Downtown St. Petersburg waterfront at dusk, with city lights reflecting on Tampa Bay

RELOCATION GUIDE · ILLINOIS TO TAMPA BAY

Moving from Illinois to Tampa Bay

A practical guide for Chicago and Illinois buyers comparing Florida taxes, Gulf coast and bayfront homes across Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough, and buying from the Midwest.

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Gustavo Diaz, REALTOR® eXp Realty

01 · WHY PEOPLE MOVE

Why Illinois buyers look at Tampa Bay

No state personal income tax. Florida does not impose a personal income tax, so individuals have no Florida income tax return to file, compared with Illinois’s flat state income tax. Source: Florida Department of Revenue

Trading Lake Michigan winters for the Gulf coast. Buyers relocating from Chicago, the North Shore, Naperville, Hinsdale, Oak Brook and across Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties move from seasonal lakefront weather to year-round water on Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and residential canals.

Direct Midwest flights into Tampa Bay. Nonstop flights from O’Hare and Midway into Tampa International Airport (TPA) and regional flights into St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE) make weekend scouting trips straightforward.

A little planning goes a long way. Tidal saltwater canals and bayfront lots work differently from freshwater lakes. Checking the seawall, dock, bridge clearance and low-tide depth early keeps your purchase on solid footing.

02 · COSTS & TAXES

Illinois vs. Florida: what actually changes

Only sourced facts here. Your own numbers depend on your income, the home, and the county, so run them with a tax professional before you decide.

TopicIllinoisFlorida

Personal income taxIllinois taxes individual net income at a flat 4.95% state rate. Source: Illinois Department of Revenue No personal income tax. Florida also does not impose inheritance tax, gift taxes or a tax on intangible personal property. Source: Florida Dept. of Revenue, Tax Information for New Residents

Changing residencyUnder Illinois Department of Revenue rules, you remain an Illinois resident until you abandon your Illinois domicile and establish a permanent home elsewhere with the intent to remain. Source: Illinois Dept. of Revenue, Residency Filing a declaration of domicile, qualifying for homestead exemption or registering to vote in Florida can establish residency; a Florida driver’s license only indicates intent. Source: Florida Dept. of Revenue, Tax Information for New Residents

Property taxIllinois property taxes are levied by local taxing districts and reassessed on county cycles (triennial in Cook County); compare the actual tax bill of any home you are considering.The county property appraiser assesses property each year and the county tax collector collects the tax. Source: Florida Dept. of Revenue, Tax Information for New Residents A primary residence may qualify for a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 of assessed value; you must own the home and make it your permanent residence by January 1, then apply with the county property appraiser by March 1. Source: Florida Dept. of Revenue, Homestead Exemption (PT-113) After the first homestead year, the assessed value can rise by no more than 3% or the change in the CPI, whichever is less (“Save Our Homes”). Source: Florida Dept. of Revenue, Save Our Homes (PT-112)

Sales taxIllinois combines state sales tax with county, municipal and transit district taxes; rates vary by municipality.6% state sales tax on most goods, plus any county discretionary sales surtax. Source: Florida Dept. of Revenue, Tax Information for New Residents

Buying costsIllinois closings commonly include state, county and municipal real estate transfer stamps alongside title and lender charges.Documentary stamp tax applies to deeds, and to notes and mortgages, with a nonrecurring intangible tax on recorded mortgages. Source: Florida Dept. of Revenue, Tax Information for New Residents Your lender’s Loan Estimate and the title company will show the amounts.

On the ballot November 3, 2026: proposed constitutional Amendment 3 would, if approved by voters, increase Florida’s homestead exemption for non-school taxes starting in 2027. Under its ballot language, people who are not Florida residents on December 31, 2026 would first receive the existing homestead exemption, with the increased exemption beginning in their fifth year of exemption. Source: Florida Division of Elections, 2026 ballot language Check the current rules with the county property appraiser once the result is known.

General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Gustavo is a real estate sales associate, not a tax advisor or CPA; confirm your situation with a qualified tax professional. Sources checked October 24, 2026.

03 · WATERFRONT HOMES

What to check on a waterfront home

Two homes on the same canal can be very different to own. These are the questions to answer before your inspection period ends.

