyond the technical advantages, there’s a lifestyle and emotional appeal that drives this movement. Florida offers a sense of permanence and security that many people crave. The same state that shelters your wealth also shelters your lifestyle. For families who value flexibility, Florida’s combination of sunshine, accessibility, and freedom from overregulation creates an ideal environment to retire, invest, and plan for the future. It’s no coincidence that financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys across the nation are urging clients to consider Florida when revising their estate plans.

Of course, simply changing your address isn’t enough. To fully benefit from Florida’s legal and tax environment, your estate planning documents must be updated to reflect Florida law. Wills drafted in other states often conflict with Florida law, such as probate and homestead rules. Likewise, trusts that follow other jurisdictions’ timelines or tax structures may lose some of their advantages when you move. At AnidjarLaw, we routinely help new residents review and adapt their estate plans after relocation. We ensure that every document, from trusts and deeds to powers of attorney, aligns with Florida’s statutes and tax framework.

Relocating your estate to Florida also means addressing domicile and residency. For estate-tax purposes, your “domicile” can determine which state’s tax and probate laws apply. Establishing Florida domicile is more than just owning a home here; it involves showing clear intent to make Florida your permanent residence. Some of the factors used in such an analysis includes filing a declaration of domicile, registering to vote, obtaining a Florida driver’s license, and updating key documents to reflect your Florida address. With proper documentation and planning, you can ensure that your estate remains under Florida’s protection.

What’s fueling this trend is not only financial logic but also generational wealth thinking. Families are increasingly focused on building generational wealth, creating systems that allow assets to grow, compound, and remain within the family over decades. Florida’s tax laws, trust flexibility, and court systems make that goal achievable. When a dynasty trust is created under Florida law, future appreciation in real estate, businesses, or investments can occur outside the taxable estate, meaning wealth continues to grow unburdened by estate taxes each time it transfers. That’s the definition of true legacy planning.

Yet, despite Florida’s many advantages, estate planning here is not one-size-fits-all. A trust or will drafted for a New York resident may fail to protect homestead property under Florida’s Constitution. Business entities formed elsewhere may not provide the same creditor protections available under Florida law. And out-of-state attorneys unfamiliar with Florida’s unique statutes may overlook critical steps such as properly funding a trust or recording deeds in compliance with local rules. Working with a Florida based firm like AnidjarLaw ensures that every detail is handled correctly, maximizing both protection and tax efficiency.

The message is clear if you’re moving to Florida, your estate plan should move with you. It’s not enough to transfer your assets physically; you must also transition your legal and financial structures to align with Florida’s benefits. With guidance from an experienced estate-planning attorney, you can avoid unnecessary probate, shield your home, protect your business, and enjoy the full extent of Florida’s favorable tax and trust laws.

At AnidjarLaw, we assist individuals and families in navigating every stage of the Florida estate-planning process. Whether you’re new to the state or a long time resident, we can review your current plan, identify opportunities for protection and savings, and update your documents to meet Florida’s legal standards. If you’re considering moving to Florida, we encourage you to contact us before you relocate to gain a clear understanding of how your assets, businesses, and overall estate can benefit from Florida’s tax and trust advantages. With his dual background in law and accounting, Michael Anidjar, CPA, Esq., offers an integrated approach that aligns tax efficiency with long term wealth preservation.

To schedule a consultation, call (954) 900-9871 or visit www.anidjarlaw.com. Let AnidjarLaw help you transform your move into a lasting financial advantage, where your sunshine lifestyle meets smart, strategic estate planning.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws may change, so you should consult AnidjarLaw or a qualified Florida estate planning attorney before making any decisions regarding your estate or tax matters.

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Sunshine, Taxes, and Trusts: Why So Many Americans Are Moving Their Estates to Florida

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