Moving to Florida

Florida and Southeastern America is a highly desirable destination for those looking to relocate from the UK and begin a new life living ‘the American dream’.

The southeastern states, commonly referred to as ‘The South’, are a group of states, many of which border with the Atlantic Ocean. The southeastern states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The most populous state, Florida (or ´The ‘Sunshine State’ as it is often referred to), boasts many beautiful beaches including Miami beach; resorts and shopping outlets; the largest and most famous theme parks in the world: Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando. Florida has built a thriving tourism industry since the 1920s and sees over 60 million visitors to the state each year, creating a melting pot of cultures. From Native Americans to Central and South Americans, Europeans and Asians, a huge variety of settlers, immigrants and indigenous people call Florida and the surrounding states their home.

Removals to Florida

If you’re considering moving to Florida or one of the southeastern states of America there are a wide range of lifestyle options to choose from; from the bright lights of the city, to picket fenced suburbia. There are many beautiful coastal cities in south east USA which are perfect for beach lovers, but there are also a plethora of quieter, countryside towns which can provide a more relaxed alternative. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s important to make a list of your priorities for your new home, including any deal breakers, to ensure you select a location that suits everybody’s needs.

There’s nothing quite like having your favourite things around you to make a place feel like home. Britannia Movers International specialise in helping families and individuals to move their belongings quickly and safely from the UK to destinations all over Florida. We offer decades of experience in relocation services combined with the local knowledge to tailor your move to your individual requirements. We will ensure a seamless service from A to B and help all movers with obtaining the correct paperwork and visas.

International Removals to Florida

At Britannia International Movers you can expect a highly personalised service. We know moving to Spain can be a nerve-wracking experience and we do not feel like being the voice at the end of a telephone is useful. A Britannia International Movers expert will arrange a time to meet with you and visit your home. This means you can discuss everything you wish and ask as many questions as you like. This meeting will allow us to get to know you, understand the scale of your move and discuss any concerns or special requirements you have.

Furthermore, it will give our removals expert the opportunity to carry out an international moving survey. This is often helpful for our clients as they can then decide what needs to be shipped to Spain, what is going into storage, and what is being sold and recycled.

During this meeting we will ask questions regarding your budget, timeframe and any potential moving dates. Whilst these aren’t set in stone then and there, it is ideal for us to have a rough idea so we can build your bespoke moving package and suss out any additional help you may need. Your representative will draw up your international removal plan based solely on your needs and this will be sent to you for approval.

Additional Removal Services to Florida

Britannia Movers International have been helping to move people for over 35 years, there isn’t anything we haven’t faced before and we really are prepared for anything. Whether it’s bringing the family pet or transporting your vehicle, Britannia Movers have got you covered.

No matter where you are moving to Florida from, we can handle the paperwork and visa’s that you might need. We know that paper work can be a nightmare and stressful, so we aim to minimise that as much as possible for you, by handling it ourselves where possible.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you with all the personalised specifics to do with your move.

Emigrating to Florida

The quickest and easiest way to travel from the UK to Florida is by plane. Spain has a number of international airports, including Orlando International, Miami International and Fort Lauderdale International. Airlines that operate between the UK and Florida include Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Thomas Cook, Thomson Airways and Monarch.

Transit Options

If you have made the decision to move to Florida then there are probably a number of different things you could be thinking about. One of these things, is what belongings do you need to transport?

While nothing is to big or small for us to transport, it might be wise to consider some of our alternative services. Packing, insurance and pet transport are all additional service options that we offer our clients. After all, is it really home without your pet dog or cat? Probably not.

If you are coming from overseas we also offer a number of different transport services such as air freight or shipping containers.

Whatever services you require, we are ready to sit down and chat about even the minor details to help make sure you are completely prepared for your move.

American Visas and Passports

Most British passport-holding citizens are able to visit the USA for a period of up to 90 days without a visa through the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). The types of journey that are permissible under the VWP include tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country. All those travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme arriving by air or sea should provide details online at least 72 hours before travel. This is known as an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation or ESTA. If you don’t have an ESTA you’ll be refused travel to the USA.

To emigrate or spend any length of time over 90 days in Florida, you will need a visa. The easiest and most common route is if you have a job lined up, since your future employer will sort out all of these details for you.

Living in Florida (H2)

Tens of thousands of people relocate to Florida every month. Granted, Florida isn’t a location for everyone. But those who emigrate there have a strong love for their new home. Some of the perks of living in Florida include:

• It’s warm all year round
• There are incredible beaches and outdoor entertainment
• No state income tax
• Housing costs are lower compared to other states
• Florida residents receive discounts to local attractions

Weather in Florida

Florida and the surrounding states boast long hot summers and short cool winters making beaches a popular location year-round. The climate is generally warm to hot, and often humid. The average temperature in the summer is 34 degrees and in the winter 15 degrees.