01Seawall conditionLook for cracks, leaning, gaps along the cap or soil sinking behind the wall. Get it looked at by a qualified marine contractor, and ask about its age and any repairs.
02Dock and boat liftCheck pilings, decking, the lift motor and cables, and electrical and water at the dock. Ask whether past dock, lift or seawall work was permitted.
03Water depthCheck the depth at the dock and along the whole route to open water at low tide, not just at high tide, against the draft of the boat you own or plan to buy.
04Bridge clearanceFixed bridges between the home and open water limit how tall a boat can be. Measure your boat’s height and compare it with every bridge on the route.

Practical checklist only, not an inspection. Use licensed inspectors, marine contractors and surveyors, and confirm permits with the local building department.

04 · WHERE TO LOOK

Match the area to what you’re looking for

From a walkable downtown waterfront in St. Petersburg and historic streets in South Tampa to Gulf-access canal homes and master-planned communities in Pasco County, start with the setting that fits your routine.

PINELLASSt. PetersburgIf you want a city downtown on the waterDowntown St. Pete faces Tampa Bay, with public parks along much of the waterfront, and the Gulf beaches of St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island are a short drive west. Bayfront, cove and canal-front homes.See St. Petersburg HILLSBOROUGHSouth TampaIf you want to be close to downtown TampaThe peninsula just south of downtown Tampa, with Bayshore Boulevard’s long waterfront walkway, older bungalows and newer homes, and waterfront on the bay, Davis Islands and canals off Old Tampa Bay.See South Tampa PASCO COASTPort Richey & New Port RicheyIf you want a boat behind the houseCanal-front neighborhoods on the Pasco Gulf coast with routes out to the Gulf of Mexico, plus homes along the Cotee River. Check water depth and bridges early: the Gulf is shallow close to shore here.See Port Richey & New Port Richey PASCO COUNTYPasco CountyIf you want to compare coast and inlandFrom Gulf-access canal homes on the coast to lakefront homes and inland neighborhoods such as Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel, with the Suncoast Parkway and I-75 running south toward Tampa.See Pasco County

General area information only, not a listing search or a statement about any property or neighborhood. Gustavo helps buyers across Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough.

05 · BUYING FROM ILLINOIS

How to buy while you still live in Illinois

Many buyers narrow their shortlist from Chicagoland or downstate Illinois over video before flying down for a focused weekend of showings.

Start with a callTalk through areas, budget, timing and what a waterfront home means to you. Book a 30-min call
Get pre-approved (or show proof of funds)Talk to a lender about a Florida purchase, or have proof of funds ready for a cash offer.
Search and shortlistBrowse active MLS listings on Gustavo’s live search, then share the homes you like. Search Tampa Bay homes
Live video toursGustavo can walk a home with you on a live video call, including the dock, seawall and the view down the canal, and send photos or video of anything you want a closer look at.
Offer and contract by e-signatureOffers, contracts and addenda can be signed electronically. Review the seller’s disclosures before you sign.
Inspections and insuranceDuring the inspection period, schedule a home inspection and a seawall and dock check by a marine contractor, and get homeowners insurance quotes.
Closing from a distanceFlorida law lets a Florida online notary notarize documents for a signer who is not in Florida, over a recorded audio-video session. Source: Florida Statutes 117.265 Ask your title company and lender early whether they will close online, by mail-away signing, or in person.
Protect your wireBefore you send any money, call your title company at a phone number you already know is theirs to confirm the wiring instructions. Never use wiring instructions sent only by email.
After you move inIf the home is your permanent residence by January 1, apply for homestead exemption with the county property appraiser by March 1. Source: Florida Dept. of Revenue, Homestead Exemption (PT-113)

06 · TALK TO GUSTAVO

Planning a move from Illinois?

Tell Gustavo where you’re moving from, the areas you’re curious about and your timing. You’ll work with him directly, by phone, text, email or video, and he’ll help you check the water details for the homes you like.

Send Gustavo a message Book a 30-min call

Call Gustavo Diaz, eXp Realty · 727-743-5854

Search all Tampa Bay homes on gustavodiaz.exprealty.com

MLS search provided through eXp Realty’s IDX (BoldTrail) at gustavodiaz.exprealty.com. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing; it is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed by MLS GRID, and its use may be subject to an end user license agreement prescribed by Stellar MLS. Listings courtesy of Stellar MLS as distributed by MLS GRID. Price, status and availability can change.