Living in Florida

expat.com Your favourite team

8393POSTS

17 years ago

You are an expatriate living in Florida, or you used to聽 work and live in Florida.

Share your expat experience!

How would you describe life in Florida?

Has it been complicated to settle down, to find a job, and an accomodation?聽

Is it complicated to make friends in Florida?

What would you recommend to people who would like to live in Florida?

Thanks in advance for your participation

See also

Living in Miami - Guide
I want to live in Florida - 7 Replies
10 Good Reasons to Live in Florida - 4 Replies
Living in the states - 6 Replies
How to make friends in Florida - 69 Replies
E2. Refusal - 13 Replies
Internship in Florida - 3 Replies

bayougirl Member

1POSTS

16 years ago

my husband and I are interested in moving to Florida. Maybe near the keys. Can one tell me how life is down near the keys, jobs, housing, et. Any information would be appreciated!
聽聽Thanks, Laura

thewanderingbrit Member

3POSTS

16 years ago

I live here in Florida. I didn't exactly move here by choice and can't say that I prefer it to the UK. The summer (Apr - Nov) is brutally hot and humid, which is not much fun, not to mention having to worry about hurricanes for half the year.

It wasn't too hard to find a job when I did three years ago, but you can forget about it these days. Everyone's hunting!

I'd say it's very difficult to make friends here. I can count the number of good friends I have on one hand. People have a fake face on, but it never goes too deep.

Laura, you can probably pick up a house for a pretty good price right now. Not sure how the prices compare to LA, but we've been looking recently (this is in Tampa btw, which will likely be slightly cheaper than the Keys which carry a premium) and you can pick nice 3/2s in nice areas for about $150-200K. The job front won't be as easy, particularly if you're in a professional career, unless you plan on traveling to Miami every day. The job market down here is VERY tough right now.

All the best

michelledenham Member

1POSTS

16 years ago

Hi all,
We have recently moved to Perth australia, but have found that it is just too far away from family and friends.聽 We love the hot climate and the new adventure.聽 I am a very chatty person, so find it easy to re-start.聽 We are a family of 5, mum dad and 3 kids aged 5,3,and 4weeks!
We have heard and read alot about brits moving to florida.. But want to know more.
What are the good/bad areas?
What are the good/bad points about living in Florida?
Do people come and visit you there?
How hard is it to find work?
How do you apply for a visa?聽 Is it hard?聽 How much does it cost?聽 How long does it take?

inspired2010 Member

1POSTS

16 years ago

Hi I'm Darrin and I'm a tax attorney living here in Tampa, Florida. Why would like to move in Tampa? Well in short, the Water, the Weather, the Progress, the Activities, the History, the People.

TAMIA_77 Member

1POSTS

16 years ago

HI
IM LEAVING IN FRANCE BUT I REALLY WANT TO MOVE TO FLORIDA (near tampa) ESPECIALLY TO FIND A JOB, RENT OR SHARE A HOUSE.

I CAN WORK IN A BANK, PLEASE MAYBE SOMEONE COULD HELP ME TO KNOW HOW I HAVE TO DO TO COME FROM FRANCE?

LAURY

FeeAcer ViP

6172POSTS

16 years ago

Hi Laury

Please do not post in Capital letters! Thanks.

viverna Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

hi i am victoria, fron argentina and i am studying marketing at university, i want to work there during december, jenuary and february, it is posibble to get a temporary job? it would be great..what else can you tellmeabout florida?
thank very much

sevensecrets99 Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

I'm Misti and I've been living here in Tampa, Florida for may years now. All I can say is if you are in to the tropical weather thingy, then Florida is your best choice in the US.

Misti

didar New member

9POSTS

15 years ago

#10

dear any member pls help me i want to go to america how to possible pls infrom me . we have 2 shop in abu dhabi. i live in abu dhabi but real country bangladesh. any pepole said do not accept bangladesy pepole in america but聽 my uncel live in america in florida he go to america in dv 4 years pls advice me how to possible visa prosseing

FeeAcer ViP

6172POSTS

15 years ago

#11

Didar, you should check out the Guide for life in USA.
Cheers
Arlette

Devon555 New member

5POSTS

15 years ago

#12

Hi everyone!

