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Florida retirees are in financial trouble

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Florida retirees are in financial trouble


Florida is no longer the retirement haven it once was, according to a recent Bankrate survey that placed it eighth on a list of the best states to retire in the country.

According to the New York-based financial services company’s annual rankings, Delaware is the best state for retirees to thanks to its high-quality healthcare, light tax burden, affordable homeowner insurance and good weather.

Bankrate’s analysis, which considered affordability, overall well-being, the cost and quality of health care, and crime rates for each U.S. state, found that Florida, often considered a retirement hotspot, ranked eighth for the second year in a row. It was behind Delaware, West Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, Mississippi and Pennsylvania.

More From Newsweek Vault: Learn What Steps to Take if Your Retirement Income Isn’t Enough

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A beach in Naples, Florida. Skyrocketing home prices and insurance costs are contributing to making Florida an increasingly unaffordable state for retirees to spend their golden years.

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“Ten years ago, Florida would’ve been a no-brainer for retirement. But with skyrocketing home prices, property taxes and homeowners insurance, it’s worth taking a pause to make sure you can afford the retirement lifestyle you want in Florida,” Bankrate analyst Alex Gailey told Newsweek.

While Florida is no longer in the top five, it’s still number eight in Bankrate’s ranking—meaning that it’s still among the most appealing states for American retirees.

More From Newsweek Vault: Here’s the Latest Social Security COLA Estimate: Will It Be Enough to Keep Pace With Inflation?

“Florida is a warmer state with several beautiful beaches and golf courses, which are attractive for retirees. It also ranks well in terms of overall well-being and crime,” Gailey said.

“A big perk of flocking to Florida for retirement is that there is no state tax on retirement income like Social Security, pension funds, 401(k)s or IRA. Healthcare costs are also more affordable in Florida compared to the rest of the country, and the quality of healthcare falls in the middle of the pack,” he added.

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But the state falls short in other ways for retirees, with its high home prices, high property taxes, high sales tax and high homeowners insurance.

“All of that has risen dramatically in Florida in the last few years,” Gailey said. “Florida is also subject to a lot of natural disasters, particularly hurricanes and flooding, which can be financially devastating.”

The bottom line, according to Gailey, is that Florida isn’t as affordable as it once was for retirees. “Retirees wanting to move to Florida for sunny winters, beaches and affordable health care may have to sacrifice in other areas,” he said.

Why Is Florida No Longer A Retirement Haven?

“Florida has long reigned as the retirement capital of the U.S., thanks to its beachfront living, world-class golf, and stunning ocean views. However, there is a dark side to the Sunshine State,” Kris Bruynson, VP of Marketing and Product for Moneywise, told Newsweek.

“With a considerable strain on overpopulation, increasing hurricane threats, and—most notably—skyrocketing housing and food costs, retirees are being driven away from the state,” he added. “To maintain the same lifestyle as before, newcomers now require significantly larger savings, prompting seniors to rethink their retirement plans.”

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In a recent Moneywise survey, Florida was ranked tenth in a list of the states with the highest risk of elderly bankruptcy. The Sunshine State’s estimated risk score was 54.23.

Bruynson said that while Florida ranked 23rd in overall cost of living in their survey, the study uncovered that a staggering one-quarter of the state’s seniors live below 150 percent of the poverty line, ranking it 7th in elderly poverty nationwide.

“Several metro areas in Florida have experienced some of the nation’s fastest-rising inflation. This rapid increase has placed immense pressure on retirees, mainly due to a 73.5 percent surge in home prices over the past five years.”

Utility bills also disproportionately impact seniors, and Florida’s annual electricity costs currently average $2,069—28 percent higher than the national figure.

“Combined with transportation and food expenses reaching $9,300 annually and healthcare costs at $9,501, the financial strain is evident,” said Bruynson.

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“Floridian retirees are facing a perfect storm of financial pressures. Housing, utility, and living expenses alone create a challenging environment for seniors, even before factoring in debt, property maintenance, or insurance,” he added.

Will Retirees Stop Flocking To Florida?

The Sunshine State currently has one of the highest shares of people aged 62 and above compared to its population—but that might change in the future.

“If home prices, property taxes and homeowners insurance rates keep climbing, I wouldn’t be surprised if Florida eventually starts losing some of its luster as a retirement hotspot,” Gailey said.

According to Bruynson, Florida’s popularity as a retirement haven is already showing signs of cooling, with a 0.2 percent drop in out-of-state retirees between 2021 and 2023.

“The increasing challenges in Florida could slow retiree migration, but it’s difficult to predict a significant drop,” he said.

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“The state’s overall allure will likely continue attracting seniors, but we may see a shift in the types of retirees moving there. Those with larger budgets may still be drawn to the state, but those on fixed incomes might explore alternative locations.”



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1 dead, 3 injured after lightning strikes family off Florida beach

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1 dead, 3 injured after lightning strikes family off Florida beach


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A man died and three of his family members were injured after a lightning strike hit people in the water off Fort Myers Beach in Florida on July 3, authorities said.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded around 2:20 p.m. Friday, July 3, to the 6500 block of Estero Boulevard after reports that a man had been struck by lightning while swimming in the Gulf. When first responders arrived, bystanders were already performing CPR.

