Florida Retirement Tax Friendliness - SmartAsset (2024)

Florida Retirement Taxes

Florida Retirement Tax Friendliness - SmartAsset (1)

The Sunshine State is one of the ultimate retirement destinations for seniors. It has famously pleasant weather, countless golf courses and beautiful beaches. Florida’s tropical lifestyle can be a big draw for retirees who are done with snow and ice.

But warm winters and green fairways aren’t the only reason people 65 and older comprise more than a fifth of Florida’s population, one of the highest percentages in the U.S. The state’s tax system is an equally large factor.

Florida has no income tax, which means all forms of retirement income (including Social Security) are tax-free at the state level. It doesn’t end there, however. While most income tax-free states make up for the lost revenue with high taxes on property or sales, Florida’s sales and property tax rates are close to the national average.

A financial advisor can help you plan for retirement and other financial goals. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Is Florida tax-friendly for retirees?

Florida is extremely tax-friendly, as it boasts no state income tax, which means Social Security income, pension income and income from an IRA or 401(k) all goes untaxed. That alone could mean thousands in tax savings for retirees as compared with other states. Additionally, Florida has no estate or inheritance tax.

Is Social Security taxable in Florida?

The state of Florida won’t tax your Social Security income at all.

Are other forms of retirement income taxable in Florida?

Florida has no state income tax. That means any earnings, whether from wages, pensions or retirement accounts, are tax-free at the state level. Even if you have an IRA in which you have accumulated savings over the years through income in another state, if you move to Florida, your withdrawals will not be taxed.

How high are property taxes in Florida?

Although property taxes are one of the main sources of revenue for local governments in Florida, property tax rates are not especially high. The state’s median effective property tax rate is 0.86%, just below the U.S. median of 1.01%.

At $248,700, the median home value in Florida is lower than the national median ($281,900). That's fairly neutral news for seniors, who tend to spend a significant portion of their income on housing. Keep in mind, however, that in some areas, such as the city of Miami, housing costs are much higher than elsewhere in the state.

What is the Florida homestead exemption?

Florida Retirement Tax Friendliness - SmartAsset (2)

Florida’s homestead exemption is available to Florida homeowners and can be applied toward their principal residence. It exempts $25,000 of a home’s assessed value from property taxes, with an additional exemption of $25,000 for your home's assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 for non-school property taxes.

Depending on your local property tax rate, the homestead exemption could mean hundreds of dollars in tax savings per year. In some Florida counties, senior citizens ages 65 and over could qualify for an additional homestead exemption of up to $50,000.

In fact, some counties or municipalities may allow senior citizens with income below a certain level to exempt the entire value of their property from taxes. Contact your local board of county commissioners or municipal government to see if you're eligible.

How high are sales taxes in Florida?

When considering both state and local rates, sales taxes in Florida are pretty close to the national average. The statewide rate is 6%, and the maximum total rate, including local taxes, is 8.25%. Those rates do not apply to groceries or medicine, however, which are two major expenses for seniors.

What other Florida taxes should I be concerned about?

There really isn't anything else to be worried about, as Florida does not levy an estate or inheritance tax.

Florida Retirement Tax Friendliness - SmartAsset (2024)

FAQs

Florida Retirement Tax Friendliness - SmartAsset? ›

Florida is extremely tax-friendly, as it boasts no state income tax, which means Social Security income, pension income and income from an IRA or 401(k) all goes untaxed. That alone could mean thousands in tax savings for retirees as compared with other states. Additionally, Florida has no estate or inheritance tax.

Is Florida tax-friendly for retirees? ›

Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states for older workers and retirees. It's one of just seven states that don't collect personal income tax, allowing residents to benefit from tax-free pensions and retirement pay, along with no state taxes on Social Security or investment income.

Which state is the most tax-friendly for retirees? ›

Florida. Florida is ranked as very tax-friendly toward seniors. Florida has no state income tax. This means that there is no state income tax on Social Security benefits, distributions from retirement accounts such as IRAs or 401(k)s, or pension benefits from public or private pensions.

