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Realtors Reveal 10 Reasons Retirees Regret Moving to Florida

Some retirees regret moving to the Sunshine State. Would you?

By Sarah Sharkey

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated March 4, 2026

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When planning for retirement, picking the right place to call home can make all the difference. While some retirees opt to stay rooted at home, others pull up stakes for a new adventure somewhere else. Many head south to the Sunshine State. But some live to regret the choice.

We spoke to real estate experts to find out common regrets from retirees. Explore some of the many reasons you, too, may regret moving to Florida.

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Vacation doesn't last forever

Many retirees who choose to move to Florida have vacationed in the state for years. But, unfortunately, the vacation can't last forever when you move to the Sunshine State full-time.

"A few months in after they begin adjusting to the new life, the permanence starts to sink in and the feeling of being on vacation wears off," says Patrick Connelly, real estate salesperson at The Connelly Team.

After moving, the chores of daily life come with you, and living in Florida is a very different experience from vacationing in Florida.

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They miss their relationships

When you move to a new place, you likely leave your close community behind. It's common for some retirees to miss their social network back home.

"While some are obvious like children and grandchildren who lived nearby, or neighbors they knew for decades, many are surprised to realize how much they relied on other relationships such as a trusted doctors or their old dog walker," says Connelly.

They get homesick for traditions

Many spend years or even decades in the same house, which they sell to move down to Florida. While taking the leap might feel great at first, it's normal to start missing home.

"Many retirees who relocate to Florida underestimate the emotional impact of selling the family home, and the realization doesn't fully sink in until after the move is complete," says Connelly. "I hear this a lot, especially with clients who had large families and their home was where everyone gathered for holidays and other events."

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They bought the wrong property

In the jump to retirement, many new retirees look more at the amenities of a property rather than the long-term upkeep. When they look back a few years later, many wish they had thought of their future desire for less maintenance than the luxury of amenities like a pool or a large lot.

"For example, a client might buy a large home with a pool and expansive yard near the water, but a few years later, they grow tired of all the upkeep required and associated costs," says Connelly. "I've known clients who had wished they thought further ahead about ease and maintenance rather than solely prioritizing amenities."

Florida lacks seasons

Many parts of Florida are sunny all year long. While most retirees think they'll love the change and the lack of a harsh winter, some end up missing the seasons.

"The endless summer is not for everyone," says Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and Broker at Echo Fine Properties.

Lichtenstein mentioned that retirees who miss the seasons get especially nostalgic about the lack of a colorful fall and a White Christmas.

Political issues

Everyone has different political views. But some retirees moving to Florida experience an unpleasant culture shock surrounding the political climate.

"Some can't stand how political it can be. In an area like Palm Beach County, there is a healthy purple mix," says Lichtenstein. "But in other spots the shock of politics has driven some to move away."

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Facing unexpected costs

Living in Florida often isn't as affordable as it might seem at first blush. Hidden costs, like rising insurance costs, can put real pressure on retirement budgets.

"The cost of living in Florida is not as cheap as it used to be, as we are more built out today," says Lichtenstein.

There's an intense summer heat

The seemingly never-ending, oppressive heat is a common complaint from transplants to the state.

"If you've never been down during the summer, you're in for a real shock when July rolls in with thunderstorms every afternoon and 100% humidity, along with temperatures in the high 90s," says Paul Lykins, a broker associate at True Floridian Realty.

It's a good idea to make a visit to the state during the peak of the summer heat to better understand what you'll face in Florida.

They get annoyed with bad traffic

Many parts of Florida are notorious for bad drivers and heavy traffic. While that might not feel so challenging on a vacation, facing tough traffic conditions every day can get tiring.

Lykins says many retirees are disappointed about the amount of traffic: "Once they live here they realize just how bad traffic can be especially going to their local grocery store in the season when all the snowbirds are here," he says.

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They face crowded living

Florida may have once supported a laid-back lifestyle with limited crowds. But in most parts of the state, those days are long gone.

"Some areas in Florida were more sleepy when I moved here 26 years ago," says Lichtenstein. Now there's a lot more hustle and bustle.

"While the majority likes that and all the shopping, theater and restaurants, others like it quiet. I've seen people move because of overcrowding issues," says Lichtenstein.

Bottom line

The grass isn't always greener in Florida, and beyond these factors, the average annual cost of living per person in Florida is around $50,689, according to Roger Fishel Financial.

If you've been contemplating a move, weigh out all of your options carefully before jumping ship. And for retirees hoping to make the most of their home equity when they move, check out these smart money moves for homeowners.

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