Severe weather is common in the area and coastal states are often hit by lightning storms, especially during the summer. Hurricanes can occur from June to November and can cause severe transport problems. During hurricanes, which can last between 30 minutes to 6 hours or more, it’s recommended that civilians stay at home and airports, schools, shopping malls and tourist attractions close. In some cases, civilians lose power to their homes which can sometimes take a few days to recover. However, most homes have outside generators to provide essential power supply during this time.

Miami

Pensacola

Jobs in Florida

The rate of unemployment in Florida tends to hover around the 12%, which can be worrying for expats. However, there are some industries that are flourishing. Jobs centred around property and tourism are sought after but locals and expats alike both secure roles in these sectors.

Other expats find jobs linked to phosphate mining in the Bone Valley, teaching positions, or employment in call centres or offices. Jobs as translators in Florida are also common and there are countless temp agencies for expats wanting shorter appointments.

Finding a Job in Florida

There are a wide range of recruitment agencies and websites helping job seekers looking for work in Florida and the surrounding states, usually specialising in a specific industry or role. Newspapers also remain popular for advertising and finding jobs, and graduates find many opportunities at career fairs organised by universities or the professional societies for each industry sector. Speculative approaches are also very common in the USA, so don’t be afraid to apply directly to organisations that you would like to work for.

Education in Florida

Much like the UK, education in Florida and the surrounding states comprises a mixture of good quality, state-funded public schools and private schools. Florida is home to 11 public universities and in 2010, the annual tuition fee was $4,886 USD, the third lowest in the USA.

Cost of Living in Florida

Compared to the UK, some aspects of life in Florida are cheaper, whilst others are more expensive. Consumer prices, rent and grocery bills are typically pricier than the UK. However, eating out, entertainment and public transport are cheaper.

Florida’s Currency

The local currency in the USA is the U.S. dollar (USD). It is also the most used currency in international transactions. U.S. dollars are available in banknote denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100.

Cost of Everyday Items

Check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Florida below. Prices are converted from dollars so you can see how prices match up.

Healthcare in Florida

There is no National Health Service in the USA. There are two state-funded plans in place for people who are elderly, young, disabled or poor; Medicare and Medicaid. Some expats have their healthcare paid for by their employer – make sure to secure this in your relocation packages if you are an expat moving to Florida due to your employer. Regular people living in Florida will have to foot medical bills themselves and, therefore, taking our private healthcare insurance is a must.

Those who are uninsured will not be refused treatment. However, an invoice will be provided upon completion of care and patients can pay in full or in instalments. However, expats are reminded to invest in healthcare cover as costs have made people bankrupt.

Renting in Florida

Renting prices vary depending on the number of bedrooms and the location of the property. A one bedroom property outside the city centre will cost around $925.00 USD per month whereas a three bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost around $2,000 USD per month.

Buying in Florida

If you are considering selling your home in the UK and buying in Florida or the surrounding states it’s worth noting that due to the sheer amount of land available, you can buy a considerably larger home in Florida for the price of a smaller home in the UK. For example a large three bedroom detached home with a garden in the suburbs can cost as little as $200,000 USD.

Spanish Culture

Florida’s culture is very similar to the rest of America. However, given its coastal positioning, the state is influenced by its European and Latin American immigrant population. As an international crossroad life in Florida is vibrant and rich, with fiery cuisine, sizzling music, bubbling temperatures, colourful accents and a passion for the arts.

Languages in Florida

Whilst English is the most widely spoken language in the southeastern states of the USA, there are a large number of Latin American immigrants living and working in the area whose first language is Spanish. In fact, almost 20% of the population speak primarily Spanish. For this reason a UK citizen living in Florida or the surrounding states will likely pick up some Spanish phrases in their day to day life.

Florida Food and Drink

Cuisine in Florida is inspired by the large number of Central and South American immigrants, cooking up delightful tropical and Hispanic dishes from Cuba, Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond. A wide variety of seafood is fished from the Atlantic and lobster, mussels, scallops, crab, prawn and fresh fish can be enjoyed in restaurants and at home for a reasonable price. Oranges are the number one cash crop in Florida and the state produces 40% of the world’s supply of orange juice. Other fruits also in great supply in the area include mangoes, watermelons, limes and grapefruit which can be purchased in the multitude of local farmers markets for a great price. Florida, like any other state, is of course infamous for its fast food restaurants. Eating out at your favourite fast food chain is a cheap and enjoyable option.

Public Holidays in Florida

There are 10 annual federal holidays in the USA. All public holidays fall on Monday and therefore the dates vary from year to year. Exceptions include New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and Christmas which fall on the same date each year. On national holidays civilians often relax at home or head to the beach which can become incredibly busy, especially during the summer months.

• 1st January – New Year’s Day
• January – Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Third Monday of January)
• February – Washington’s Birthday (Third Monday of February)
• May – Memorial Day (Final Monday of May)
• 4th July 2014 – Independence Day
• September – Labour Day (First Monday of September)
• October – Columbus Day (Second Monday of October)
• 11th November 2014 – Veterans Day
• November – Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday of November)
• 25th December – Christmas Day