10 Years Living in FLORIDA | Mistakes, Lessons Learned, & Tips

[@garyK.45ACP]

Florida resident here. I love your videos and especially liked your detailed review of the MSC Seaside, which we just took a cruise on. It was great. All these tips are great and useful! I'm retired, so I just stay off the roads when they are busy.😜 I DO have a SunPass! Some more tips from a longtime resident... When you live in areas with snowstorms, you have equipment to deal with them. Snow blowers, shovels, boots, etc. Well, Florida is no different. Get the _equipment_ to deal with the weather. That means window coverings and an emergency generator. Get a generator big enough to run your WHOLE HOUSE. You can do this even with a portable generator, just make sure it has the output to run your home. A 6500 watt generator will run your refrigerator and lights just fine. And you can sit in the heat, with no AC, and watch your refrigerator stay cool. For just a couple hundred dollars more...you cool the whole house! And DON'T try to do it 3 days before a storm hits. Just consider it part of the cost of buying a home in Florida. Having several days to "prepare" for a storm is useless if you have _nothing to prepare with._ Buy a home built to current codes, or upgraded to current codes. It will save you thousands of dollars on homeowners insurance. Get an inspection from a licensed home inspector. Pass, HARD PASS, on any home that doesn't meet current codes. Look for...slab foundation, reinforced concrete block construction and current code roofing (either original or upgraded). Add hurricane protection to windows and doors (if it is not already present). Homes with wood frame construction or crawlspaces? HARD PASS. Get a "4-point" and "wind mitigation" inspection and report for your home. It can save you _thousands_ per year on insurance by verifying that your home meets all current codes. These inspections and reports will cost you $200-300 but can easily save you $1500 to $2000/year in insurance costs...and they are valid for 5 years! Some insurance companies will not even consider covering your home if you don't have these. Make sure you get ALL the property tax exemptions you can in your county. Homestead, additional homestead and senior citizen (if you qualify) or any others. Check with the county taxing authority to see what you qualify for. My exemptions drop my property tax from $3200/year to LESS THAN $900!!!!!!

[@Explorcation]

Wow thank you so much for sharing these wonderful tips! It's been a while since we purchased/owned a home in FL, but these home related tips are great! We're also really happy to hear that you found our MSC cruise videos to be helpful!

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@Explorcation 👍 I found your channel just before we went on our cruise September 3. It was a great review and we knew right where to go on that huge ship! The food was excellent! In the restaurants and the buffets. I think we had the same cruise you did, with the same ports. For us, Costa Maya was a disappointment but only because there were THREE HUGE ships in port that day. Too much for that little village to handle.

[@Explorcation]

@@garyK.45ACP we are so glad that our review was helpful, it is a really big ship. We also enjoy watching cruise videos before we go to become familiar with the ship, I think it helps us to enjoy the experience even more! I can understand why Costa Maya would not be so fun with three ships in port, that does seem like too many!

[@clearwaterbeachlocals]

Thanks for sharing! We moved to Clearwater Beach 6 years ago and share some of the same sentiments! Love all your vids...you guys are an inspiration!

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure. We're glad to see you've been happy with your decision to move to Florida as well! Thanks so much for the kind comment!

[@rcpantoni]

I love that Publix sub is mentioned. When I moved here from DC a year ago I considered it my most valuable find in St Pete 😊

[@Explorcation]

It's right up there for us as well! It's so nice to always have a cheap and relatively healthy fall-back option when neither of us feels like cooking!

[@jessica.johnson1]

The hurricane bit reminds me of the snow coverage here in the Midwest! It’s so dramatic!

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, it's a lot like that but much, much longer!

[@gustofpv4470]

Great advise about the "pubsub". My wife and I will try one soon....Looks like you both had a lot of fun making this one - very educational and entertaining!

[@Explorcation]

We sure hope you enjoy them as much as we do. And yes, it's's always fun to share some tips.

[@adamoutdoorbushcraft8164]

Yeah I came across your channel I really like it so far I'm a former Florida native and also lived half my life in Michigan. Plan on moving back down in a few years to Clermont area

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching and for your comment. We hope your move back to Florida goes smoothly. We've been to the Clermont area a few times and have always been impressed how nice the city is.

