Florida is a beautiful state and although no state is perfect, it has so much to offer.
I would think that anyone planning to move there, might want to consider renting for a couple of years before buying. As has been pointed out, there are so many factors to consider.
Here are some observations/opinions, although those who live there know so much more about it than I ever will:
Pluses:
1) Beautiful warm weather and sunshine; orange groves and palm trees.
2) Amazing blue/green ocean and Gulf waters
3) Spectacular sandy beaches
4) So much to see or do - - Disney World, Busch Gardens, the Everglades, Key West, golf, swimming, diving, boating, and so much more.
5) No income tax (and even better, reasonable COL)
Minuses:
1) Hurricanes and Tropical Storms. I have heard that South Florida might be difficult or impossible to evacuate from if you wait until the interstate is jammed.
2) Sometimes it would be helpful to know Spanish in Florida (especially south Florida). You can cross this disadvantage off if you speak Spanish.
3) Billions of old people. Well, millions. But I mean, REALLY old people. Most of them are driving on the interstates at 20 mph.
4) The Florida panhandle is beautiful too, but people call it "lower Alabama" which I think could be slightly annoying to those who live there. Not that there's anything wrong with Alabama, but it is meant as an insult I guess. Plus, northern Florida gets a lot colder in the winter than south Florida.
5) Some parts of Florida tend to get
sinkholes.
6) There are a lot of bugs in Florida, due to the warm climate.
We will never move there, but not because there is anything wrong with Florida. We are just happy here and no longer have any desire to move. I think it would be a great destination for anyone else, if they check it out to find a location within Florida that is best for them.