Best places for digital nomads in Florida

Florida has become a year-round paradise for digital nomads. With warm weather, no state income tax, and plenty of coworking hubs, the Sunshine State offers an ideal work-life balance. The best Florida destinations for remote workers combine affordability, reliable internet, coworking spaces, safety, walkability, and a welcoming community. Below, our team at Pro Movers Miami highlights the best places for digital nomads in Florida that cater to this specific lifestyle, along with typical living costs and tips to make the most of each location.

Jacksonville – Affordable coastal big city

Why Jacksonville? This city on Florida’s northeast coast is known for affordability and outdoor appeal, recently ranking #1 in Zillow’s list of top U.S. cities for digital nomads. It’s Florida’s largest city by area, offering 22 miles of Atlantic beaches and the nation’s largest urban park system for when you need a break from work.

Rents here are budget-friendly – around $1,300/month for a one-bedroom, roughly 20% below the U.S. average. Low housing costs combined with numerous shared coworking spaces make Jacksonville a jackpot for remote workers seeking value without sacrificing amenities.

Lifestyle and community in Jacksonville

Jacksonville delivers a mix of city convenience and beach-town leisure. Downtown is a hub where remote professionals can network and build relationships with fellow nomads. For downtime, you can explore over 400 city parks or nearby natural springs. This city is car-friendly – having a vehicle lets you enjoy weekend road trips to charming nearby spots like Savannah or historic St. Augustine.

Jacksonville nomad tip

Choose a walkable neighborhood, such as Riverside, Avondale, or San Marco, to be close to cafés and parks. Join local remote worker meetups or coworking communities to plug into Jacksonville’s supportive network of professionals.

Tampa – Laid-back metro with low costs

Tampa is a rapidly growing Gulf Coast city that blends metropolitan amenities with a relaxed vibe. It offers all the perks of a big city (international airport, sports teams, vibrant food scene) yet retains small-town charm in its neighborhoods. Tampa has become popular among young remote professionals for its pleasant Florida climate, outdoor activities, and relative affordability.

Average rent runs about $1,900/month for an apartment, and coworking memberships are easy on the wallet (around $269/month on average). The city rebounded quickly post-2020, attracting many newcomers and sparking a boom in new restaurants and revitalized districts.

Lifestyle and community in Tampa

Tampa’s remote-worker community is thriving. There’s a variety of coworking spaces and work-friendly cafés around town – from modern spots like Hyde House in Hyde Park to casual coffee shops in Seminole Heights. Internet connectivity is solid (downtown offers the fastest speeds), so you’ll have reliable Wi-Fi whether you’re working from a coworking hub or a riverside cafe.

When you log off, Tampa’s location shines: you’re a short drive from the beach and surrounded by green spaces, with the Hillsborough River and Bayshore Boulevard providing scenic walkways. The city is generally safe, and its diverse neighborhoods each offer unique nightlife and dining. While Tampa is somewhat spread out, areas like Hyde Park, Water Street, and Channelside are pedestrian-friendly enclaves with shops and dining.

Tampa nomad tip

Take advantage of Tampa’s outdoor lifestyle. Enjoy a break at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park or ride the historic TECO streetcar to Ybor City. Connecting with the community is easy – attend a tech meetup or co-working event downtown to meet other remote workers. Also, use Tampa’s central location for weekend trips to nearby beaches or even Orlando.

St. Petersburg – Walkable artsy haven

Across the bay from Tampa lies St. Petersburg (St. Pete), one of the laid-back, artsy places for digital nomads in Florida. St. Pete is more walkable and relaxed than its big-city neighbors, making local movers in Florida busy. It boasts almost-always-sunny weather, waterfront parks, world-class museums, and access to gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches.

The cost of living is reasonable for the lifestyle – expect roughly $1,950/month in rent for a typical apartment. While not the very cheapest in Florida, the city’s cozy, creative atmosphere and amenities justify the cost. It’s a place where you can stroll or bike to cafés, and even get around car-free via the trolley and cross-bay ferry.

Lifestyle and community in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg has a vibrant digital nomad and creative community. Popular coworking spaces like Novel Coworking (with 24/7 access) provide convenient work hubs, and there are several others, such as Rising Tide and Station House, catering to remote workers. Free Wi-Fi is common at local coffee shops and even some parks.

Safety is good, especially in the lively downtown, Old Northeast, and Grand Central districts, where many nomads settle. After work, St. Pete offers plenty of ways to unwind: explore the Saturday Morning Market, catch live music, or join in one of the frequent art festivals. This city’s supportive vibe means it’s easy to meet people – many long-time nomads return regularly because of the welcoming atmosphere.

St. Pete nomad tip

Ditch the car if you stay downtown. Enjoy the walkability – you can take a trolley to the beach or a ferry to Tampa. To plug into the community, check out a local brewery’s trivia night or join a beachfront yoga class. St. Pete’s blend of productivity and play is perfect for maintaining a work-life balance.

Orlando – Entertainment and connectivity hub

Situated in Central Florida, Orlando is far more than just theme parks. It offers a high quality of life for remote workers, ranking among the top U.S. cities for digital nomads, thanks to factors like good safety, healthcare, cost of living, and fast Wi-Fi. Orlando’s cost of living is around the national average; renting is about $1,930/month for a typical apartment.

