Moving from Florida to South Carolina: An Honest Guide

Floridians are a big part of South Carolina's growth

U.S. Census Bureau data for 2024 shows about 18,000 people moved from Florida to South Carolina, putting Florida among the top three states sending new residents here. You may hear the term "halfbacks" for people who moved from the Northeast or Midwest to Florida and later moved halfway back up the coast to the Carolinas.

Income taxes: be realistic

Florida has no state income tax, and South Carolina does. For 2026, South Carolina's rate is 1.99% on incomes under $30,000, and for incomes of $30,000 and above it is 5.21% of taxable income minus $966. South Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits, which helps many retirees, but working households coming from Florida should plan for a state income tax bill they did not have before.

For many Florida buyers, the savings show up somewhere else, which brings us to insurance.

Homeowners insurance is often the big difference

A 2026 analysis by Insurance.com put the average annual homeowners premium at about $8,471 in Florida, compared with about $2,870 in South Carolina, for the same sample policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. Your own quote will depend on the home, its age, its location, and its distance from the coast. Coastal South Carolina homes, including parts of the Grand Strand, usually cost more to insure than homes inland, so get quotes on specific properties before you commit.

Seasons, without giving up warm weather

South Carolina summers are still hot and humid, but you get a real fall and spring and mild winters, with an occasional cold snap. The Midlands sit well inland, about two hours from the coast, which many Florida movers like after years of watching hurricane forecasts closely.

Where Florida buyers tend to look

• Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand: for buyers who still want to be near the beach, with a lot of retirees and second-home owners.
• Columbia, Lexington, and Lake Murray: for buyers who want lake life or a central location with access to the coast, the mountains, and Charlotte.
• Rock Hill and York County: for buyers who want to be near Charlotte for work or family.

We help you compare these areas based on how you actually want to live, not just the price per square foot.

Selling in Florida and buying here

If you need to sell in Florida, we can connect you with a Coldwell Banker agent there and coordinate the timing so you are not paying for two homes longer than necessary.

Talk with a local agent

Our team helps Florida buyers compare the Midlands, the Grand Strand, and York County. Tell us about your move and we will help you build a plan, whether you are ready to tour this month or just starting to research.