[@RandyDreammaker]

The Berkshire B Stock Tip was actually quite interesting and helpful. Thanks

[@Explorcation]

Happy to share the tip, Randy. We also just got our first 6-month renewal and our rate went down around $80 for using their app that tracks your driving. So if you do sign up and believe yourself to be a safe drive (mainly just don't use your phone while driving), we'd recommend doing the safe driver app.

[@jlpickering3881]

We watch Mike as well. Good pup owner as well.

[@Explorcation]

LOL yes he sure is. We love then the pup makes random appearances in his live streams!

[@whoogoesthere]

Love this video! I am about to be moving to Florida myself. Very helpful! Thank you guys!

[@Explorcation]

That's so exciting! We're so happy to hear that you found this video to be helpful. We hope your move goes smoothly, and we hope you love living here in Florida!

[@chriswillis7292]

pub sub's are a beach must have !

[@CarlosGonzalez-mr5qz]

I will have to try!

[@Explorcation]

For some reason we have yet to actually take one to the beach. But it does sound like a really good idea!

[@Andersonslc]

Awesome video! you guys are spot on! Thank you

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. We're glad you found our experiences and tips to be accurate!

[@gladysgriffin7347]

Very useful video. Thanks for all the tips. We already have Sun Pass since 2022 and can be use in Kansas and Missouri as well.

[@Explorcation]

Thanks, Gladys! That's great to know that Sun Pass works in KS and MO too! We usually fly back to visit, but if we ever decide to drive, it's great to know they will work!

[@greg33770]

All Great Tips !👍

[@Explorcation]

Thanks Greg!!

[@TheAverageTourist]

We usually avoid holiday weekends at main attractions and beaches here too - they get so crowded. Great tips overall - crazy about the insurance rates, cool parking app to check time, I think we might have something like that here but now I'm going to check! I would be guilty of watching the weather network 24/7 if I lived somewhere near a hurricane 🤣

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, the older we get, the more we try to avoid crowds/traffic at all costs 😂

[@Jacksonzole57]

Thank you guys for taking the time to do all this !!! It is appreciated

[@Explorcation]

It's our pleasure! Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@JenFlutterby]

If you need to do yard stuff, plan on the early mornings, and maybe the evenings. Sometimes the mosquitos challenge the evenings. The peak of the day is very difficult to be outside doing strenuous things. I was used to all-day-long weeding and landscaping being a former northerner and the Florida summer months kick me in butt now. 😂 Also, the gardening differences are astounding. Do your research and gain knowledge before investing money into gardening or landscaping. It is a whole difference experience and with complications.

[@Explorcation]

Yes great tip, Jen. We haven't owned a home for a few years so almost forgot what it was like to have to wake up before sunrise to do yardwork in the summer!

[@jg-xx8oh]

Winter relaxing in Sarasota 7 miles from the Gulf electric bike is a must! And things to do! 🇨🇦

[@Explorcation]

Absolutely! Having an e-bike can make navigating these beach towns so much easier!

[@ScullyPop]

World's Best Travel Channel.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you Scully!

[@carolyn_s]

Thank you for the great tips as always! Saving this for later.

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure, Carolyn! We hope you find them helpful.

[@doug2078]

Good Advice guys !! 👍

[@Explorcation]

Thanks Doug!

[@boxcarkim24]

Hi guys. Great Vid. Heading down next week to Anna Maria Island for 10 days. Flying into Tampa this time and always bring my E-ZPass for the rental car. Will be checking out more of Dunedin as that is where we will probably end up. Subway was the only place I could get my meatball sub in Bradenton.

[@Explorcation]

So happy to hear you guys are going to be making it back down! This time of year is about the least busy you'll ever find Anna Maria, so take advantage of it! There's always hurricane risk when traveling in September and October, but for us it's always worth it to avoid all the crowds!