The city has abundant coworking spaces (averaging ~$355/month) and plenty of cozy coffee shops for work sessions. While the metro area is sprawling, certain neighborhoods were designed to be walkable and bike-friendly, offering pockets of convenience in this large city.

Lifestyle and community in Orlando

Orlando is buzzing with activities and nomad-friendly infrastructure. You’ll find several coworking hubs downtown and in trendy areas like the Milk District and Winter Park. Internet connectivity is excellent, so video calls and uploads are a breeze. The city’s entertainment options are a major draw: beyond Disney and Universal, there’s a flourishing local culture of Michelin-rated restaurants, food halls, nightclubs, and performing arts.

Orlando’s diverse population and tourist-friendly vibe make it one of the best places for digital nomads in Florida. The trade-off is lower walkability – Orlando’s walk score is around 41, so you may need a car or ride-shares outside of downtown. However, neighborhoods like Audubon Park, Mills 50, and Winter Park offer sidewalks, bike paths, and clusters of cafes that appeal to those on foot.

Orlando nomad tip

Stay central for convenience. If you base yourself in a downtown or pedestrian-friendly district, you’ll minimize commute time in this spread-out city. On weekends, play tourist – visit an Orlando theme park or enjoy the lakes and bike trails (the West Orange Trail is a favorite for a scenic ride). Also, tap into the local tech and creator scene by attending meetups; Orlando’s growing tech community was ranked the best in Florida for remote work in one study, so networking opportunities abound.

Miami – Cosmopolitan nomad hotspot (for those with a budget)

Miami is an all-in-one destination for digital nomads seeking urban excitement. This international city offers perfect weather, beautiful beaches, Latin-American-influenced culture, and a dense concentration of coworking options. Miami boasts the highest entertainment density in the country – there are endless cafes, bars, and events to enjoy after work.

It also leads in coworking availability, with about 2.5 coworking spaces per square mile – the densest in the U.S. The main downside is cost: Miami is not cheap, with an average rent of around $2,400/month for an apartment. Many rentals cater to luxury tastes, and the cost of living index here is about 22% above the U.S. average. If you have the budget, though, residential movers in Miami will take you to an unbeatable blend of business and pleasure.

Lifestyle and community in Miami

Miami’s digital nomad scene is thriving and very social. You’ll find regular networking events and Meetup groups specifically for remote workers, creatives, and young professionals. It’s easy to connect with others in co-working hotspots like Brickell, Wynwood, or Coconut Grove.

The city is fairly walkable in many neighborhoods – Walk Score ~76, especially high in areas like Downtown, South Beach, and Coconut Grove. Public transit (Metrobus and Metrorail) also helps with getting around without a car. Miami is generally safe in the popular districts, though as in any big city, you should stay aware of your surroundings.

The payoff for living here as a millennial is huge: after closing your laptop, you can hit the beach, enjoy diverse dining (from Cuban cafes to world-class restaurants), and experience legendary nightlife. Miami truly feels like a “digital nomad’s paradise,” packed with coworking places and fun at every turn.

Miami nomad tip

Leverage Miami’s global vibe. Learn a few Spanish phrases – the city’s diversity offers a chance to practice languages and network with international entrepreneurs. To save on costs, consider off-season rates for rentals or co-living spaces, and explore neighborhoods like Little Havana or Buena Vista for more affordable short-term stays. Don’t miss the many free or low-cost events (outdoor yoga, art walks, tech talks) that Miami offers to integrate into the community without overspending.

Sarasota – Culture and beaches with a community feel

Sarasota is a midsize coastal city on the Gulf that offers a balance of cultural richness and beach relaxation. It’s known for its arts scene, theaters, and galleries, as well as proximity to some of the world’s best beaches. Sarasota’s lifestyle is a blend of upscale and barefoot casual – you can attend an opera or a gallery opening, then catch the sunset with your toes in the sand.

For digital nomads, Sarasota provides a supportive community and a laid-back pace. Cost-wise, it sits just above the U.S. average with a cost of living index of around 103. Rent averages about $2,200/month for an apartment, reflecting its desirability. Many residents own homes, but nearly 43% of households rent, so it’s easy to find short-term rentals or condos in town.

Lifestyle and community in Sarasota

Despite its smaller size, Sarasota has what remote workers need. The downtown and Rosemary District are walkable and filled with cafés. You won’t find as many coworking chains here, but local coffee spots and a startup incubator serve as communal workspaces.

Getting around is convenient – Sarasota launched a free trolley (Bay Runner) that shuttles between downtown and the beach areas like Lido Key. This means you can live car-free downtown and still enjoy the shore.

The city is considered safe and very clean, popular among both young professionals and retirees. Socially, Sarasota punches above its weight with weekly farmers markets, live music events, and even tech meetups. It’s one of those places for digital nomads in Florida where you can easily get involved, whether through volunteer groups or hobby clubs.

