The complete financial comparison for MA buyers considering active adult communities in Lee and Collier County — income tax, property tax, and what the numbers actually look like after the move.
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Talk to a Specialist →Massachusetts added a 4% surtax on income over $1M in 2023, creating a de facto top rate of 9% for high earners. For retirees with large IRA balances drawing significant annual distributions, or those with investment income, the Florida tax savings are substantial. Massachusetts property taxes are lower than NJ and NY but Boston suburb buyers in Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex County pay $7,000–$14,000/year. MA is a strong feeder state for both Naples and Fort Myers.
State income tax: 5.0% (9.0% on income over $1M since 2023) → Florida: 0%. Effective property tax rate: 1.23% statewide average → Lee County ~1.10%, Collier County ~0.75%. Annual property tax on $600K MA home: approximately $7,380/yr on $600K home → Lee County ~$5,990–$6,510 → Collier County ~$4,020–$4,920. Estimated annual income tax savings: $3,000–$4,500/yr on $80K income; much higher for $1M+ earners. Florida has no estate tax, no inheritance tax, and no tax on Social Security, pension income, or IRA distributions.
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Massachusetts pursues domicile audits on high-income taxpayers who establish Florida domicile while maintaining Massachusetts ties. The 183-day rule is enforced. Buyers who spend summers on Cape Cod or the Islands while claiming Florida domicile need careful day-count documentation. To establish Florida domicile: spend 183+ days per year in Florida, obtain a Florida driver's license, register vehicles in Florida, register to vote in Florida, file a Declaration of Domicile with your Florida county clerk, and update wills, trusts, and estate documents. Work with a tax professional before your first Florida tax year.
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