Northerners start flocking to Florida typically from October / November thru April / May. This is the season in Florida when the weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. And our northern retired friends appreciate this time of year and hang out in Florida to stay active outdoors and enjoy the sunshine state's warmth. 

Every year starting in October, Floridians start to recognize the season of snowbirders with increased traffic, more crowds at restaurants, and just more people in general in many areas. Most towns in Florida are impacted by our northern friends joining us for this most wonderful time of the year in Florida. 

Seasonal Rentals or Purchase a Winter Home in Florida

Snowbirds are great for the Florida economy, whether renting or purchasing real estate, snowbirds give Florida a new and vigorous life during the cooler months. 

If you are planning to move to Florida for the winter months, plan early to make sure you can book in the location you most want to stay. And if you want to save money, stay longer in one location. You can typically get a better rate for a 3 - 6 month rental than month to month. 

If you are snowbirding in Florida and plan to eventually purchase a home for full-time retirement, check out our Florida Retirement Guide for tips on selecting a retirement community, and rent in the location you may want to move to. This will give you a great opportunity to get to know the area better. 

Snowbirds in the larger cities in Florida

Some of the most popular Snowbird locations include some of Florida's larger city areas where there is plenty to do including theater, visiting museums and art galleries, fine dining, and sporting events. Miami, the Palm Beaches, Orlando Attractions area, Daytona, Jacksonville, St. Pete/Tampa, Sarasota and Naples are all popular destinations. 

Snowbirds in the smaller beach towns in Florida

Smaller beach towns tend to be a favorite for seasonal rentals to snowbirds. St. George Island in the panhandle, Amelia Island in Northeast Florida, Venice, Sanibel and Captiva on the Southwest Coast, and the Florida Keys offer small town appeal and lots of boating and beach town activities.  

A few things you probably didn't know about Snowbird Season and Snowbirds in Florida

• Snowbirds have been traveling to Florida to spend winters in our beautiful state for over 100 years.
• The Florida population increases more then 5% every year during the winter snowbird season. 
• Snowbirds do not just come for the warmth, they often come to Florida for their health and to stay active during the winter months
• Snowbirds help real estate and development in Florida and impact the rental market
• Snowbirds do not always own a second home in Florida. Most Snowbirds rent.
• Snowbirds love to document their travels and often have more comprehensive blogs then the younger population