Georgia to Florida
By Dewey Kopenga and Travis Penny. updated June 2026
TL;DR
Honest framing: Georgia is already one of the more tax-friendly states for retirees, with a generous retirement-income exclusion. The genuine wins in Sun City Center are fully zero income tax for higher earners, no estate tax, coastal Gulf access, and one of the shortest drives of any feeder state.
GA retirement income exclusion
Large (but capped)
Florida income tax
0% (no cap to worry about)
Drive from Atlanta
~450 mi (about 7 hours)
GA estate tax
None (same as FL)
Georgia offers a sizable retirement-income exclusion, so lower- and middle-income retirees may see limited income-tax savings. The real benefit appears for higher-income households whose income exceeds Georgia's exclusion cap, Florida's zero rate has no ceiling. Neither state has an estate tax.
Sun City Center is roughly a half-day drive from Atlanta, one of the shortest feeder routes. You gain Gulf Coast beaches, warmer winters, and a year-round active 55+ community.
Medicare transfers automatically. Switch Medicare Advantage during open enrollment. HCA Florida South Bay Hospital is in Sun City Center, with Tampa General and Moffitt nearby.
Frequently Asked
Start your move
Tell us a bit about your timeline and we'll put together a Georgia-to-Sun City Center plan. Dewey and Travis both get a copy.
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One 30-minute call covers property strategy and financing. Dewey and Travis on the line together.
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