WA → FL Tax Savings
Washington vs Florida: Why Florida Residency Wins
Both Washington and Florida have no state income tax — but Florida offers additional advantages including no estate tax, unlimited homestead protection, and year-round warm weather.
Washington vs Florida: Tax Comparison
See how Washington's tax structure compares to Florida across every major tax category.
| Tax Category | Washington | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 0% | 0% |
| Capital Gains Tax | Yes | No |
| State Estate Tax | Yes | No |
| Homestead Exemption | Limited | Unlimited |
Key Tax Facts: Washington
What you need to know about Washington's tax environment before making your move.
Washington has no traditional income tax on wages, but enacted a 7% capital gains tax on gains over $270,000.
Washington has a state estate tax with a $2.193 million exemption.
Washington has one of the highest combined sales tax rates in the nation (up to 10.6%).
The Washington capital gains tax was upheld by the state Supreme Court in 2023.
Washington vs Florida: Side by Side
Even without an income tax difference, Florida offers compelling advantages over Washington.
While Washington has no wage income tax, it taxes capital gains at 7%; Florida taxes neither.
Washington has a state estate tax with a low exemption; Florida has no estate tax.
Washington's sales tax (up to 10.6%) is higher than Florida's (up to 7.5%).
Florida offers a complete tax advantage: no income tax, no capital gains tax, no estate tax.
How to Change Residency from Washington 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
If Washington already has no income tax, why choose Florida instead?
While both states have 0% income tax, Florida offers additional advantages: an unlimited homestead exemption that protects your primary residence from creditors, year-round warm weather, established mail forwarding services for mobile professionals, and a well-documented domicile declaration process recognized nationwide.
How does Florida compare to Washington for asset protection?
Florida's unlimited homestead exemption is among the strongest in the nation — there is no cap on the value of your primary residence that is protected from creditors. Washington's protections vary. For high-net-worth individuals, this can be a decisive advantage.
What are the benefits of establishing Florida domicile for mobile professionals?
Florida has a formal Declaration of Domicile process that gives you strong legal documentation of your residency. Combined with a Florida driver's license, voter registration, and our virtual mailbox service, you get a comprehensive domicile package that is recognized by the IRS and all 50 states.
Is it worth switching from Washington to Florida if there is no income tax difference?
Yes, for many people. Beyond income tax, consider: Washington has a state estate tax that Florida does not, Florida's homestead exemption is unlimited, Florida has better year-round weather, and Florida's infrastructure for mail forwarding and domicile services is the most established in the country.
Ready to Make Florida Your Official Home?
Establish a legally documented Florida domicile with our virtual mailbox, Declaration of Domicile, and full residency support.
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