Moving to Port St. Lucie from Minnesota: A 2026 Relocation Guide
Quick answer: Minnesota sends 8,000 to 14,000 movers to Florida a year, and the tax gap is one of the widest in the country: Minnesota's top income-tax rate is 9.85%, it taxes estates over $3 million, and it even taxes some Social Security. Florida taxes none of that. Home prices are close (Twin Cities about $369,000, Port St. Lucie roughly $400,000), so the move is really about January and April. Delta flies Minneapolis to Palm Beach nonstop, with Sun Country seasonal.
Minnesotans are the toughest winter people in America, which is exactly why so many of them eventually stop proving it. Here's the 2026 guide.
The move at a glance
| Movers | About 8,000 to 14,000 Minnesotans move to Florida each year (U.S. Census) |
|---|---|
| Income tax | MN: up to 9.85%, with Social Security partly taxed | Florida: none |
| Estate tax | MN taxes estates over $3M | Florida: none |
| Home prices | Twin Cities about $369K | Port St. Lucie roughly $380K to $400K |
| Flights home | Nonstop MSP to PBI on Delta (Sun Country seasonal), about 3.5 hours |
One of the biggest tax gaps in America
Minnesota taxes nearly everything Florida doesn't: income up to 9.85%, estates over $3 million, and a portion of Social Security for many retirees. Cross the state line for good and all three go to zero. Once homesteaded here, you also get up to $50,000 off assessed value and a 3% annual cap on assessment increases. For a comfortable Minnesota retiree, the yearly difference is often five figures.
An even house trade, minus the winter
Twin Cities and Port St. Lucie prices sit within a few percent of each other, so most movers trade straight across: a Bloomington rambler for a newer one-story Florida home, often with a pool. No more heating bills that read like car payments, no ice dams, no April blizzards. The honest swap: home insurance costs more here (hurricanes), so quote it before you offer.
Lake people take to this place fast
Ten thousand lakes trains you well for a town built around a river, a lagoon and the ocean. The St. Lucie River is your new lake, except the boat never comes out of the water and the fish run to 40 pounds. Stuart, next door, is the closest thing Florida has to a friendly lake town on salt water.
Where Minnesota buyers land
The 55+ communities are famously Midwest-friendly; new-construction fans like Tradition and PGA Village Verano; golfers get 12 months a year, see the golf communities guide. Start with the Port St. Lucie guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Florida tax Social Security or pensions?
No. Florida has no state income tax at all. Minnesota taxes a portion of Social Security above income thresholds and taxes pension income at regular rates.
Is Port St. Lucie more expensive than the Twin Cities?
Home prices are similar. Insurance is higher here; income and estate taxes are far lower (zero). Most households net out well ahead.
How long is the flight home?
Delta flies MSP to PBI nonstop in about 3.5 hours, with Sun Country adding seasonal service. PBI is 45 minutes from Port St. Lucie.
Do Minnesotans keep a place up north?
Many do, summer at the cabin, winter here. If Florida becomes your primary, homesteaded residence, the tax benefits follow you; a tax professional can help set the domicile up correctly.
Talk with William. William helps out-of-state buyers plan the move, tour neighborhoods by video, and buy with confidence from a distance. Call or text (772) 800-2274 or send a message.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Tax rules, prices and flight schedules change; confirm current details with a tax professional and the airlines. William Merchant, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Gold. Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated.
