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Moving from Michigan to Jacksonville

MI to FL — the tax math, the equity picture, and the First Coast communities that fit MI buyers

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Why Detroit metro / Grand Rapids / Lansing / Ann Arbor Buyers Choose the First Coast

Michigan has a flat 4.05% state income tax. Florida has zero. For a couple drawing $90K in retirement income, this is approximately $3,600/year in annual savings. Michigan also taxes pension income from state and local government sources in ways FL does not.

Michigan buyers who are evaluating both the Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach) and the First Coast typically land on Florida based on the beach quality comparison. Jacksonville's Atlantic beaches outperform the Grand Strand on perceived quality for buyers accustomed to Great Lakes water. Del Webb eTown and Stillwater are the most common landing spots for MI buyers.

The Property Tax Comparison

Annual Property Tax — Michigan vs First Coast Florida

Current MI annual property tax~$3,500–$7,000/yr on a $350K home (Oakland, Macomb, Kent County)
First Coast FL — primary homestead~$4,000–$5,000/yr (St. Johns County, primary homestead)
Est. annual property tax change~$0–$2,500/yr on property tax; income tax is the bigger driver
These are estimates based on typical MI county effective rates and St. Johns / Duval County millage with primary homestead exemption. Your actual numbers depend on your specific MI county, current assessed value, home price in FL, and whether you purchase in Nocatee (CDD fees apply) or Duval County (no CDD). Consult a CPA for your specific situation.
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What $150K–$500K in Michigan Equity Buys on the First Coast

Del Webb eTown →Stillwater →Del Webb Ponte Vedra →

The Florida Save Our Homes Advantage

Florida's Save Our Homes amendment caps your assessed value growth at 3%/year after year one of primary residency. This is the most powerful long-term property tax protection in any state we cover. Buyers from Michigan — where assessed values typically track market values — will find this cap produces significant compounding tax savings over a 15–20 year retirement horizon.

St. Johns County Tax Guide →Nocatee CDD Fee →All First Coast Communities →

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