The Sunshine State, is it all that bright?
Posted: Thursday, December 01, 2005
by straight talk
Are you thinking about moving to the Sunshine State? Well, a lot of what I have to say may sound like sour grapes, however, some may appreciate the truth. While some are living their paradise here and will probably find disagreement what I have to express is my opinon substantiated by fact. But, the truth is the truth as it applies to my experiences. So, I thought I’d share my opinion and some facts about my experiences with those considering a move here. Simply stated, in my opinion if your wealthy, have an above average income, have a business, or are a business professional, then this is just the state for you. It is literally paradise for the business person, the wealthy and those with an above average income. However, if your just common folk, trying to raise a family, mid income level and who were fortunate enough to sell your home up north, or retire and are looking for a place to spend your golden years [ see my article on the golden years] , or just looking for a better future, think wisely before moving to Florida. After twenty Five years here I and a lot like me can tell you first hand about this state. Be advised, all is not Sunshine in the Sunshine State and I’m not even talking about hurricanes or storms.
While true Florida has one of the lowest unemployment statistics that doesn’t speak to it all. Think about what type of jobs these are in the "right to work state"! Some advice, even with your college degree, consider the types of jobs in abundance. Florida is for the most part a service industry state. Service jobs are traditionally some of the lowest paying, unless you are a solicitor and good at it. The Saint Petersburg Times Newspaper just published an article about pay in the south. I suggest you look it up. The state is for the most part a minimum wage environment unless you can find a high paying $7-8-9 dollar and hour job that provides forty hours a week. Don’t smile, thirty thousand a year is the cat’s meow around here. Don’t take this wrong, that may be all you need to survive and there are some real good jobs, but few and far between. Florida does have plenty of Call Center Jobs, Commission Sales, Insurance and Retail stores are always hiring people willing to work Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. If you have bad fortune and do get laid off don't look for any extensions or state help, your on your own from the caring and compassion crowd that runs this state. They in fact have barred gifts from lobbyists. Isn't that great? No more free rides you would think. I think not becuase that money goes into a 'fund" these politicians have created. Do they think we don't know who butters their bread? Do you think they have your interests at heart? As for Florida and their agency help, I do have a bridge I can sell you if you believe you will get any. If you don’t own a business or have sufficient wealth be prepared to earn minimum wage with little to no benefits, work a lot of hours and forget the sunshine. Also, realize any benefits they do provide to you are costly and minimal at best. While it is better than none, don't have a spell of doctor visits and tests.
Oh, and by the way, these minimum wage jobs are prized by retired persons who come here and are bored and they usually get the nod for hire because they could care less about benefits or the hourly wage. As for taxes and expenses, while less then up north, they are consistently rising with the influx of the same mentallity you had up there. Be it known that in Florida there are plenty of Funeral Homes, Hospitals, Doctors, Lawyers, Realtors, Insurance people and yes churches. There is a lot of praying in Florida. In fact these thrive with those that have and are good tithe givers. Also, you might also ask any worker who has been here for awile about that one curse word they really hate in the south - unions- and while at it ask about the commute.
For you families lets not forget the schools and the FCAT and other laws that apply to your child. You may find out that your child may need to take this test or be required to repeat a grade if they don’t pass the exam. I would check out the schools also. As for the retirement group who come having visions of that new home and the golden years in the sun. That will be true for the few years between retirement and about 80, when in general it all starts to fall apart physically- if you make it that long. I'll ask you this question will you have the help you need when you need it? Don’t be smug, you don't need a shock at that point in your life. Also, if you talked your children into moving down here to make your move easier, just remember you might wind up being their only support, and they might find they are being forced to move right back up north again. Sadly, it is a fact of life for many down here. Lastly, many retired persons live out their days and are quite happy. They have people their own age and are content with the warm weather and laid back life. However some are forced to return up north after a few years here. They long to be near family or they lose a spouse and find themselves alone or sick and have but a few good years. These people usually wind up selling their homes for less then market value just to get out. Of course if this should occur, you could wind up in one of the many Nursing Homes or even Assisted Living. I would recommend you talk to someone who spent a little time in one and consider your long term plan. Sadly, don’t depend on the government or your insurance, even if your lucky to have insurance, you will be shocked. As I said, unless your in business don’t look for any outside help. You will find resources are minimal at best and when they say "trickle down- they mean trickle down". Regretfully, may find out first hand what I am talking about.
Now we explore those new homes being built for those great prices. Don’t forget- “you get what you pay for". It's been the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Simple logic does ask- how can these houses be so much less? Is it volume, materials or workmanship? Well certainly the cost of labor contibutes. Please understand, all I'm saying is that does not mean it is not a good value, but let the buyer beware. Look and research who is building your home, their finacial condition, the size of the organization, their track record. Talk to others who have purchased a home. It's the old saying- "don't judge a book by it's cover". Lastly but certainly, don’t forget about the Sink Holes and sand dunes your house might be located on. Make sure the land is surveyed for this or you will know when your insurance drops you, or you can't get insurance and the state has to cover you because no one else will. That gives you one choice- pay or else! If your thinking about Mobile or Manufactured housing then do your homework! I did! Also, look into insurance for an eye opener [see my article on sinkholes].
We can move along to laws and those you suspect are there to help you. Well forget about it. Most laws are designed to protect business while presenting a picture that they assist the average person.Why do you say this. Well here is a simple analogy. Suck on a cough drop with alcohol and if per chance you get pulled over by a ploice officer then can write a D.U.I. if you go over the limit [think aboout that cough drop]. lets say you go to dinner and have some wine and three hours later you are pulled over. Guess what. You got it, you can get a D.U.I and go to jail. Now the fun really begins. Youa re tresated with less respect then illegal persons who committed a felony. You have to bail out after a mandatory stint in jail. It cost you thousands. If you don't take the breath or blood test your really up a creek and your guilty even before you get to court. One could go on but those in power know exactly what happens. Rhetorically, one wonders if the same applies to them after they leave a gala event? [see part 2 on the Sunshine State for more good news].
Finally, don’t forget Florida is a tropical state, so the bugs are bigger, more numerous and more exotic. You may note that when your first scorpion walks across your ceiling or some of those Love Bugs ruin the paint on your car, the Palmetto Bugs zoom around your house, or you walk out one morning and find a snake on your patio or a raccoon rips up you screening. Finally, every water spot in Florida has “critters" and some are rather big. Temperatures and humidity could range 90 -100% for months and when it rains and storms quite hard! Hurricanes are another factor. The cement block house you think is Hurricane proof is subject to size and scope of the storm. So, if your one of those mentioned with the financial resources to live in Paradise, then - “come on down" and if you can absorb all the concerns and considerations mentioned, then welcome to the Sunshine State, where the Sun is in the eyes of the beholder!
Post Script update Jan 03, 2006- I just found out the beloved state allowed an increase on the charges on my moms medical AARP supplemental plan about $25.00 per month. That's great for a widow living on less than $1000.00 a month. Its just part of the thinking down here.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2005 Robert Melaccio
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