The NY → Florida Playbook: How to Go Tax-Free in 90 Days
New York taxes everything. State income tax up to 10.9%. City tax on top of that. A family making $200K in Manhattan takes home less than a family making $140K in Tampa. You already know this — that's why you're reading this.
But here's what nobody tells you: New York will audit you if you don't cut ties properly. They've clawed back millions from people who thought they moved. The domicile trap is real.
💰 Your Tax Savings (Real Numbers)
| Income Level | NY Tax Burden | FL Tax Burden | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100K | $6,850 | $0 | $6,850 |
| $150K | $11,200 | $0 | $11,200 |
| $200K | $16,400 | $0 | $16,400 |
| $300K | $26,700 | $0 | $26,700 |
*Combined NY state + city tax eliminated. Does not include federal.
📋 The 90-Day Domicile Switch Checklist
Get pre-approved in FL
Talk to a broker licensed in both states. Know your FL buying power before you tell anyone you're leaving.
Establish FL residency
FL driver's license, register to vote, update bank addresses, register vehicle. Every document counts in an audit.
Buy or lease in FL
Homestead exemption saves you up to $50K in assessed value. You need a FL address that's your PRIMARY residence.
Cut NY ties
Cancel gym memberships, doctor's offices, storage units. NY auditors look for 'near and dear' connections.
File the paperwork
IT-203 (NY nonresident return), FL Declaration of Domicile (filed with county clerk). Your CPA should handle both.
⚠️ The #1 Mistake NY→FL Movers Make
Using a NY-only lender. They don't know FL insurance requirements (which can make or break your deal on condos), they miss FL-specific programs like Hometown Heroes ($35K down payment assistance for service workers), and they can't close in the FL-required timeline. You need someone licensed in both states.