It depends
 

As a couple of people mentioned, there are many reasons for declaring/maintaining residency. Different states have different homestead property/and income tax laws. And some states have personal property taxes when licensing cars as well. You just have to do your homework and do what is best for your particular situation.

And tax "man"? Really?

It's sort of like "when should you take you social security benefit?" It differs - one person's situation is not like another's.

You need to consider more than just property taxes, namely the benefit of Florida's zero state income tax. Those with higher incomes are likely to benefit more by becoming Florida residents, even if their out-of-state homes have much higher property taxes relative to their Florida home.
Also, while Florida welcomes new residents with little or now challenge, you are most likely to encounter difficulty from the state you are leaving which doesn't want to see the loss of your state income tax. The higher your income the more likely your tax return will be audited. Keep good receipts for all of your purchases, and not just things like utility bills which don't prove your your presence in Florida.

Absolutely, 100% right - it is largely a financial decision. Hire the CPA if you are uncomfortable with the math. Money very well spent.

For the sake of these two comparisons, property tax is moot - since it has to be paid on houses regardless of where they are located. The only way around this is to have a much smaller (townhouse/condo) in one state versus a lake house, mansion, or estate in another state.

Florida vs Tennessee: Both states have no state income tax. Florida has higher property tax. Tennessee has no homestead exemption. Car insurance / registration is cheaper in TN.
SOLUTION: One spouse becomes a FL resident, and obtains a FL driver's license. Claim the homestead exemption. The other spouse remains a TN resident and registers all vehicles through that address.

WIN-WIN. Tie. Takes advantage of maximum savings from each state.

Florida vs California: CA has 10-14% state income tax. CA also has phenomenally high vehicle registration and insurance costs. CA's vehicle reg is on a declining scale based on value and age of vehicle. My then 13-year old pickup truck still cost $171/year. A new car of approximately $65,000 costs approximately $800/year. Claiming FL is a huge raise just walking in the door. CA sales tax in my old county is 7.75% versus 6% in FL. That's 1.75% more! Not a ton, until you go to buy a car, or golf cart, or you enjoy stocking up for the year at Costco.

If you maintain residences in CA, they will do everything, including subpoena where your doctor visits are and where you spend money (credit card and bank statements) to auto-tax you. It is up to YOU to sue and beat them to prove you are not a CA resident. SOLUTION: Ditch California as hard and as fast as humanly possible. Sell any property there. Leave no traces for the draconian Board of Equalization to get their tentacles into you. If you visit there, pay for everything in cash - leave no credit card trail. Move to another tax-friendly state if you do not want to be in Florida full-time. Submit the DL 142 form (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/upload...05/dl142-1.pdf). Make sure to put reason as: MOVED OUT OF STATE PERMANENTLY. Keep a copy. In fact, I'd sent it certified or return receipt requested.

WINNER: Florida

Make your residency in the state that you spend most of your time.

It’s great that you can keep properties in two states.
At the moment my only investments that are going UP in value are my homes.
My son lives in Arvada….so I’ve seen Colorado’s appreciation over the years. Going there next week .
I changed residency from OH to FL.
As others have commented…just crunch the numbers.

Villages mainly NY, NJ I'm surprised you are not looking at Sun City by Austin we are in Denver now hearing CO is full of TX people.

We lived in Frisco last year awesome people there

Residency
 

Go for FL...no state tax return and no estate taxes. Stay 6 mos and 1 day. Change your car, bank account etc. File in the office by the DMV so you can get the Homestead tax exemption too. So much better than NY and many other states to be a FL resident

Most states have laws requiring your residency designation to be that state where you spend the majority of days in the year. It’s pretty straightforward and that doesn’t give you a lot of options as to which to choose.

After visiting Colorado , try to remember to bring back some of that Recreational Moon Cabbage and drop off two “ Lids” at my house.. that skunk weed is a lot more potent nowadays and can make a person Question what State they are really in

+++ Yes, all of the above! But I wish I could stay up north for 7 or 8 months, since Spring, Summer and Fall are great. Just hate the cold and snow of Winter. Enjoy the best of both worlds if you can.

Best just to be honest. If you work a couple of days in one state, that will cause problems. If you get audited, they can ask for cell phone and credit card records to prove where you were.

Considerations:

Homestead tax savings-exemptions differ, tax rates differ - you need to do the math
Medical insurance - if you change your residency you may have to change your insurance.
Car insurance rates based upon residency or tax spent.
How your current state taxes part-year residents- does it tax based upon days, income derived within the state only - as examples.

If you trying to change residency yes you have to change your state your driver's license and voter registration is in.

As a "taxman" I get these questions a lot.

Ask George Harrison...

In NY every county has different tax deductions, this includes Veterans.