Californians are leaving the Golden State in big numbers, and many of them are choosing Florida as their new home. This is not just a trend—it is a clear shift. While California loses both people and money, Florida is gaining new residents, new businesses, and fresh energy.
Let us take a closer look at what is driving this eastward move.
Why are people leaving California for Florida
A lot of Californians feel weighed down by high taxes, strict regulations, and a cost of living that keeps climbing. On the other hand, Florida offers:
- No state income tax – meaning you keep more of what you earn.
- A business-friendly environment – easier for entrepreneurs and companies to grow.
- Lower housing costs compared to California’s big cities.
- Sunshine and outdoor living all year round.
Camilo Miguel, Jr., CEO of Mast Capital, explained it well. “Miami represents a new start, a refreshing reset. I think that it is a place where policies, economics and lifestyle align together very well.”
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How the California to Florida move is showing in real estate
Florida’s housing market is heating up, especially in Miami. According to Miguel, 40 percent of summer buyers at the Cipriani Residences Miami came from the West Coast, with Californians leading the pack.
At another project, The Perigon Miami Beach, about 10 percent of buyers are from California. These homes are not cheap either—their prices start in the low millions and stretch up to $12.5 million.
This tells you something important: Californians are not just testing the waters. They are committing to moving east and making Florida their permanent home.
How much money is California losing and Florida gaining
This is not just about people moving. It is also about money moving. A report from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation found:
- California lost about $4.5 billion in adjusted gross income in 2024.
- Florida gained roughly $4.1 billion during the same time.
That is a big shift in wealth from west to east. It shows that the move is not only about lifestyle, but also about where money and opportunity are flowing.
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Why florida feels like a natural fit for Californians
For many Californians, Florida does not feel like a foreign place. The warm weather, beaches, and outdoor lifestyle are already familiar. Miguel pointed this out, saying, “It is a great transition for a California resident to be moving here to Florida because of the fact that you get to still enjoy and embrace the outdoors … the sheer fact that we have access to do pretty much anything you can within 15 minutes of where you live.”
So, for people who want the same sunshine but fewer headaches with taxes and housing, Florida is a natural choice.
What this means for California going forward
For California, the news is not so good. The state is losing wealthy residents, young families, and even some businesses. Every person who leaves takes their tax dollars and spending power with them. Over time, this could make California’s challenges even worse.
Florida, on the other hand, continues to grow stronger. More people, more money, and more development mean the Sunshine State is turning into a magnet for both families and investors.
