Skip to content
Sun City Center

Virginia to Florida

Moving From Virginia to Sun City Center, Florida (Retiree Guide)

By Dewey Kopenga and Travis Penny. updated June 2026

TL;DR

Virginia taxes most retirement income beyond a modest age deduction, so Florida's zero income tax is a real win. There's no Virginia estate tax, so the bigger draws are the income savings, a short drive, and trading Northern Virginia carrying costs for an active 55+ lifestyle.

VA income tax (retiree)

up to 5.75%

Florida income tax

0%

VA estate tax

None (same as FL)

Drive from Richmond

~750 mi (1 to 1.5 days)

The tax math for Virginia retirees

Virginia gives an age-based deduction but still taxes most retirement income at rates up to 5.75%. Florida charges nothing. Virginia has no estate tax, so this is mainly an income-tax and lifestyle move rather than an estate-planning one.

Short drive, big lifestyle change

Sun City Center is one of the closer feeder destinations for Virginians, roughly a day's drive. You get winter highs in the 60s and 70s and a year-round active calendar in a true 55+ community.

How most Virginia buyers do it

  • ◆Season 1: Winter rental to test the community.
  • ◆Season 2: Buy a single-level 55+ home and snowbird.
  • ◆Establish Florida residency: 183+ days, license, voter registration, homestead.
  • ◆Decide on the Virginia home once settled.

Healthcare transfer

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

Questions about virginia to florida.

On income tax, yes, up to 5.75% of taxable retirement income. There's no Virginia estate tax, so the case is income savings plus lifestyle and a short drive.

Start your move

Planning your move from Virginia?

Tell us a bit about your timeline and we'll put together a Virginia-to-Sun City Center plan. Dewey and Travis both get a copy.

Ready when you are

Get the answer for your situation.

One 30-minute call covers property strategy and financing. Dewey and Travis on the line together.

← Back to the main guide