Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Kentucky to Florida
Kentucky has a flat 4% income tax rate—recently reduced from 5% as part of ongoing tax reform. Florida has zero state income tax. A $100,000 earner pays $4,000 annually in Kentucky state income tax vs $0 in Florida. Kentucky does offer some retirement income exemptions (up to $31,110 for certain retirement plans), but 401(k) and IRA distributions are generally taxed. Some Kentucky cities also levy local income taxes. The Kentucky to Florida migration is popular among retirees seeking both warmer weather and tax savings.
Flat Rate
Flat 4% state income tax (recently reduced from 5%)
No Income Tax
Constitutional prohibition on state income tax
At $100,000 income:
That is $333/month back in your pocket!
| Income | KY Tax | FL Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,000 | $0 | $2,000 | $20,000 |
| $75,000 | $3,000 | $0 | $3,000 | $30,000 |
| $100,000 | $4,000 | $0 | $4,000 | $40,000 |
| $150,000 | $6,000 | $0 | $6,000 | $60,000 |
| $250,000 | $10,000 | $0 | $10,000 | $100,000 |
| $70K retirement | $1,556 | $0 (retirees) | $1,556 | $15,560 (retirees) |
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Moving from Kentucky to Florida? Multi-state returns are tricky—partial-year residency, different deadlines, avoiding double taxation. Get matched with a CPA who specializes in state moves. Virtual meetings, fixed pricing.
Get Matched With a CPA →At $100,000 income, you save $4,000 per year ($333/month) on state income tax. Kentucky charges a flat 4%; Florida charges 0%. If you live in Louisville, add ~$1,450 in occupational tax savings for total savings of ~$5,300/year. Over 10 years, that's $40,000-53,000.
Yes, Kentucky reduced its flat rate from 5% to 4% effective 2023 (previously 6%). The state plans further reductions if certain revenue triggers are met. However, even at 4%, Kentucky's tax burden exceeds Florida's 0%.
Kentucky exempts Social Security. For pensions, there's a $31,110 exemption for those who retired before 1998 from government service. For modern retirees, 401(k) and IRA distributions are generally taxed at the full 4% rate. Florida taxes no retirement income regardless of source or retirement date.
Many Kentucky cities/counties levy occupational taxes. Louisville charges 1.45%, Lexington charges 2.25%. These stack on top of the 4% state rate. A Lexington resident earning $100K pays ~$6,100 in combined state/local income tax vs $0 in Florida.
Kentucky averages 0.83% property tax vs Florida's 0.86%—nearly identical rates. However, Kentucky homes are much cheaper. A $180,000 Louisville home costs ~$1,494/year; a comparable $320,000 Tampa home costs ~$2,322/year after exemption. Property tax difference is ~$800/year, but income tax savings in Florida ($4,000+) far exceed this.
Yes—Florida homeowners insurance averages $4,000-6,000/year vs Kentucky's ~$1,400/year, about $3,600/year more. However, Kentucky's 4% income tax on $100K ($4,000) still exceeds this. Louisville residents paying 5.45% combined rate ($5,450) save even after insurance.
Kentucky is genuinely affordable—housing, healthcare, and general costs are 10-15% below national average. But Jacksonville and parts of Tampa/Orlando are also affordable. When you add $4,000-5,300/year tax savings, many Florida areas offer better total value despite slightly higher housing.
To establish Florida residency: (1) Spend 183+ days/year in Florida, (2) Get Florida driver's license, (3) Register vehicles in Florida, (4) Register to vote, (5) File Declaration of Domicile with county clerk, (6) Change address with banks, employer, IRS. Keep records of days spent in each state.
Kentucky has an inheritance tax (not estate tax) that applies to non-spouse, non-charitable beneficiaries. Rates range from 4-16% depending on relationship. Florida has no estate or inheritance tax. This matters for estate planning, especially for larger estates.
Kentucky offers extremely low cost of living, four seasons, horse racing culture, bourbon country, and small-town community feel. Florida offers zero income tax, warm weather, beaches, larger job markets, but higher insurance and housing costs. Retirees often prefer Florida's weather and tax-free retirement income; young families may prefer Kentucky's affordability.