Sarasota nomad tip

Immerse yourself in Sarasota’s culture. Take advantage of the free trolley to spend lunch breaks on Lido Beach. Also, in the evenings, check out local events; you might join a sunset drum circle on Siesta Key or a networking happy hour in the Arts District. By day, any café on Main Street welcomes laptop workers, so you can café-hop for a change of scenery while supporting local businesses.

Delray Beach – Lively walkable “village by the sea”

Why Delray Beach? If you prefer a smaller town with a big personality, Delray Beach on the Atlantic coast is among the ideal places for digital nomads in Florida. This vibrant town (population ~70,000) was once dubbed “the most fun small town in America.” Delray’s historic downtown is a walker’s paradise, scored 94/100 by Walkscore – you can stroll from the office (or coworking cafe) to the beach in 20 minutes.

The central Atlantic Avenue is lined with cafes, galleries, and nightlife, making it easy to socialize after work. Digital nomads here enjoy the close-knit, artsy community and year-round events, from outdoor concerts to art festivals. The cost of living is higher than in inland cities, but still attainable for many remote workers: rent averages about $1,700 a month in Delray Beach, placing it above the Florida average.

Many rentals are condos or small homes, and while coworking offices aren’t as numerous as in Miami, the sheer number of coffee shops provides plenty of work spots.

Lifestyle and community in Delray Beach

Delray offers an appealing mix of beach town chill and urban convenience. By day, you can set up your laptop at a local favorite like Subculture Coffee or the Colombian Coffee House. Of course, reliable internet is standard, and many eateries offer free Wi-Fi to patrons. The town is very safe and tourist-friendly, with a visible community police presence and lots of foot traffic keeping the downtown lively.

It’s easy to meet people here – just step into a weekly art walk or the bustling Pineapple Grove district and strike up a conversation. Delray’s community calendar is always full, so whether you’re into yoga on the beach, food truck nights, or entrepreneur meetups, you’ll find something.

No car is needed; in fact, many nomads love that they can get around by foot or bike and even use the downtown trolley or golf-cart shuttles for short trips. If you’re planning a long-distance move, don’t forget to look into moving insurance to protect your belongings, as it’s a smart way to reduce stress during your relocation.

Delray Beach nomad tip

Take full advantage of Delray’s community events. Join the weekly Green Market or a local meetup (the town has groups for everything from writers to surfers). These gatherings are perfect for networking and making friends. Also, because Delray is so walkable, consider living near downtown – you’ll save time and money on transportation and soak up the energetic ambiance that makes this town special.

Gainesville – Budget-friendly college town with nature

Gainesville is a bit different from Florida’s coastal hubs. It’s an inland college town (home to the University of Florida) that consistently ranks for high livability. For digital nomads, Gainesville offers a low cost of living, a youthful atmosphere, and easy access to nature. In fact, Gainesville’s cost of living is about 5–7% lower than state and national averages.

Housing is very affordable – rents are around $1,250 for a one-bedroom and average about $1,600–$1,700 across all rentals. That means you keep more of your income here compared to Florida’s pricier cities. The trade-off? Gainesville is smaller and landlocked, but it makes up for it with charm and lots of greenery.

Lifestyle and community in Gainesville

As a university town, Gainesville is packed with cultural events, live music, sports, and a buzzing food scene despite its modest size. The downtown area is compact and walkable, with bars, cafes, and a popular weekly farmers market. Coworking spaces exist (e.g., incubator hubs and campus-adjacent spots), though the scene is more low-key; many remote workers are content to work from the ample coffee shops or the university libraries (which often welcome visitors).

Internet connectivity is strong thanks to the university infrastructure and tech startups in the area. Gainesville is also known for its nearby natural attractions – within a short drive, you have freshwater springs, state parks, and extensive bike trails. This makes it one of the places for digital nomads in Florida with a great work-life balance. You might spend a morning on projects, then kayak in crystal-clear springs or hike Paynes Prairie in the afternoon.

Safety is generally good, especially in the student-centric neighborhoods; the town exudes a friendly, youthful energy. The local community is very welcoming to newcomers, as people cycle in and out with each academic year.

Gainesville nomad tip

Explore the outdoors to recharge. Furthermore, take advantage of Gainesville’s proximity to nature – join a weekend tubing trip at Ichetucknee Springs or a hiking meetup. Engaging in these activities is not only refreshing but also a great way to meet fellow adventurers and remote workers.

When in town, catch a college football game or a live concert for a dose of local culture. If Gainesville sounds like a great fit, check out average interstate moving costs to plan your budget confidently. It will prove you don’t need to be on the coast to enjoy the Florida lifestyle on a budget.

Ready to work (and chill) in the Sunshine State?

Florida’s diversity means there’s a nomad-friendly spot for everyone. Regardless of whether you crave the buzz of Miami, the community of a small beach town, or the affordability of a college city. Each of these locations offers the essentials – solid internet, coworking or café options, and a community that embraces remote workers.

Also, to make the most of your Florida sojourn, engage with local events, pick housing in walkable or transit-friendly areas, and balance your work with the amazing leisure activities at your doorstep (beaches, parks, arts, and more). You’ll tap into the supportive, sunny spirit that makes the best places for digital nomads in Florida so popular.