Last Updated February 11, 2021

Florida is one of the most popular states to visit as well as relocate to. Why? Well, there are many great things about living in Florida such as the beaches, entertainment, and so on. But another reason why people choose to relocate to the Sunshine State is that there are so many health benefits of living in Florida. It’s no secret that Florida is home to a warm climate and tropical climate that brings beautiful weather most of the year, and this reflects in the overall mental and physical state of its inhabitants. So let’s chat a bit about some of the health benefits of living in Florida.

Sunshine & Plenty of Vitamin D

One of the biggest pros of living in Florida is all that sunshine! Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. Unfortunately, it’s also true that most people don’t get enough of this vitamin. This is especially true for those who live in the north where it is cold and dark for some months out of the year. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to health consequences such as depression, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis, among others. This vitamin also helps maintain normal blood levels of phosphorus.

So, it goes without saying – you need that vitamin D! Sun exposure is the best way to boost vitamin D levels, and Florida has plenty of sunny days. The state has an average of 237 days a year of sunshine, with Apalachicola being the sunniest spot in Florida. This exceeds the average across the US quite a bit. 

Lots of Exercise Options Outdoors

For many Floridians, one of the biggest health benefits of living in Florida includes the option of doing their exercise routine outdoors in the fresh air must of the year. Exercising inside takes a lot of self-motivation (and space) and exercising at a gym can cost a lot of money, so being able to work out outside at a pleasant temperature sounds like the perfect option for many.

We need regular exercise to keep several health conditions and diseases at bay. This can mean anything from jogging to swimming and hiking – these are all activities you can do in the Sunshine State thanks to its diverse topography. If you want to keep in shape and boost those serotonin levels, exercising outdoors in Florida is the way to go!

Year-Round Sports 

With numerous sports clubs open throughout the state, you can play your favorite sports or learn a new one almost any time of the year. This includes basketball, baseball, dance, football, gymnastics, kayaking, dance, softball, surfing, swimming, tennis, pickleball, badminton, bocce ball, golf, and many others. Because the weather is so great throughout the year, you are not limited by the time of year. You are able to enjoy these activities when you want rather than having just specific seasons or months to do so. 

Lots of Relaxation Spots

The Sunshine State has many undisturbed natural areas including, quiet beaches, peaceful parks, and serene trails. Whether you want to clear your head or just chill after a busy day or week, Florida is the ideal place to live if you want to find your serene side.

Some of the ways you can unplug from your daily life include going paddling through nature, meditating in a secluded spot, taking yoga classes (Florida’s lovely beaches are perfect for the practice of yoga), taking a dip in a natural spring, or simply enjoying the beach.

You Can (maybe) Even Lose a Bit of Weight

Whether or not you can lose more weight in warm weather than in cold weather is debatable, but two things are for sure – warm temperatures make us sweat more, thus making us lose weight by losing water.  And people tend to be more active during warmer months because they can be more active outside rather than sitting inside cozied up on the couch.

In Florida, you can enjoy summer all year round. The increased activity in this warm climate is something that can help you maintain an optimal weight, and as already mentioned, you have plenty of options when it comes to working out or practicing sports outdoors in Florida.

Warmth and Sunshine Make Us Happier

Sun has always been associated with happiness, but this is not just the stuff of folklore. There’s actual scientific reasoning behind this. Research has shown that the sun increases serotonin, the hormone our body releases to regulate our mood. High levels of serotonin help reduce feelings of anxiety and boost our overall joy and happiness.

Those who are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder understand this the best. If you live in a place where the winter days are short and gloomy, it’s common to experience feelings of depression. When spring and summer come along, your feelings are uplifted. In Florida, you’d hardly ever experience a gloomy day, which will help you remain in a good mood throughout the year.

Proximity to Health Care Providers

Florida offers an extensive network of public and private hospitals and clinics that can cater to anyone’s needs. Some of the top hospitals in Florida include AdventHealth Orlando, Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville, UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Tampa General Hospital and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The state has some of the best doctors in the country, and if any medical issue may arise, you’d be in very good hands.

Numerous Entertainment Options = Fun (and also makes us happy)

Some of the best places to live in Florida also have some of the best entertainment options to keep us occupied. From natural wonders to theme parks and cinemas, residents of the Sunshine State have a long list of things to do. Water sports, historic sights, museum-going, shopping – all showcase the state’s versatility. And there are more than 1,000 golf courses in Florida! The many state parks are also a draw for campers and hikers. The natural wonders are complemented by fantasy theme parks and attractions such as the Walt Disney World and Universal complexes in Orlando. 

Come nighttime, residents can enjoy world-class restaurants, have a drink at a tiki bar, enjoy some live music, have a night on the town at the theater or go to one of the many concerts held throughout the state at major national venues. 

With all these options for entertainment and fun, you likely won’t be very bored in Florida. And having fun also makes you feel happy!

A Lifestyle that Supports Health & Well-Being

The health benefits of living in Florida that we’ve described above are just a few of the many reasons why people of all ages seek to make this state their home. Truth is, there’s no other U.S. state quite like Florida. This is a vacation hot spot, but it’s also a place that offers a wonderful lifestyle for its residents and even supports their health and well-being.