Do you pay federal taxes on pensions in Florida? ›

Yes, Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. Florida has no state income tax, no taxes on Social Security, no inheritance tax, no estate tax, and no taxes on retirement income like pensions, IRAs, or 401ks. It's evident that Florida does its best to entice older adults to retire there.

How do I guess my tax rate for retirement? ›

You determine your tax bracket in retirement the same way you did while you were working. Add up your sources of taxable income, subtract your standard or itemized deductions, apply any tax credits you're eligible for, and check the tax tables in the instructions for Form 1040 and 1040 SR.

Why are retirees leaving Florida? ›

Inflation and stock market dips have also negatively impacted their financial situation. In response, seniors are seeking more affordable places to call home. For example, many are moving to Limestone County, Alabama, the fastest-growing county in the state.

At what age do you stop paying property taxes in FL? ›

Senior Citizen Exemption – Property tax benefits are available to persons 65 or older in Florida. Seniors may qualify for an extra exemption for an additional $50,000 of home value.

Do seniors pay property taxes in Florida? ›

Certain property tax benefits are available to persons 65 or older in Florida. Eligibility for property tax exemptions depends on certain requirements. Information is available from the property appraiser's office in the county where the applicant owns a homestead or other property.

What is the #1 retirement state? ›

1. Florida. Once again, Florida leads our list of best states to retire, as it's one of the most affordable places for retirees.

Which states don't tax 401k withdrawals? ›

States that won't tax your 401(k) or IRA
  • Alaska. +
  • Florida. +
  • Illinois.
  • Mississippi.
  • Nevada. +
  • New Hampshire.
  • Pennsylvania.
  • South Dakota. +
Apr 4, 2024

What pensions are not taxable in Florida? ›

Overview of Florida Retirement Tax Friendliness

Florida has no state income tax, which means Social Security retirement benefits, pension income and income from an IRA or a 401(k) are all untaxed. Florida has no estate or inheritance tax, and property and sales tax rates are close to national marks.

Where not to retire in Florida? ›

Worst Places to Live in Florida for Families & Retirees in 2023 &...
  • Pahokee. Pahokee is a small town located on the shore of Lake Okeechobee in Palm Beach County, Florida. ...
  • Gainesville. ...
  • Pine Hills. ...
  • Miami-Beach. ...
  • Daytona Beach. ...
  • Homestead. ...
  • Fort Pierce. ...
  • West Palm Beach.
17 hours ago

How much is $70,000 a year after taxes in Florida? ›

If you make $70,000 a year living in the region of Florida, USA, you will be taxed $13,523. That means that your net pay will be $56,477 per year, or $4,706 per month.

What is the 4% rule for retirement taxes? ›

The 4% rule entails withdrawing up to 4% of your retirement in the first year, and subsequently withdrawing based on inflation. Some risks of the 4% rule include whims of the market, life expectancy, and changing tax rates. The rule may not hold up today, and other withdrawal strategies may work better for your needs.

What is the best time of year to retire for tax purposes? ›

Tax management may be one reason to retire earlier in the year, or at least before the third quarter, as your total annual compensation would be less than prior years, which could potentially lower your tax bracket considerably.

Can you collect a pension and Social Security at the same time? ›

Can you collect Social Security and a pension at the same time? You can retire with Social Security and a pension at the same time, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) might reduce your Social Security benefit if your pension is from a job at which you did not pay Social Security taxes on your wages.

Do seniors pay property tax in Florida? ›

Certain property tax benefits are available to persons 65 or older in Florida. Eligibility for property tax exemptions depends on certain requirements. Information is available from the property appraiser's office in the county where the applicant owns a homestead or other property.

What are the pros and cons of retirement in Florida? ›

Retiring in Florida has pros, such as a lower cost of living and good healthcare. Florida has cons, such as relatively high sales tax and property insurance. Sarasota and Naples are among the best places for retirees. Speak to a financial advisor about retirement savings in Florida.

What taxes do retirees pay in Florida? ›

Florida has no state income tax, which means Social Security retirement benefits, pension income and income from an IRA or a 401(k) are all untaxed. Florida has no estate or inheritance tax, and property and sales tax rates are close to national marks.

Is Florida still a good state to retire in? ›

Florida has regained its status as the best state for retirees in 2024.

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