[@jameyb9879]

Relocated to FL (Tampa Bay) in '76 when it was the uncrowded, inexpensive and very pleasant year round. Mom & pop locally established businesses at the beaches and through out the Bay area offered very personal, quality foods, goods and service. As the decades passed, in the late 80s and over the 90s, I watched as this pristine semi- tropical lifestyle eroded as multitudes from across the nation relocated there causing a deterioration of daily life, the disappearance of small businesses with condos ruining the pristine beaches along with the hi cost of daily living. Now, history repeats as the flow is happening once again. Retired and left FL in '08 for a small town just a couple of states away and out of the insane overcrowded pace. We lived thru 3 hurricanes mostly near miss offshore however damage was incredible. Tampa Bay has dodged the bullet for decades but...flip a coin several times and if i comes up heads each time, guess what side is next. Actually, this hurricane chance applies to anywhere in the state. Try to get flood or affordable insurance and property taxes along with a quick route out if the big one is predicted to hit. Much more I could list, but go ahead and relocate there and experience for yourselves but, you may enjoy that lifestyle.

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much for sharing. We obviously weren't around to experience the area in the 70's, but it sounds like we would have loved it. That said, we still love the current version of our beach towns. We prefer to avoid the crowds as well and could do without the beachfront condos, but we can't blame people for wanting to wake up to a view of the gulf each morning.

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always and tips 👍🤗

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for watching! Hopefully a few people found them to be helpful!

[@loricannell3368]

Love these tips! We hope to move to Florida maybe by the end of the year and will use all of these tips, thank you!

[@Explorcation]

We're glad you enjoyed them, and we really hope that they help your move to FL go as smoothly as possible!

[@floridacycling4842]

Like other carriers, Geico will also disproportionately bump up your rates after a couple of renewals.

[@Explorcation]

I'm sure they will, and then it will be time to shop once again.

[@Explorcation]

Do you have any tips to add to this list? Make sure to leave them in the comments! Also, what are your thoughts on the Tampa Bay area being protected from hurricanes? 🌀

[@mickeyguy3173]

Always great videos! Great tips here. A SunPass is essential if you do any type of traveling in Florida. My sister lives in Bradenton took care of my elderly dad in St Pete going across the skyway weekly and also has a son in Orlando. Again, great tips. thanks!

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much, Mickey!! We're glad you enjoyed this one!

[@missdizziest]

We can only afford a holiday to St Pete once a year, and yet we too have a sunpass😂. When we travelled via MCO then we grabbed the free toll pass, but they've not introduced it at Tampa. We also ate Pub Subs! They are super yummy, though as a newbie it was all a bit overwhelming with all the options, and then we just knee jerk reacted to random fillings when it was our turn 😅

[@Explorcation]

Yes, the pub sub options can be overwhelming even for pub sub veterans like ourselves... especially when there's like 50 types of meats to choose from! Even though you only visit once a year, I'd still recommend getting the sunpass. You guys are doing it right!

[@reginathornton7433]

Great tips! Thank you! Yes, I got Geico & I like Publix subs made fresh for you. The bread is so good too. God BLESS you folks.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you, Regina. We couldn't agree more!

[@ultanwoods]

Good episode guys 👏

[@Explorcation]

Thanks, Ultan!!

[@James_Russell]

Noted! Love the Office references as well. "I'm not superstitious, but I'm a little stitious" 😄 I was not aware of the hurricanes hitting FL that start with the letter "I". Interesting fact. I was part of a disaster response team that dispatched to Florida from the Kentucky/Ohio area in 2004 when the 4 hurricanes hit between August and September, providing generator back up power to cell towers to restore service for first responders and 911 systems. One consistent trait of hurricanes is they are inconsistent! Do not try and anticipate their intentions. Follow the local guidelines as they are communicated. That would be my only tip to add.

[@Explorcation]

Yeah we though that "Sticious" GIF fit pretty perfectly 😂 We try to only use one Michael Scott GIF in these types of videos, but we could easily use 20 of them... there's so many great ones! Thanks for sharing your experience with disaster response here in Florida. You are absolutely right that hurricanes are inconsistent. If Idalia would have made the same eastward turn that Ian did in the last 48 hours, St Pete would probably look like a war zone right now. Some hurricanes can be more of a wind threat, some are more of a rain threat, and some are more of a storm surge threat. We really should have gone into that more in the video. Some day we'll have to do a video just on hurricane tips.

[@BobCarlson]

All of this will help with the learning curve of living in FL. I moved down from PA in 1978 and got right into the beach, boat, and water skiing life. Unfortunately I never heard of sun tan lotion. Skin cancer is no joke and I have the scars to prove it.

