Florida Properties

No state income tax boosts the economy - For decades, Florida has had one of the lowest tax burdens in the United States. In 2013, Florida placed the fifth-lowest tax burden on its residents and businesses; the strength of Florida’s low tax burden comes from not having income taxes, estate taxes, inheritance taxes, or taxes on intangible goods, such as investments. The tourism industry has an economic impact of $67 billion on Florida’s economy, with the space industry a close second, representing $4.1 billion of Florida’s economy. Florida also leads the southeast in farm income, producing about 67 percent of the oranges in the U.S. and 40 percent of the world's orange juice supply.

Access to beaches - The year-round sunshine has given Florida its nickname: “The Sunshine State.” With nearly 240 days of sunshine and over 663 miles (1067 kilometers) of beaches, Florida offers an impressive choice of coastlines with a variety of different landscapes to enjoy. Take a break and hit one of Florida’s top-rated beaches, lined with boutiques, seafood restaurants and the luxurious hotels and spas, or find adventure along the Florida shores playing beach volleyball, parasailing, dolphin-watching, or deep-sea fishing. White sand beaches, blue-green waves, and warm breezes make Florida the ideal spot for beach lovers; Siesta Key Beach, ranked number one in America in 2011 by Dr. Beach, is an island gateway to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Rich heritage and things to do - With a record-breaking 87.3 million visitors in 2011, Florida is the top travel destination in the world. Orlando concentrates the largest number of amusement parks in the world, covering twice the area of Manhattan. Florida also boasts one of the most diverse cultures in the United States; the Seminole Tribe, Ringling Brothers Circus, African-American heritage, Florida cowboys, and Latin and Cuban cultures all contributing to the Florida way of life, you can discover a heritage filled with unique foods, fun, festivals and more anywhere in Florida, from the cattle ranches in the north to South Beach in Miami. Florida is the traditional home for Major League Baseball spring training, hosting major league teams including: Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, L.A. Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, N.Y. Mets, N.Y. Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburg Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, and Washington Nationals.

Hub to southern hemisphere - Unsurprisingly, 40 percent of all United States exports to Latin and South America pass through Florida, giving Florida its other nickname: “The Gateway to the Americas”. Thanks to Florida’s extensive road network, major international airports located in Miami, Orlando and Tampa, and major ports located in Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Canaveral, and Jacksonville, Florida serves as a convenient access point for international trade, exports, and travel to Latin American and the Caribbean. Daily and weekly cruises leave out of these major cruise ports to destinations around the world.

Real estate market - Real estate continues to grow as the number of international and American retirees settle along the warm beaches of Florida. In January 2014 alone, there were 15,000 single family homes sold and 7,377 condos sold!