I'm Veronica from France, I'm coming over Florida 3 month (dec. to march), I will be around Boynton beach because I'm a race horse exercice rider, I'm looking for a flat to rent, or kind of roomate. I would like to share some info with people who are living there.

I've been there one month two years ago and I enjoyed it!

Thanks ;-)

Christine ViP

42879POSTS

15 years ago

#13

Hi Veronica! You should post an ad in the Florida classifieds > accommodation section as well, this might help you.

Good luck
Christine

Devon555 New member

5POSTS

15 years ago

#14

Hi,

Oki thank you.

V'ro.

tonispeciale Member

3POSTS

15 years ago

#15

Hi all!
I am Italian and live in Miami since 2008.
Miami is a wonderful city, the weather is good and the atmosphere quite relaxed. Difficult to find anything better!
For those who speak Italian, I have created a blog to give information, news and curiosities regarding this beautiful city: ( No free advertising, please )
Toni

FeeAcer ViP

6172POSTS

15 years ago

#16

Hi Toni, welcome on 大咖福利影院

Chadiwack Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#17

Hi everyone, this place is a lot different from Auckland. still, I'm loving it.

sletten Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#18

Hi everybody !!
I am so happy and axcited to have found this site.
My family and me we are looking the possibility to try to relocate from Norway to Florida, at the moment both my husband and me we are studying and we will be finished in 2013.
We would like to know if there is any norwegian company in Florida ??? And would love to hear tips, experiences (both good ans bad ones) how is the working fields nowadays ???
I can hel you with tips to how to come to Norway ..... I just want to live nearer to my parents ans to have a better weather !! Which is the mildest and safest (tornadoes) place in Florida ??? THANKS !

FeeAcer ViP

6172POSTS

15 years ago

#19

Welcome to 大咖福利影院, Sletten

I hope some of the active members of the forum will be able to answer your questions but maybe the could extend information of Norvegian companies in the States if any?

Please also read the Guide to expatriate life in the United States which contains a lot of useful tips!

If you have more specific questions, it would be a great idea to start your own topic in Florida's forum.

Thanks for your offer on helping on info on Norway; you might want to check out Norway's forum and post a message there.

All the best
Arlette

Panama1 Member

3POSTS

15 years ago

#20

Hello!

I'm considering moving to Florida next year on a work visa.
Need info on Taxes! How much for a foreign, working on an L1 visa, married, 2 children under 10... State Taxes, Federal Taxes?

Does anyone has ideas on this subject?
Thanks!

Sheetul ViP

1843POSTS

15 years ago

#21

Hello Panama1

For info related on taxes, view the "Life in the USA guide" and read the article "Income tax in the USA". This will give you a general overview.

Regards,
Sheetul

grootbek Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#22

Hi my name is Linda,

We are moving from WI to FL in March, and I'm wondering if there are any South Africans living in or close to Sebastian, FL. I am from SA and have been in the USA for 10 yrs, hoping to make contact with some South Africans in the area. Thanks!

Christine ViP

42879POSTS

15 years ago

#23

Hi grootbek, welcome on Expat-blog!

The South African expat network may help you to get in touch with other south Aricans in Florida.

Good luck,
Christine

dazzlingjaney Active member

35POSTS

14 years ago

#24

Hi to all...Just want to querry how possible can I land a job as a Registered Nurse in a hospital setting there in Florida? Some posts stated that finding a job in Florida is tougher these days...is it also true to Nursing jobs in a hospital? My husband planned to go back to Florida next year and our son and I would follow later after having been approved of the visa he will file for us.Is the cost of living expensive in this state, what of聽 healthcare...childcare and housing??? Any info you can share on this...Thanks!

floristamkt New member

8POSTS

14 years ago

#25

HI
My husband received a job offer in Fort Lauderdale, they will pay 45 thousand a year and all benefits, friends who live there tell us it's a good salary but, I've been searching and I don聮t believe it is enough, we are a family of 5, so, I聮ll need rent a minimum three-bedroom house, I have a son in college who must continue studding and I聮ll have to pay for these studies, I聮ll need to maintain at least two cars, pay insurances, food, energy, water, telephone, and everything else. My husband withholding, will be around 300 dlls Monthly. We still don聮t know what kind of visa they will give us, because the company is in the process, but in case I can not work I don聮t believe we will achieve with this income, I am very doubtful about moving but my husband is very excited and really I don聮t know what to do.
I would like to hear serious opinions from people in similar situation
thanks
Vicky

Prajna Member

22POSTS

14 years ago

#26

For those who want to know more about Orlando, where I currently live as a retiree on a fixed income, please check out my blog at globalsquatter.wordpress.com.