[@Explorcation]

Great tip, Bob. We probably should have devoted a whole section of this video to talking about Sun/sunscreen. But we planned this video a bit last minute and totally forgot to discuss it. If we do end up making another moving to FL video, this will definitely be topic #1!

[@JessicaMillerNashville]

Which GPS app do you use?

[@Explorcation]

More often than not we use Google Maps, but occasionally we'll use Waze, especially when driving internationally.

[@RandyDreammaker]

How is the costs of property insurance?

[@Explorcation]

It wasn't terrible when we owned, but we've been renting for the last three years and have heard that for many it's gone up significantly during that time. Of course it's going to depend a lot on your location (how close to the coasts you are and your elevation).

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

Tom Terry WFTV Channel 9 Orlando - 1st weatherman to correctly predict Hurricane Charlie turning back towards FL. Also Mr. Weatherman on KZbin - also WFTV channel 9 Orlando's Brian Shields. His channel is no hype, all info showing Caribbean as well as any place else a storm is headed. Sunpass Pro is great for travel! You can use it in a LOT of states. We just used it in NY, ME, NC and GA.

[@lindad9068]

Agree! Brian Shields in Orlando area channel 9 gives great info, no unnecessary hype.

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for the suggestions on Orlando weather resources, guys! We'll have to check out Mr Weatherman.

[@kipirvin1970]

My Wife and I are from Indiana. We vacationed in Clearwater a couple years ago. We went for a drive one day and blew right through a toll booth. We kinda laughed and said woops gonna get a bill for that. We ended up getting 3 or 4 from ones we didn't even realize driving through. Lol. Your video made us laugh about it.

[@Explorcation]

Lol yeah they are easy to miss sometimes. Glad our video gave you a good laugh!

[@AngryBarns]

I subbed a little bit ago for some reason, but your latest video made you seem like tourists still, and that's basically what you two are. Going to all these touristy places, giving a tourist run around. But what got me is you actually encouraged people to get a Sun-Pass! in your latest video! That's for business men and women in the bay area, like you two, I guess.

[@CarlosGonzalez-mr5qz]

Cry us a river.

[@reginathornton7433]

I had a Sun Pass when I had to go across bridges or tge Bay Way Toll when I worked. But I am retired here & dont have any tolls to go through.

[@Explorcation]

We tried to provide tips that would be helpful for new residents as well as tourists, so makes sense that it seemed a bit touristy. I'm a bit confused about the Sunpass comment though. Most people in FL live in or near major cities and will have to deal with tolls. So do you suggest people pay more money and spend more time going through tolls? Or do you just suggest that they just try to avoid them all together?

[@reginathornton7433]

@@Explorcation I used a Sun Pass for 14 years. I traveled over Gun Highway in Tampa, across the Pinellas Bay Way Toll booth & sometimes to North Port. I needed it. It's a FANTASTIC Suggestion. I don't go those places anymore, so I don't need one.

[@AngryBarns]

@Explorcation I get ya. For a 36 yr old Floridian, yea, we would avoid the tolls. You don't have to spend more time at the toll if you don't have a pass. They bill you and no it isn't a ticket or excessive. Like I said if you are someone driving for business week in and out all year, the pass is for you. Yes I love on the most western point of Pinellas but I don't need a sun pass at all because I'm not driving through downtown Tampa or the Veterans Expressway nor the Skyway constantly. It is way less obviously when you only go thru a toll a few times a year.

[@romanm9718]

Have you ever considered moving from Florida? I know you both love the area but has the thought ever crossed your mind?

[@Explorcation]

It has definitely crossed our mind, but for now FL is the place for us. The weather and beaches will probably always keep us here at least part of the year, but we could definitely see ourselves living somewhere in the mountains part of the year as well, as we love hiking and rocking climbing!

[@romanm9718]

@@Explorcation Yes I feel the same way. Being from the midwest as well I don't think I could survive the summer humidity every day. I love Florida from the end of October to about May though.

[@Explorcation]

@@romanm9718 the heat and humidity sure do get old, especially at the end of summer, but October has to be one of our favorite months 😁

[@genehinders9639]

I wouldn't let any financial or political decisions affect those Indian Burial Grounds...Don't temp fate!

[@Explorcation]

Could not agree more, Gene!!

[@randykos1randykos162]

ok he looks like he is high

[@Explorcation]

That's just how I look all the time 😂