New Jersey to Florida
By Dewey Kopenga and Travis Penny. updated June 2026
TL;DR
New Jersey carries the highest effective property taxes in the country, so the biggest win for NJ retirees is the annual carrying cost. Pair that with zero Florida income tax and no estate tax, and most NJ couples lower their total tax burden by five figures a year in Sun City Center.
NJ effective property tax
~2.2% (highest in U.S.)
Florida (with homestead)
~0.8% effective
NJ income tax (retiree)
up to ~6.37%
Drive from NJ
~1,100 mi (2 to 3 days)
A $500,000 home in many New Jersey towns carries $10,000 to $13,000 a year in property tax. The same value in Sun City Center, after the homestead exemption and the 3% Save-Our-Homes assessment cap, typically runs $4,000 to $5,000. That gap alone often covers HOA and golf membership with money left over.
New Jersey's retirement income exclusion helps, but higher-income retirees still pay up to roughly 6.37%. Florida charges nothing on income and has no estate or inheritance tax, which matters in a state where heirs once faced both.
Medicare transfers automatically. Switch Medicare Advantage during open enrollment to a Florida plan. 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 New Jersey-to-Sun City Center plan. Dewey and Travis both get a copy.
Ready when you are
One 30-minute call covers property strategy and financing. Dewey and Travis on the line together.
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