Moving From Simi Valley to Florida?

Florida is one of the top states Californians move to, and we've helped Simi Valley families make that move. If it's on your list, the move has two halves: selling your home here without surprises, and knowing what changes the day you become a Florida resident.

Our free guide, Leaving California: The Seller's Game Plan, covers:

• The tax questions to answer first, and the list to bring your CPA
• A worksheet for your real walk-away number
• Three ways to time your sale with your Florida purchase
• How to sell from a distance if you've already moved
• A 90-day checklist for leaving the state

The California side: what to settle before you list

• Capital gains. If you owned and lived in the home for two of the last five years, the IRS generally lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for most married couples filing jointly). That's IRS Publication 523.
• California can still tax the gain after you move. A California home is California-source income, so the state can tax the gain even if you already live in Florida. Your CPA will want to see the numbers before you list, not after.
• The withholding form nobody warns you about. At closing, escrow may withhold 3⅓% of the sale price for the California Franchise Tax Board unless an exemption applies (Form 593). Selling your main home often qualifies for one. Ask early so it doesn't catch you by surprise.
• Timing. Sell first, buy first, or close both at once. We plan both moves together so you're not stuck in between.

What changes when you move to Florida

• No state income tax. Florida doesn't have a personal income tax. California can still tax income earned in California, including the gain on your California home.
• Get insurance quotes before you write an offer. Wind and flood coverage can change your monthly cost a lot, and some homes need a separate flood policy. Check the flood zone and get real quotes early.
• Homestead exemption and the 3% cap. Florida's homestead exemption takes up to about $50,000 off your home's assessed value, and the "Save Our Homes" cap limits yearly increases in that value to 3% or inflation, whichever is lower. You must be a Florida resident living in the home on January 1, and the deadline to apply is March 1.
• Driver license and registration. Florida expects new residents to switch their driver license and vehicle registration soon after moving. Check flhsmv.gov for the current deadlines.
• Hurricane season. It runs June 1 to November 30. Ask about the roof, shutters or impact windows, and the home's elevation when you compare homes.

Questions people ask

Does Florida have a state income tax?

No. Florida has no personal income tax. California can still tax income from California sources, such as the gain on a California home sale.

How does the Florida homestead exemption work?

It takes up to about $50,000 off the assessed value of your primary home, and the Save Our Homes cap limits yearly increases to 3% or inflation. You must live there on January 1 and apply by March 1.

Can you sell my Simi Valley home if I've already moved to Florida?

Yes. We handle showings, vendors and updates here, and escrow can usually arrange for you to sign where you are.

Can you help me find an agent in Florida?

Yes. We'll help you connect with an experienced local agent there and coordinate both closings so the dates line up.

Is this tax advice?

No. We're Realtors, not CPAs. We explain the general rules and give you a real estimate of your sale price and selling costs to take to your tax professional.

Keep reading

• Leaving California? How to Sell Your Simi Valley Home and Time Your Move
• How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Simi Valley?
• Moving from Simi Valley to Las Vegas
• Moving from Simi Valley to Phoenix
• Moving from Simi Valley to Boise
• Moving from Simi Valley to Nashville
• Moving from Simi Valley to Dallas

Sources: Florida Department of Revenue (homestead exemption, Save Our Homes); Florida Amendment 5 (2024); FLHSMV; NOAA (hurricane season); IRS Publication 523; California Franchise Tax Board, Form 593. Rules change, so confirm details with the agency or your tax professional. Information current as of October 2026.