PA exempts most retirement income from state tax — so the income tax savings moving to Florida are smaller than for NY or NJ. The property tax savings and the weather savings are not.
Pennsylvania is one of the more retirement-friendly states in the Northeast on income tax — it exempts Social Security, pension income, and IRA distributions for retirees. That means the income tax story for PA-to-Florida movers is different than for New York or New Jersey transplants. The financial case for moving to St. Augustine still holds, but it runs primarily through property tax savings, not income tax savings. This guide shows where the money actually is.
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Talk to a Specialist →| Income Source | Pennsylvania Treatment | Florida Treatment | Incremental Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security | Exempt | Exempt | $0 |
| Pension income (qualified) | Exempt for most retirees | Exempt | $0 for most |
| IRA / 401(k) after 59½ | Exempt | Exempt | $0 |
| Taxable investment income | Taxable at 3.07% | Exempt | 3.07% of taxable investment income |
For a retiree with $30,000/year in taxable investment income, moving to Florida saves approximately $921/year in state income tax. Meaningful, but not the primary driver for PA movers.
Pennsylvania property taxes vary significantly by county and school district — but most suburban counties run 1.5%–2.5% effective rates. Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks County (Philadelphia suburbs) commonly see $7,000–$14,000/year on homes in the $350,000–$600,000 range. Pittsburgh metro (Allegheny County) rates vary widely but are often in the $4,000–$8,000 range on comparable homes.
| Home Value | PA Suburbs (est. 2.0% rate) | St. Johns County Year-1 Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $375,000 | $7,500 | $4,385 | $3,115 |
| $425,000 | $8,500 | $5,051 | $3,449 |
| $475,000 | $9,500 | $5,725 | $3,775 |
The Save Our Homes cap then limits your Florida tax increases to 3%/year while PA property taxes continue rising with school district budget cycles. Over 10 years, the cumulative property tax savings on a $425,000 St. Augustine home vs a comparable PA suburban home is approximately $25,000–$35,000.
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Pennsylvania buyers — particularly from the Philadelphia suburbs, Lancaster County, and the Pittsburgh metro — tend to bring strong community ties and extended-family awareness to their housing decision. Access to major airports for return visits matters: Jacksonville International is 30–35 minutes from most St. Johns County 55+ communities, with direct flights to Philadelphia International and Pittsburgh International. St. Augustine's cultural depth (history, arts, walkable downtown) also tends to resonate with PA buyers who are accustomed to historically rich mid-Atlantic cities.
Communities that tend to fit: Reverie at Silverleaf (value-oriented, active new construction, no CDD), Parkland Preserve (established, nearly built-out, WGV golf), WaterSong at RiverTown (larger community with river amenities).
Pennsylvania does not aggressively audit departing residents the way New York does, but proper domicile establishment still matters. Change your driver's license and voter registration to Florida, file for homestead exemption by March 1 following your purchase, and update your estate planning documents to reflect Florida as your permanent home. Pennsylvania's flat 3.07% tax rate means the financial incentive to establish non-residency is smaller than for NY or NJ, but it is still real on investment income.
PA buyers in St. Augustine primarily benefit from property tax savings and year-round climate — both of which are real and compounding. An agent can show you which communities match your priorities.
Connect with a Local Agent →PA income tax exemptions verified against PA Department of Revenue guidance. PA property tax rates approximate — vary significantly by county and school district. St. Johns County millage 13.47 mills for 2025. Consult a CPA for your specific situation. This page is for research purposes only.
Connect with a specialist who knows this market from the inside — real cost math, honest community comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder.
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