CA → FL Tax Savings
Move from California to Florida & Save 13.3% in State Taxes
California residents pay up to 13.3% in state income tax. Florida charges 0%. Establish Florida residency and keep more of what you earn.
California vs Florida: Tax Comparison
See how California's tax structure compares to Florida across every major tax category.
| Tax Category | California | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | Up to 13.3% | 0% |
| Capital Gains Tax | Yes | No |
| State Estate Tax | No | No |
| Homestead Exemption | Limited | Unlimited |
Your Potential Tax Savings
Estimated annual state income tax savings when moving from California to Florida, based on the top marginal rate of 13.3%.
Annual Income
$75,000
You Could Save
$9,975/yr
Annual Income
$100,000
You Could Save
$13,300/yr
Annual Income
$150,000
You Could Save
$19,950/yr
Annual Income
$200,000
You Could Save
$26,600/yr
Estimates use the top marginal rate for illustration. Actual savings depend on filing status, deductions, and total income.
Key Tax Facts: California
What you need to know about California's tax environment before making your move.
California has the highest income tax rate in the nation at 13.3% on income over $1 million.
The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) aggressively audits former residents for up to 4 years after departure.
California taxes capital gains as ordinary income at the full 13.3% top rate.
California has a "safe harbor" rule: spending 45 days or fewer in CA strengthens nonresident status.
California vs Florida: Side by Side
See why thousands of California residents are making the move to Florida.
California charges up to 13.3% income tax; Florida charges 0% — the largest savings potential in the country.
California taxes capital gains at up to 13.3%; Florida has zero capital gains tax.
California's FTB is notorious for auditing former residents; Florida has no such enforcement concern.
Someone earning $200,000 could save over $15,000 per year by moving from California to Florida.
How to Change Residency from California to Florida
Follow these five steps to legally establish your Florida domicile. Our service handles the documentation so you can focus on your life.
Establish a Florida Mailing Address
Set up a legitimate Florida residential address through our virtual mailbox service. Complete USPS Form 1583 with remote notarization so your mail is scanned and accessible from anywhere in the world.
File a Declaration of Domicile
File a Declaration of Domicile in your chosen Florida county. This legal document is the formal declaration of your intent to make Florida your permanent home and is a key piece of evidence in any audit.
Obtain a Florida Driver's License
Surrender your current state driver's license and obtain a Florida license. This is one of the strongest indicators of domicile that state tax authorities evaluate.
Update Voter Registration & Vehicle Titles
Register to vote in Florida and re-title your vehicles with a Florida address. Update your bank accounts, investment accounts, and professional licenses to reflect your new domicile.
Sever Ties with Your Former State
Systematically sever domicile ties with your previous state. Cancel memberships, close local bank accounts, update estate documents, and keep detailed records. This protects you during potential audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I save by moving from California to Florida?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%. Florida has 0% income tax. On a $100,000 income you could save approximately $13,300 per year, and on $200,000 you could save approximately $26,600 per year. Actual savings depend on your filing status and total income.
Does California have an exit tax if I move to Florida?
California does not have a formal "exit tax." However, California's tax agency is known to aggressively audit former residents. Properly documenting your Florida domicile — driver's license, voter registration, Declaration of Domicile — is critical to avoid disputes.
How long does it take to change residency from California to Florida?
The process can be completed in as little as 2-4 weeks once you have a Florida address. Key steps include filing a Declaration of Domicile, obtaining a Florida driver's license, and updating voter registration. Our service guides you through every step.
Will I still owe California taxes after I move to Florida?
You may owe California taxes on income earned while you were a resident, and on any California-source income after you leave (such as rental income from property in California). Once you properly establish Florida domicile, your non-California-source income is no longer subject to California tax.
Do I need to physically live in Florida to be a resident?
Florida does not have a minimum physical presence requirement to establish domicile. You need to demonstrate intent to make Florida your permanent home through actions like filing a Declaration of Domicile, obtaining a Florida driver's license, and registering to vote. Many travel nurses, remote workers, and digital nomads maintain Florida residency while traveling.
Ready to Stop Paying 13.3% in California Taxes?
Join thousands of former California residents who have established Florida residency and eliminated their state income tax bill.
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