Lifestyle Profile

Last Updated: December 27, 2025

So, will the Sunshine State work for you? Does what you’ve learned so far fit into the retirement dream you’ve held for so long? Here’s a closer look at the day-to-day lifestyle in this sunny, southern state. 

Weather

The weather and climate isn’t the same for all Floridians year-round. The panhandle part of the state sits in the central time zone—practically inside the state of Alabama. The climate there is quite different than, say, Miami on the far southern tip of the state. Here are the average temperatures throughout the year for different parts of the state.¹

Remember that hurricane season goes from June 1 to November 30. While the east coast is more likely to get hit throughout the Atlantic hurricane season, the west coast and panhandle also get their fair share of storms. Even Central Florida will see tropical storms or hurricanes during the season. 

Along with your hurricane supplies, you should check your homeowner’s insurance coverage, flood insurance and anything else related to your home and health before a hurricane hits to make sure you’re prepared.

Summers are particularly brutal, so make sure you have adequate sunscreen, bug spray and water. Once “winter” comes—you might have to put on a jacket when the temperatures drop to 40 degrees!—you’ll be able to ease up on the air conditioning. 

Transportation and Traffic

You should plan to drive a lot in Florida. Most of the state isn’t considered walkable—the largest cities in the state average a Walk Score of 30.² If you don’t have a car, you should find reliable transportation and plan to leave earlier than expected. Florida is the most dangerous state for pedestrians; cars or public transit are practically required.³

Florida relies heavily on tourism. Snowbirds—the part-time residents who live in Florida for a few months out of the year to escape the snow—come from the Northeast and Canada. But they also cause major congestion on the roadways. Keep this in mind as you plan your outings and getaways.

SOURCES:

1. “Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Miami.” Weather Spark, https://weatherspark.com/y/18622/Average-Weather-in-Miami-Florida-United-States-Year-Round. Accessed 5 January 2026.

2. “Cities in Florida.” Walk Score, ​​https://www.walkscore.com/FL. Accessed 27 December 2025.

3. Perkins, Chris. “South Florida is 13th-Most Dangerous Region in Pedestrians; Florida is Most Dangerous State.” South Florida Sun Sentinel, 19 March 2021, https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/transportation/fl-ne-south-florida-pedestrian-fatalities-20210319-7zqjuw7gbzg7lksh43fnoactnu-story.html. Accessed 27 December 2025.