Chapter 10 · Top Florida cities
Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach, Florida, 88,120-person city in Florida. Median home price $680,000 USD (2025). Active real estate market, seasonal hurricane risk.
Direct answer · 60-second summary
The 60-second version
88,120-person city in Miami-Dade County. Median home price $680,000 USD (2025). Dynamic real estate market, hurricane risk varies by zone.
Acronyms used in this guide
- PA — Property Appraiser (county-level FL)
- TC — Tax Collector (county-level FL)
- FEMA — Federal Emergency Management Agency
- TDT — Tourist Development Tax
- HOA — Homeowners Association
Geography & climate
Miami Beach, Florida sits on Florida's coast with a subtropical humid climate. FEMA flood zones range from moderate to high depending on location. Hurricane season June–November, peaks August–October. Recent events: Hurricane Ian (2022, SW coast), Hurricane Helene (2024).
Real estate market
Median home price $680,000 USD (2025) per Florida Realtors. Typical buyer profile: investors, Canadian snowbirds, permanent residents. Gated HOAs very common; some require structural reserve studies under SB 4-D (condos 3+ stories).
Local taxation
County millage rate: varies by location. Tourist Development Tax (TDT): 2–4%. Sales tax: 6% + local (0.5–1.5%). Non-residents: no state income tax on resale gains (Canada–US advantage).
For Canadian snowbirds
Advantages: zero Florida income tax if Canadian tax residency maintained. Disadvantages: homeowners insurance expensive post-Helene 2024, development/service backlogs. Direct flights from Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR) to Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale.
Activities & attractions
- Beaches and water sports
- Nature trails (Everglades near south)
- Nightlife, dining, shopping
- Golf (150+ courses in Florida)
- Seasonal cultural events
Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.
Sources and references
Public sources verified as of the last review date (US Census, Florida Realtors, Property Appraisers, NOAA).
- US Census 2024, Miami-Dade County office
- Florida Realtors Association, 2025 market reports
- NOAA, hurricane history Atlantic and Gulf coasts
- Property Appraiser and Tax Collector, Miami-Dade County
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purpose only. Figures and data are drawn from public sources at the date shown and may change.
For any concrete decision, consult a Florida-licensed real estate broker, a homeowners insurance agent, or a licensed attorney.