ORLANDO, Fla. — In 2025, Florida ranked in the top 5 U-Haul growth states, based on one-way truck, trailer and u-box rentals. The sunshine state was the number two destination, behind Texas.

What You Need To Know

The Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia and the Midwest states are where most people are moving from, according to U-Haul data

No matter where the buyer was coming from, 2025 was a tough and very slow year

2026 looks positive for buyers and sellers in Central Florida, with lower interest rates, more inventory and a better balance for everyone

For any first time home buyers looking to make the move in 2026, make sure you speak with your real estate agent about programs that can help purchase your first home

Driving factors to hit the road to Florida include tax benefits, quality of life and the warm weather. “Let’s get back to warmth and relax so we are getting closer to retirement as well,” said Bob Strynar, who wants to move to Florida in 2026.

Throughout his career, Strynar has lived all over, but now that his adult children are in Central Florida, he is ready to make the move from South Carolina.

“I think it has all been so positive so far,” Strynar said. He has been working with Realtor Angela Jaspon to find their Central Florida home.

“This listing we are sitting in, nine out of 10 of the buyers that have come to see this have all been from out of state,” said Jaspon, a realtor with United Real Estate Preferred.

The Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia and the Midwest states are where most people are moving from, according to U-Haul data. No matter where the buyer was coming from, 2025 was a tough and very slow year.

“We saw longer days on the market. Our buyers were much pickier than usual,” Jaspon said.

But the outlook for 2026 looks bright.

“Now moving forward, I think with interest rates coming down, I think we are going to see more inventory,” Jaspon said. “It is going to be a more balanced market for everyone involved, so I think it will be good for both sides.”

Affordability will still be a concern, but there will likely be more options for all types of buyers.

“Even since the first of the year, I have had numerous buyers call me, more than I have seen in past years, so things are definitely picking up with that,” Jaspon said.

That includes for Strynar, kicking off 2026 with his home search.

“We feel optimistic that we will be able to find what we are looking for, where we are looking for,” Strynar said.

For any first time home buyers looking to make the move in 2026, make sure you speak with your real estate agent about programs that can help purchase your first home.