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What does it cost to run a Florida home?

I often debate on whether we should buy a home in Florida as we love the place. Can anyone tell me how much it costs to run a home in Florida..NOT to buy one...but the costs of the electricity to run your air conditioning and pools and your taxes to have your trash collected etc...What are the costs of water..is it metered ?How much is it to register to be able to rent out your home?. How long do your homes last with the materials that they are built with? Are there any websites with this information?

If you buy a car does it have to have a road worthy test every year ? and do you have to pay a road tax annually like we do here in Britain?

Thanks

1 Answer

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  • deb s
    Lv 6
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Well....most of this is going to depend on where the house is located. Since I own in two very different places I will tell you about them

    North Central Florida: House is concrete construction with tile roof. Materials will out last the end of the world.(lol). The house is 1200 sq, typical single story..everything is electric. My largest bill ever was a wickedly hot August and it topped $150. for that month running the A/C at full tilt. My taxes are $850 a year..I have a homestead discount. North Central Florida sits on top of one of the worlds largest fresh water aquifers. My water bill is $35 every three months. There is not car inspections required. Trash is $42 per month..no recycle available.

    South West (Gulf) Condos. Each are 1100 sq ft. Concrete construction (no one does 'stick built' any more). The largest electric bills were for about $90 per month (Summer). The condo fees cover everything except the taxes. approx. $800 a year in taxes..no exemptions. There is not "register the home to rent"..but it has to pass an inspection..which these places did without any extra cost. Condo fees run about $250 a month. As I do not register my car down there..I don't know if they have annual car inspections.

    When you get your property tax bill... it will clearly list the maintenance extras for your road. Tourists complain that Floridians drive like they think they own the road....well...they do!

    There are a few toll roads. You pay to use them...or find a different route.

    Finally, most of the various counties in Florida are now online. Check them out for more information

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