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Despite immediate life-saving efforts from witnesses and emergency crews, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said the strike happened during active storm conditions moving through the area.

Authorities identified the victim as 51-year-old Viktar Kiryk.

Deputies said the three family members who were with Kiryk were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Officials said they were in stable condition following the incident. Emergency crews responded across multiple locations along Estero Boulevard as calls came in. USA TODAY reached out to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for additional comment.

Lightning risks in Florida waters

Lightning is a frequent hazard in Florida, especially during summer storm season. The National Weather Service says about 20 people are killed by lightning in the United States each year, with hundreds more injured.

Florida consistently ranks among the most lightning-prone states in the country. Lee County and nearby areas have been identified as frequent hotspots in recent annual lightning activity reports.

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Safety officials warn that lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm and that anyone outdoors should seek shelter immediately if thunder is heard. They recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after the last sounds of thunder before returning outside.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT



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Motorcyclist killed in crash in Fort Lauderdale

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Motorcyclist killed in crash in Fort Lauderdale


A motorcyclist was killed early Saturday in a crash involving a vehicle in Fort Lauderdale, police said.

Officers responded at approximately 2:45 a.m. to the 3000 block of West Broward Boulevard following a report of a vehicle and motorcycle crash.

When officers arrived, the motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene.

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The department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the cause of the crash.



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Publix? Walmart? What Florida stores are open and closed on July 4

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Publix? Walmart? What Florida stores are open and closed on July 4


Happy Fourth of July! Although the post office and government offices will be closed today, many grocery stores are open.

Don’t forget the hot dog buns or festive treats during your Independence Day cookout this afternoon.

Here’s what you need to know about grocery stores and whether or not they’ll be open today.

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Is Publix open on July 4th?

Publix is open on the Fourth of July.

Publix closes its doors for only three holidays each year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Most Publix stores open at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Some Publix stores regularly close at 9 p.m., but not many. Check hours at your local store.

Publix Liquors stores are also open at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., depending on the location. However, Publix pharmacies will be closed, so fill any prescriptions you need before the holiday.

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Is Aldi open on July 4th?

Aldi stores will be open with limited hours on July 4. 

Some Aldi store locations in Florida open at 8:30 a.m., while others open at 9 a.m. Most Aldi locations close at either 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.

Holiday hours can vary from location to location, so check your local Aldi’s holiday hours before you go. You can find the store locator here to double-check the opening hours of your nearest Aldi.

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Is Whole Foods open on July 4th?

Most Whole Foods locations will close early, at 6 p.m. on the Fourth of July.

Under regular hours, most Florida Whole Foods locations open at 8 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. A few open at 7:30 a.m.

Some Whole Foods locations close at 9 p.m. while others close at 10 p.m.

Is Sprouts closed on July 4th?

Sprouts will be open during regular hours on July 4.

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Store hours in Florida are typically from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Is Winn-Dixie open on July 4th?

Winn-Dixie locations in Florida will be open on July 4th, with regular hours.

Typically, Winn-Dixie stores in Florida open at 7 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. every day. Winn-Dixie’s wine and spirits services don’t open until 9 a.m. 

Is Trader Joe’s open on July 4th?

Trader Joe’s locations will only be open until 5 p.m. on the Fourth of July.

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Most Trader Joe’s locations in Florida open at 8 a.m. A few open at 9 a.m. Trader Joe’s stores usually close at 9 p.m. during their regular hours.

Is Target open on July 4th?

Target will be open throughout the Fourth of July weekend; however, hours of operation may vary by location, so please check your local store’s hours before visiting.

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Most Target stores in Florida open at 8 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Some Target locations open at 7 a.m.

Is Walmart open on July 4th?

Walmart stores close only on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so they will also be open for regular hours on the Fourth of July. 

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Most Walmart stores in Florida open an hour before Publix or Winn-Dixie, at 6 a.m. They close at 11 p.m. The same hours apply to most Walmart Neighborhood Market locations.

Is Costco closed on July 4th?

Costco will be closed on July 4.

Is Sam’s Club open on July 4th?

Most Sam’s Club locations will be open on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check your local store’s hours in advance.

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Is BJ’s Wholesale Club open on July 4th?

BJ’s Wholesale Club will be open regular hours on July 4 from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. Check your local store’s hours in advance.

Is the Fourth of July a federal holiday?

Yes, the Fourth of July is a federal holiday. See all 11 federal holidays:

  • New Year’s Day – Jan. 1
  • Martin Luther King’s Birthday – 3rd Monday in January
  • Washington’s Birthday – 3rd Monday in February
  • Memorial Day – last Monday in May
  • Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19
  • Independence Day – July 4
  • Labor Day – 1st Monday in September
  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day – 2nd Monday in October
  • Veterans’ Day – Nov. 11
  • Thanksgiving Day – 4th Thursday in November
  • Christmas Day – Dec. 25

Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.



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