If you're moving from New York or New Jersey to Florida or elsewhere, make sure to legally change your domicile in the correct manner and time. The proper steps and documents will ensure your move is smooth and hassle-free.
Over the past few years, and increasingly in 2024-6, New York and New Jersey States have been experiencing a population and wealth exodus, with the most popular relocation destination being Florida.
According to reports, NY experienced a net loss of about 130,000 residents in 2024 and about 114,000 in 2025, while NJ lost about 36,000 in 2024 and 30,000 in 2025. A recent Bank of America Institute analysis indicates that the trend actually accelerated through 2025. The main reasons cited for leaving are high costs, family, retirement, and work, as well as an unfavorable business climate.
Whatever the reason, legally changing your domicile from New York or New Jersey to Florida (or another destination) requires proper planning and documentation. Because a change in domicile shifts your primary tax, estate, and voting jurisdiction, tax authorities—especially in high-tax states like NY & NJ—strictly audit moves.
It's important that you consult with a qualified attorney before or soon after changing your domicile, to ensure your move holds up to rigorous audits and you avoid any unpleasantness.
The key thing to understand is that a change of domicile is not established by any single act. Rather, the determination depends upon the overall pattern of your conduct and whether the facts, taken together, demonstrate that Florida has become your true, fixed, and permanent home and that New York has been abandoned as your domicile.
Note in particular the importance of maintaining accurate records of your whereabouts, changing licenses and voter registration promptly, using your Florida address consistently on legal and financial records, moving important personal and sentimental items to Florida, and carefully managing the manner in which any retained NY/NJ property is used.
If you continue to own a home in NY or NJ, it does not prevent you from making a valid change of domicile to Florida. It does, however, make it more important that your records, personal belongings, day count, formal registrations, tax filings, and overall lifestyle be aligned with Florida. They should consistently reflect that:
• Florida is your principal and permanent home
• Any NY/NJ property is no longer your residence and, if retained, is treated as a rental or investment property OR as a seasonal or summer residence only
A legal change of domicile can be a complicated and time-consuming process. We would be happy to guide you through the steps and assist you with any need, including review of Florida domicile filings, analysis of day-count issues, coordination of address and registration changes, and updates to your estate planning documents to reflect your change in domicile.
So you can start your new chapter in life with security and peace of mind.
