Last updated October 13, 2026
Moving to Miami means trading winter for hurricane season, a state income tax for high rents, and (for most people) a subway for a car. This guide answers the questions newcomers ask most, one question per article, with a direct answer first and every number sourced and dated. Start here for the big picture, then follow the links to the topics that matter to you.
What should you know about Miami in one minute?
For all the key numbers in one place, see the Miami city guide.
What makes Miami different?
Hurricane season
From June 1 to November 30, storms are part of life. Newcomers should learn their evacuation zone, keep basic supplies on hand, and check what their renters insurance covers before the first storm, not during it. Standard renters policies usually don’t cover flood damage.
No state income tax
Florida doesn’t tax wages, so your paycheck goes further than the same salary in New York or Illinois. The trade-off is high rents and insurance costs.
How renting works here
Rents are among the highest in the country, though easing as new buildings open. Florida doesn’t cap security deposits, so budget for first month’s rent, often last month’s rent, and a deposit up front.
Getting around
Most residents drive. If you want to live without a car, focus on Brickell and downtown, where Metrorail and the free Metromover run, and Brightline and Tri-Rail connect north to Fort Lauderdale and beyond.
A city of many cities
Miami Beach, Coral Gables and dozens of other places in Miami-Dade County are separate cities, each with its own rules and character. Where you live affects your commute, your flood risk and your daily life.
Who is this guide for?
Anyone moving to Miami or the wider South Florida area, whether you’re coming from another state, another country or elsewhere in Florida. If this is your first big-city move, it’s written with you especially in mind: local terms are explained and nothing is assumed. Some articles are written specifically for recent college grads and are labeled that way.
How should you use this guide?
- Start with hurricane season and insurance, since they shape where and how you’ll live.
- If you haven’t chosen a place yet, read about neighborhoods, renting and the cost of living next.
- If you’ve already signed a lease, plan your license, car registration and setup: Florida gives new residents 30 days to get a driver’s license and 10 days to register a car.
- Use the Miami city guide for quick answers and links to every in-depth article as we publish them.
How do we keep it accurate?
Every number links to a named, dated source, and we update articles when rents, fares, taxes or laws change. Read more about how we research and update our guides.
Sources
- Rents: WLRN, citing Zumper (September 2026)
- Transit fares: WLRN
- Hurricane season and renters insurance: Lemonade, Moving to Florida
- Driver’s license and registration: Pasco County Tax Collector, New Florida Residents
- Security deposits: Florida Statutes § 83.49
