You Can Live Off The Grid In This Florida Town Considered The Best In The Country (2024)

FAQs

Is Florida a good place to live off-grid? ›

Florida, known for its sunshine and diverse landscapes, offers several enticing locations for those seeking an off-grid lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to the tranquil seclusion of the Everglades or the rustic charm of the Panhandle, these specific areas provide unique opportunities for off-grid living.

Contrary to what most people think, living off the grid in Florida is not illegal, especially in regions without the services of any utility company. If utility companies provide services in the area, you're required to be connected to them, but this doesn't mean you have to use them.

The best state for off-grid living ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences, but will ideally be areas with lenient building and rainwater harvesting laws, moderate weather, and plenty of open land. Examples of good states for off-grid living include Colorado, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Oregon.

Yes, it is legal to live off the grid in the United States as long as you comply with local building codes and zoning regulations.

Gainesville is the best city to move to in Florida, offering a low cost of living. Palm Coast is the safest city in our ranking. Fort Myers has the highest life expectancy for residents among cities in our study at 82.4 years, beating the Florida state life expectancy of 79.7 years.

Solar Rights Act: The Florida Solar Rights Act prohibits ordinances, deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements from forbidding the use of solar equipment. This law ensures that homeowners are not denied the right to install solar collectors or other renewable energy devices on their properties.

While off-the-grid living will significantly reduce your expenses, you'll still need to pay property taxes, utilities, and routine home maintenance. You'll also need to cover the cost of living, which includes food, transportation, and other expenses. Fortunately, there are many ways you can earn money.

ADUs and Florida

If you're a Florida resident and wondering if you can build an ADU, the answer is, generally, yes. There are not any state-wide restrictions on whether or not you can have an ADU on your property; however, you may be restricted by other regulatory bodies.

In many cases, you might be required to maintain a connection to the city/county utilities – but that doesn't mean you have to use them. You can still install and run all or most of your power, for example, through a solar panel system. There is no law mandating citizens use local power supplies.

The national average cost of an off-grid system is $55,000*, though your investment could range from $20,000 to $100,000 based on your system design and energy needs. Going off-grid reduces your energy usage, lowers your carbon footprint, and enables you to live more independently.

How do you get paid to live off the grid? ›

While there may be initial setup costs and some challenges, learning how to live off the grid with no money is possible. All you need is careful planning and proper resources. Whether you join an off-grid community or build an off-grid life for yourself, it's important to consider your preferences and circ*mstances.

Off-grid life pays off in surprising ways

A lot of the pros of making the off-grid move are well known and rather obvious: utility bills lowered or erased, a greatly reduced environmental footprint and an increased sense of independence.

As energy costs and home prices continue to rise, more Americans are choosing to live off-grid. According to one estimate, more than 250,000 people in the U.S. have an off-grid lifestyle.

No State Income Tax

Everyone loves to keep more money in their paycheck and or retirement funds and Florida is a great place to make that happen. In Florida there is no state income tax! What does this mean for you? Well, in Florida, you don't have to give away any part of your paycheck for state taxes.

The Pros of Living in Florida: Sun, Beaches, and No State Income Tax. Florida is the place to be if you want to ditch those dreary winters for good. With an average of 230 sunny days a year, you'll have plenty of time to soak up the rays at the beach or while you're lingering by the pool.

Retiring in Florida has pros, such as a lower cost of living and good healthcare. Florida has cons, such as relatively high sales tax and property insurance. Sarasota and Naples are among the best places for retirees. Speak to a financial advisor about how much you need to save to retire in Florida.

Florida is one of the most expensive states for housing, and Miami is the least affordable city in the country, according to a report. High demand, short supply, increased migration trends since the pandemic and exploding mortgage rates, make for a pricey combination.