Few decisions matter more than choosing the right education environment for one’s children. Schools cultivate not only academic development, but friendships, values, extracurricular opportunities and readiness for the future. For families considering a move — particularly those in higher-cost states — Florida’s education system combines three factors that make it especially appealing to parents:
Florida’s defining educational characteristic is parental choice of their child’s school. Parents preferring a public education for their children may choose among many options that best suit their children’s needs. These choices typically include:
In 2024-2025, more than half of Florida’s K-12 students received their education somewhere other than their assigned district school.1
Step Up For Students (SUFS) is a state funded non-profit organization that offers scholarships that cover partial tuition and fees at over 2,250 eligible private schools. Students, regardless of household income, who are residents of Florida and eligible to enroll in a K-12 public school, can receive an annual scholarship worth ~$8,000 to attend a private school that best meets their needs.
In addition to private school scholarships, Step Up for Students offers scholarships for students in Home School Education Programs and for neurodiverse students with unique learning requirements.
Step Up For Students has made Florida especially appealing to families who prefer learning environments that offer
Florida’s scholarship framework lowers the financial barrier to private education for many families. The table below compares Florida’s scholarship programs.
For families with college-bound children, Florida offers a powerful financial incentive: highly affordable in-state tuition at its public universities. Florida’s extensive university system includes nationally recognized institutions such as:
The 2026–2027 in-state tuition at Florida’s public universities averages just over $6,000 per year — dramatically lower than many northeastern public university systems. For families establishing Florida residency, this cost advantage can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in savings over a four-year degree – particularly if they qualify for the Bright Futures Scholarship program.
Lower tuition often means:
For high schoolers with a 3.5 GPA or higher, the cost of college tuition in Florida can be reduced to zero because of the Bright Futures scholarships. The Florida Department of Education, with funding by the Florida Lottery, has awarded more than 1,000,000 Bright Futures Scholarships to college-bound students. To be eligible, a student must be a Florida resident, a US citizen and earn a Florida high school diploma. Once awarded, Bright Futures scholarships are renewable for up to 5 years for a bachelor’s degree, and 3 years for a certificate program, subject to ongoing GPA requirements.
When evaluating education as part of a moving decision, parents must look beyond affordability. Florida’s broader economic environment usually factors heavily into a relocation decision.
Florida has no state income tax, and its overall cost structure — particularly compared to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and California — can leave families with greater disposable income. That financial flexibility can support:
While Florida’s housing markets vary widely by region many families relocating from high-cost states find their overall financial picture improves. Hundreds of Northern companies are relocating to Florida because of the low business taxes and the greater affordability for employees.
For many families in high-tax states considering a move, Florida presents a compelling combination of attractive tax advantages and education opportunities:
I am a CFP® professional and Managing Director with Mesirow Wealth Management in Stuart, Florida where I have lived for 33 years. If you want a personalized financial comparison of moving to Florida versus remaining in your current state of residence, contact me by email at craig.price@mesirow.com or contact my office to schedule an introductory conversation. You can read about our Wealth Team. For more information on the economic advantages of living in Florida, read my first article in this series.
Mesirow Wealth Management is a division of Mesirow Financial Investment Management, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor. Securities offered through Mesirow Financial, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory Fees are described in Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc.’s Part 2A of the Form ADV.
