Moving to Florida from New York? Get Your Sarasota Mortgage Plan First

Why are so many New York buyers moving to Sarasota and Bradenton?

New York sends more new residents to Sarasota and Manatee than any other state. In 2025, 1,426 New Yorkers exchanged their driver's licenses in Sarasota County and 1,332 in Manatee County, the most from any state.

Most of our New York clients come from New York City, Long Island, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. They want the Gulf Coast lifestyle, but the mortgage side works differently in Florida, and that's where we come in.

How much could I save on state income tax by moving from New York?

Florida has no state income tax. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9%, and New York City residents also pay city income tax.

For working households and higher earners, that difference can be significant. Retirees should look at how New York currently taxes their pension and retirement income, since some of it may already be partly excluded there.

State rates: each state's 2026 tax schedule. This is general information, not tax advice; talk with your tax professional about your situation.

How does Florida's Homestead exemption work for new residents?

Once Florida is your permanent home, you can file for Homestead with your county property appraiser by March 1. For 2026 it lowers taxable value by about $51,411 for non-school taxes and $25,000 for school taxes, and Save Our Homes caps yearly increases in your assessed value at 3% or inflation, whichever is lower.

• Your tax bill resets when you buy. The seller's bill isn't yours. Budget from the purchase price, not the listing's current taxes.
• Portability only moves Florida to Florida. Savings from a Homestead up north don't transfer.
• Amendment 3 passed on November 3, 2026. Voters approved it with more than the 60% it needed (results are unofficial until certified). Starting in 2027, the non-school exemption rises to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for people with a Florida permanent residence by December 31, 2026. Homesteads established on or after January 1, 2027 start at $50,000 and reach the larger amount in their fifth year. Planning your move? That December 31 date matters, so talk with us and your county property appraiser now.

Sources: Florida Department of Revenue CPI-adjusted homestead exemption (2026); Manatee County Property Appraiser Amendment 3 FAQ; Kaufman Rossin, Oct. 7, 2026.

How do home prices compare with New York?

Medians: RASM Q3 2026 closed sales. Origin-state figure: Zillow typical home value, September 2026. Values vary widely by town.

Many New York sellers, especially from Long Island and Westchester, arrive with meaningful equity. We help you decide how much to put down, how much to keep in reserve, and whether to buy before you sell.

What Florida costs surprise buyers from up north?

Citizens flood requirement: Fla. Stat. 627.715 phase-in.

Should I buy in Florida before I sell up north?

You don't have to choose blindly. We pre-approve your Florida purchase first, then line up the option that fits your equity and timing: buy first, sell first, or close both on one schedule.

• Use your northern equity: a HELOC on your current home or a bridge loan can cover the Florida down payment before you sell.
• Qualify with both payments: if your income and assets support two housing payments for a while, you can buy first without a sale contingency.
• Contingent offer: in a market with more sellers than buyers, a well-structured contingent offer can work.
• Sell first, rent short-term: the cleanest numbers, with a seasonal rental while you shop.

Still working up north, going remote, or retiring? We qualify buyers on W-2, self-employed, rental, Social Security, pension and retirement-account income. See every loan program or start your application.

Where do movers land in Sarasota and Manatee?

Frequently asked questions