Ohio to Florida
By Dewey Kopenga and Travis Penny. updated June 2026
TL;DR
Ohio retirees get a modest state income-tax reduction (Ohio's top rate sits around 3.5% and Social Security is already exempt), but the headline reasons are escaping lake-effect winters and a short, easy drive south. Sun City Center home prices are comparable to Ohio suburbs with year-round outdoor living added.
Ohio income tax (top)
~3.5%
Florida income tax
0%
Drive from Columbus
~950 mi (1.5 to 2 days)
Social Security in Ohio
Already exempt
Ohio exempts Social Security and taxes other retirement income at a top rate near 3.5%. So the income-tax savings are real but moderate, often a few thousand dollars a year for a typical retiree, not the dramatic cut a high-tax-state mover sees. Florida adds zero income tax and no estate tax.
Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati winters mean gray skies, salt, and lake-effect snow. Sun City Center trades that for winter highs in the 60s and 70s and an active outdoor calendar twelve months a year.
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
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