When people think Florida, they think big cities and attractions. If you are looking to start your business then start with registering your business as LLC in Florida. The party lifestyle of Miami, Disney World in Orlando, and the amusement parks of Tampa. Florida’s rural areas are gorgeous, too. Keeping up with life in this state, however, presents unique challenges.
Thinking of moving to the sunshine state? It’s not all beaches and fun! Here are some key considerations to make before packing your bags:
1. Storm Season
The hurricane season in Florida is no joke. Typically, the storm season lasts about five months, starting in June and peaking around August and September, which can cause all kinds of damages to the roof of your home.
There are different types of roofing damages that can occur, each with a different relationship with home-owning insurance companies. Storm damage repair companies are rife in Florida, though, so you should be able to find one easily if you need it.
For water damage, which is perhaps the most common roof damaging agent, clients should definitely check their homeowners’ insurance packages. Usually, insurance companies only cover internal water damages, not necessarily those that occur during a storm. Quite different are the damages associated with both ice and hail. These are typically covered. Wind damage, which can cause roofing shingles to rip from your housing structure, is also typically covered.
Did your house get struck by lightning? Insurance companies usually cover this as well. Lightening can obviously cause smoke or fire damage, which is also usually covered. Check if there is coverage for both wind-driven rain (which can cause leaks) and fallen trees knocked over by powerful winds.
The moral of the story here is: make sure your new home has all the adequate storm insurances. Don’t get caught short after a hurricane with a leaking roof and a hefty bill to pay.
2. Flooding
In Florida, heavy rainfall during the storm season creates the potential for both flash and river flooding. Flash flooding occurs when rapid and extreme flows of high water rush into a normally dry area. Essentially, it is a rapid rise in water evident in streams of creeks.
River flooding occurs when rivers have an overflow to their banks or edges to the main channel. If you’re looking to relocate to a town near a river, be sure to get insurance and put up flooding precautions to protect your property.
3. Wildlife
Love wildlife and the great outdoors? Explore all four regions of Florida (Panhandle (PAN), North Florida (NFL), Central Florida (CFL), South Florida (SFL), Keys & Other Islands), each with specific fauna.
Rural parts of Florida offer a spectacular and diverse array of different animals. One can commonly see otters, opossums, manatees, fox squirrels, raccoons, white-tailed deer, key deer, and armadillos. If you’re comfortable kayaking, turtles and tortoises are a common occurrence.
Of course, these animals are nice to see while out on a hike. But they do sometimes tend to rock up to your home unannounced as well. Make sure to put up fencing!
4. Mosquitos/pests
Travel to Florida and one thing’s for certain, you’ll meet some mosquitos.
In 2016, the following mosquito-borne diseases were reported in the state: Zika, Dengue, Malaria, West Nile Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis in horse populations. But have no fear, homeowners and local pest management companies are becoming more effective in reducing the problems associated with mosquitoes.
Deter and control the pests by eliminating water sources near your property and regularly inspect that other sources don’t grow. Also consider pest control products, mosquito repellents and protective clothing.
In conclusion, living in Florida presents home-owning and lifestyle conditions that require a unique attitude towards living. Nonetheless, the state of Florida is a beautiful place to live with tons to do.
