Florida vs New York Taxes: A Side-by-Side Comparison
If you’ve ever wondered why so many people talk about Florida vs NY taxes, it’s because the difference can show up in multiple places not just on April 15. Your paycheck, your property tax bill, what you pay at the register, and even long-term estate planning can all look very different depending on whether your home base is New York or Florida.
Of course, taxes are only one piece of a relocation decision. But if you’re comparing New York vs Florida taxes while thinking about a move, it helps to see the full picture in one place because “tax savings” isn’t always as simple as “no state income tax.” Local rates, residency rules, and your personal situation matter.
Dream Finders Homes builds in several Florida markets including Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa, along with other Florida areas featured on our site. If Florida is on your short list, it’s easy to explore communities and new construction opportunities while you compare the numbers.
The big takeaway in one sentence: Florida is best known for having no state personal income tax, while New York often has a higher overall tax burden due to state (and sometimes city) income taxes plus comparatively high property taxes in many counties though your results depend on where you live and how you earn and spend.
1) Income taxes
Florida income tax
Florida does not levy a state personal income tax on wages. That’s the core reason so many households start their Florida comparison with income taxes.
New York State income tax
New York has a graduated state income tax. Using New York’s published 2025 tax rate schedule, the brackets start at 4% and can reach 10.9% at the top end.
New York City income tax
If you’re a New York City resident, there’s an additional NYC personal income tax. The NYC schedule listed in New York’s instructions shows rates ranging from about 3.078% up to about 3.876%, depending on income level and filing status.
What this means in real life:
If you earn most of your income from wages or self-employment, the difference between Florida and New York can be significant especially if you currently pay both NY State and NYC tax. This is where most Floridians enjoy the extra money in their pocket.
2) Residency rules: why “moving” isn’t just changing your address
When people compare Florida vs NY taxes, they sometimes overlook the single biggest tripwire: New York residency rules. Even if you buy a home in Florida, New York may still treat you as a resident for income tax purposes under certain conditions.
New York explains that if you are domiciled outside New York, but you maintain a permanent place of residence in New York and spend 184 or more days in New York State, you can be considered a resident for income tax purposes.
New York also emphasizes that NYC residency follows similar concepts. NYC residents are subject to NYC personal income tax, and you generally need “clear and convincing evidence” that you abandoned a NYC domicile and established a new one elsewhere.
Practical planning tips:
• Track your days in New York carefully if you’re splitting time between states.
• Consider how you’ll handle a New York home (keep, sell, rent, or limit access).
• Build “life ties” in Florida- primary home, driver’s license, voter registration, doctors, clubs, etc. and keep records.
Because these rules can be complex, it’s worth speaking with a tax professional before and after a move, particularly if you keep property in New York or maintain significant time there.
3) Property taxes: where local differences matter most
Florida Property Taxes
Florida property taxes vary by county, city, and special districts. Many homeowners also benefit from Florida’s homestead exemption, commonly up to $50,000 for qualifying primary residences, with additional rules and caps.
Florida’s effective property tax rate is often described as relatively moderate compared to many high-tax states, though the true cost depends on home value and local millage rates.
New York Property Taxes
New York property taxes can be among the highest in the country, and the total is very local. Statewide summaries often cite an average/typical effective rate around 1.26%, and in many areas the annual bill is driven heavily by school taxes.
How to think about property tax in a relocation plan:
• Compare property taxes at the county level, not just state averages.
• Ask whether a property qualifies for exemptions
If you’re looking at Florida new construction, you can explore communities in markets like Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa then compare county property tax patterns side-by-side as part of your budget planning.
4) Sales Taxes: Day-to-Day Costs at the Register
Florida Sales Tax
Florida’s general state sales tax rate is 6% (with a few exceptions for certain categories).
Florida also has a discretionary sales surtax in many counties. The Florida Department of Revenue notes that the surtax rate depends on the county, with rates commonly ranging from 0.5% to 1.5%, and some counties imposing no surtax.
New York Sales Tax
New York’s state sales tax rate is 4%, and the combined rate varies by locality. The New York Department of Taxation and Finance explains that the combined rate equals the state rate plus any local rate, and there can also be an additional 0.375% within the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD).
In New York City, the total sales tax rate is commonly 8.875% (including state, city, and the MCTD surcharge).
5) Estate Taxes: The Long-term Planning Difference
Florida Estate Tax
Florida’s Department of Revenue explains that a federal change eliminated Florida’s estate tax after December 31, 2004, and that no Florida estate tax is due for decedents who died on or after January 1, 2005.
New York Estate Tax
New York does have an estate tax. New York’s estate tax instructions state that for dates of death on or after January 1, 2025, the basic exclusion amount is $7,160,000 for filing considerations. New York tax resources and summaries also note an important feature sometimes called the “cliff,” where estate taxation can change sharply once an estate exceeds certain thresholds.
If you’re weighing New York vs Florida taxes, here are a few smart steps to take early:
• Estimate your income tax change (including NYC tax if applicable).
• Compare property taxes by county where you want to live (and ask about exemptions).
• Map your sales-tax reality (your typical shopping areas matter).
• Review estate planning basics, especially if your net worth is near New York’s exclusion amount.
• Plan your residency documentation, particularly if you’ll still travel frequently to New York.
If Florida is calling your name, taxes may be one of the reasons but lifestyle, location, and the kind of home you want matter just as much. Dream Finders Homes offers new construction opportunities in key Florida markets like Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Southwest FL and Southeast FL making it easier to pair your financial plan with a home that fits your next chapter.
The smartest approach is to treat taxes as a full-picture comparison: income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, and estate taxes plus the residency rules that determine what you actually owe. With a clear plan (and professional guidance), you can make a move that feels good today and still looks good on paper for years to come.
Note: This blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax rules change and individual circumstances vary, consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
Categories: Florida, Jacksonville, Orlando, Port St Lucie, Tampa