Florida Retirement: Plan for Sunshine—and the Storms

Retirement is a reward after decades of hard work, and for many, Florida represents that dream: year-round sunshine, no state income tax, and a lifestyle full of beaches, golf, and community. But that dream only works if you’ve planned with your eyes wide open—not just for the fun, but for the realities that come with living here.

 

Let’s start with the good news. Florida truly caters to retirees. In addition to tax advantages, many areas offer a relatively low cost of living. There’s no shortage of activity—whether it’s early morning pickleball, sunset boat rides, fresh seafood, or joining a club to meet new friends. Life here can be vibrant, social, and fulfilling.

But to truly enjoy that freedom, you need a strong financial foundation.

 

Before deciding to rent or buy, or even choosing which coast to live on, it’s essential to first understand the lifestyle you want—and what kind of home and financial scenario supports that. Your plan should start with clarity around how you’ll cover your basic living expenses, and what you’ll need for the lifestyle you envision.

 

One way we guide clients is by helping them think in two distinct categories:

 

Storms—literal and financial—do happen here. Hurricanes, flooding, insurance spikes, health emergencies… they’re all part of life in a coastal state. And if your retirement plan doesn’t account for them, even a well-funded account can start to feel fragile.

 

That’s why we focus not just on how much you’ve saved—but how it’s structured. A good retirement plan builds in room for enjoyment, emergencies, and long-term confidence. It helps you avoid the stress of drawing down savings just to deal with an unexpected expense. It lets you spend your early retirement years—the “go-go” years—without guilt, knowing your future is secure.

 

And perhaps most importantly, a good plan keeps you living. Not just preparing, but thriving. We believe retirement isn’t about retreating—it’s about creating. Florida gives you the perfect canvas to do that. But even in paradise, you need to prepare for more than sunshine.

 

Have fun. Stay active. Travel, golf, fish, host the grandkids. But also make sure you’ve built in a little protection—so when life shifts, you don’t have to.

 

Because retirement isn’t just a phase. It’s a lifestyle. And with the right plan in place, it can be the best chapter of all.