Moving to Port St. Lucie from Texas: A 2026 Relocation Guide
Quick answer: Texas is now the #2 source of new Floridians, about 45,000 moved here in the latest Census count. Since neither state has an income tax, this move is about the coast: trading Dallas or Houston sprawl for a town on the Atlantic where the typical home runs about $400,000 and your property-tax rate usually drops. American flies nonstop DFW to PBI and United flies Houston to PBI.
Texans don't move to Florida for the tax break. They already have that. They move for the water, and because the money works. Here's the 2026 comparison.
The move at a glance
| Movers | About 45,300 Texans moved to Florida in 2024 (U.S. Census), the #2 feeder state |
|---|---|
| Income tax | None in either state, a wash |
| Property taxes | Texas has some of the country's highest rates (about 1.6 to 1.7%); Florida's are lower, plus the homestead exemption and 3% assessment cap |
| Home prices | DFW metro about $369K, Houston about $306K | Port St. Lucie roughly $380K to $400K |
| Flights home | Nonstop DFW to PBI (American) and Houston IAH to PBI (United) |
The property-tax surprise
Here's what most Texans don't expect: your property taxes usually go down in Florida. Texas leans on property taxes precisely because it has no income tax, effective rates around 1.6 to 1.7% are among the nation's highest. Florida's rates run lower, and once you homestead here you get up to $50,000 off assessed value plus a 3% yearly cap on increases. On similar-priced homes, that's real money every year.
The ocean is the point
Dallas is 300 miles from salt water and Houston's beach is Galveston. Port St. Lucie puts you 20 minutes from Atlantic beaches on Hutchinson Island, with the St. Lucie River running through town and some of the best inshore and offshore fishing in the country at the St. Lucie Inlet. If you fish, boat or just want to see the water on a Tuesday, that's the trade.
What's familiar, what's different
Familiar: heat, humidity, storm season and big new master-planned communities, Tradition here will remind you of the DFW suburbs, just with palm trees. Different: hurricanes replace hail and tornadoes (insurance runs high in both states, get quotes before you offer), the summers come with a sea breeze, and there's no 100-degree August week.
Where Texas buyers land
New-construction fans head to Tradition and PGA Village Verano; boaters look at Stuart and Palm City on the river; golfers have a full menu of communities. Start with the Port St. Lucie guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Florida cheaper than Texas overall?
They're close. Home prices are similar, neither has an income tax, and both have pricey home insurance. Florida usually wins on property taxes; Texas wins on some everyday costs. For most movers it comes down to lifestyle, not spreadsheets.
Do property taxes really go down when you move from Texas to Florida?
Usually, yes. Texas effective rates are among the highest in the country, and Florida's are meaningfully lower, especially once the homestead exemption and the 3% assessment cap kick in. Compare the actual tax bills on any two homes, though.
Are there nonstop flights from Texas to Palm Beach?
Yes. American flies Dallas-Fort Worth to PBI and United flies Houston (IAH) to PBI. PBI is about 45 minutes from Port St. Lucie.
How do Florida hurricanes compare to Texas weather?
Both states deal with hurricanes and expensive insurance. Florida trades away Texas hail, tornadoes and 105-degree summers; in exchange, storm season is something you prepare for here just like on the Gulf Coast. Newer Florida homes are built to some of the strictest wind codes in the country.
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.
