Hello all!

In March, 2011, I came down to Orlando after discussing with my SO for 12 years the pros and cons about moving to where we both feel we would be happier. On the third day of my trip, and the day before attending my first Florida meet and greet, the SO changed his mind. (sorry to anybody I met there if I seemed off-I was very upset but trying to keep a happy face) Some of the main reasons were everything we know is here, friends, family, his job at the time, I have a store here, last two kids still had time left in school, etc. These are all factors we had discussed and came as nothing new, but when I called to say I found a house and was writing a check for a Good Faith deposit-reality struck and he got scared!

Needless to say, this caused many issues for several months as to go or not go. My desire to come to Florida has been the same since I first stepped into Orlando airport, twelve years ago. I have traveled all over the world, and the Orlando airport just makes me happy!!!!!!! All the little kids waiting to meet the Disney characters and the family feel of people looking to have memories for a life time, etc-it is just a wonderful place.

I have done as much research about the areas as I can. Actually many of you helped steer me in the right direction in March of 2011-thanks!! A few years ago, after crying every time we would leave Florida and hearing "oh you would hate the summers there", I rented a home in AUGUST!! for a month with the hopes of thinking other NYC people were right and I was just not getting it. As we drove home that trip, I was a miserable bitch-lol.

Now, that the SO and I are on the same page-(and even if he gets scared again) Florida WILL be my home this year. I am coming down in February to hopefully purchase or at least decide between the couple of areas we have it down to. (another issue is we are on different sides/areas of where we want to be in Orlando) Starting in March, I will be coming down every few weeks to build up a regular client base down there although my schedule once I move is going to be part time.

SOOOOOO with all that info, what advise do you have for a born and bred Northeast girl??
I am so tired of hearing my fellow New Yorkers complain about bugs, lizards, and rain-lol.
Bugs and lizards belong outside-birds eat them and nothing is more pleasing to my ear that a tweet tweet song from a bird.
The damn rain keeps everything green all year!!!
I will take sweating in August poolside over breaking my ass on ice here during the winter-along with roads being in disrepair from the temp changes, etc.
Having to wash my six dogs paws every time we come in so they do not lick rocksalt off them-ugh!!!!
As you can see, I really do not like it here!!!

SOOOOO what am I missing, if you are a transplant what was the biggest adjustment???
What do you wish you had known?
Any regrets about the move?

Do you find the hobby any different???
My assistant has already warned me, if I plan on working in Tampa I might have to rethink my screening policy as currently retired men cannot see me-hmmmm I will deal with that later!

OK thanks for reading and I look forward to your advise!!
Happy New Year!

I already am getting pm's that although I really appreciate them, I think the info can be helpful to many people besides me.  So many people move to Florida from the Northeast that surely your helpful answers will be best suited publicly.  As well as my assistant is the one who gets the notices there are messages here-not me so once I log off in a bit and she takes over for the week, I do not want her bombarded with pms that she does not need to bother with.  Thanks so much for your understanding.
xo

You had been on my to do list for trips to NYC but I never had the opportunity to meet you. Maybe we can connect one day down here. I am sure you will love it in Florida most people from NY end up liking Fla once they are settled. Best of luck...

...welcome to Florida! I wish you all of the best.   As a Florida native and provider who has been travelling to New York every month for the last 7 years, I have seen the differences between the Northeast and Florida from mostly every aspect from cost of living, differences in hobbyists, cycles of business, travel expenses, etc.  South Florida is different than North Florida a bit, but not too different when it comes down to living and working in Florida vs. the Northeast.

As with anything, there are trade-offs.  My experience has been that the cost of living is much cheaper in Florida but it is all relative. You may not be as consistently busy as you would be in NY. As people have mentioned, with conventions or "our season" (typically November through April) you may be busier.  Then there are months that may be slow (July, August). If you notice, many of the South Florida ladies travel. Although Florida has many, many wonderful hobbyists, the population in certain areas consists of tourists or snow birds or families visiting which limits alot.

It certainly sounds as if you have made up your mind to come to Florida and that is great! Once again, welcome and the best to you and yours. Please feel free to call me or email me and I would be more than happy to talk to you further about differences and adjustments.

Be well,
Toni

(PS, not sure if you remember, but we met at the NY Summer M&G. You and your girlfriend sat at the table at the top of the stairs with my SO and I).

Hi Toni!
Yes, I remember you, sexy brunettes are hard to forget!!!!
Thank you so much!!!
xoxooxoox

That sounds like an excellent plan!!!
Here-There-EVERY WHERE!!!!
Nice resume of ladies who have white listed you btw...
xoxoxoxooox

Hello Brenda!

Welcome to the Sunshine state!! I as well am a Northerner. I actually ended up here on a fluke. I was vacationing and decided to stay. This is a great state. I will be honest in the summer I was kind of on the fence about staying. However, waking up to the sun glistening on the ocean every morning. Just makes me the happiest gal ever!! Florida has lots to offer in terms of the hobby. I would suggest travel. A good friend of mine, Sexy Toni, who I saw has responded gave me that wonderful advice months ago and it was the best advice anyone has ever given me. I am going to travel just once a month in the winter months because I do love to enjoy the mild weather, sun, boating, fishing, and of course the beach.

So best of luck to you and feel free to ask us Florida girls any questions as we all get a long pretty well and always like to help one another.

Xoxox
AD

Thank you very much!