I've lived legally in the United States for about two decades and traveled/worked in other countries during those years as well.

BTW, Florida doesn't have individual income tax. That's why it's so popular among retirees and Americans and legal resident aliens who work overseas. But property and sales taxes make up for that.

DeeDeeRamsey Member

2POSTS

14 years ago

#27

Hello all.
I am wanting to move to Ft. Myers florida.聽 I want to work there and go to school at Kaiser.聽 My family is not happy about my decision so I am hoping for some input about Florida. I know that I will have to adjust to the weather but my biggest concern is the people.聽 What is the people like?聽 I make friends everywhere go but I can be native.聽 What is the ups and downs of living in Florida?

NicolaH New member

4POSTS

13 years ago

#28

We moved to Florida in Brevard County, we are in a quiet place near the beach, totally non touristy. We can't stand Orlando and the heat there but on the atlantic coast it's much cooler. We have been here just over a yr. If anyone wants to talk then feel free. We have green cards due to my husbands business. College fees are high and we are trying to apply for scholarship. Dentists and drs are expensive, health insurance is brutal. House prices are great, food isn't cheap in supermarkets and Americans are DIFFERENT to the British. Don't think anything different. Jobs are hard to get. Life here isn't easy. People work very hard, this is not a nanny state.

dtraynor32 Member

1POSTS

13 years ago

#29

Florida-A general blog

Southwest Florida, Sarasota particularly,聽 is a nice place to live however is part of Florida as a whole and commonly referred to as a transient state.聽 People from all walks of life pass by here with some rooting themselves but many trying to figure out where they went astray and think they know that Florida can fix it all with its beautiful scenery and warm climates.聽 My experience here after 17 years with a strong ethical background from growing up in NY is still undefined.聽 I have seen the many who have made it in other states continue to thrive and many who have gotten lost with no ambition to move ahead as one would take a step to get to their destination.聽 A mix of many, many cultures and economic status and seemingly a place where there are those waiting for answers to come to them whether retired or just starting out.聽 Really strange and a 1000 words couldn't help describe the encounters felt on a day to day basis.聽 Be prepared to witness one of the most strange and unpredictable living experiences one could imagine.

DeeDeeRamsey Member

2POSTS

13 years ago

#30

dtraynor, Thank you for the information.聽 A melting pot of different people will be nice.聽 I like different nationalitys so that should be nice.聽聽What do you mean by unpredictable and strange living experiences??
Thanks

tonisvaleson Member

1POSTS

13 years ago

#31

Two years ago I bought a little bungalow 40 miles south of Tampa near the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. Rated the number one beach in America last year. In one of the most friendly communities I have ever been too.
If you are thinking about moving to Florida let me share a few wonderful little secrets.

* Home prices are currently moderate
* The cost of living is reletivley low
* There is a wide variety of age groups
* Floridians love gatherings and events
* The people are wonderfully friendly
* Outdoor as well as indoor activities are many
* They have some of the best beaches in America
* Florida is currently experiencing job growth

Last but not least this paradise is where the sun always shines. So if you are serious about moving to Florida, take it from a person who has traveled far and wide, Florida is a place to explore and consider as a place to call home.

I would not trade it for anything in the world!

SuzyCute Member

1POSTS

13 years ago

#32

Hi I live in Florida for a long time. I love the the Beach, I live the Beach area. The Waves are calm, and quiet, and Seagulls near by sightsee, right place for relax or rest. Many House located close to the Beach. When I got Married I walked with My Spouse on the Pier, some Fishermen was there. They wonder how come the Newlyweds walk there. I came from Hungary and looking for Hungarians in Washington DC. I met 4 People in Florida. If you know them please tell them to send Email to Me on Yahoo.com
My Email:suzy.kasza@yahoo.com Have a Blessed Day!