Every winter, thousands of “snowbirds” head south to Florida to escape the cold. Whether your destination is Anna Maria, Bradenton, Sarasota, or St. Petersburg, it’s important to make sure your legal, financial, and medical planning is in order before you go. Failing to prepare properly can lead to costly mistakes that could follow you long after the season ends.
Recently, a long time client and brilliant estate attorney shared her Snowbird Checklist with CBS News, outlining the key legal and financial steps every snowbird should take before spending the winter in Florida. From insurance coverage and residency rules to avoiding probate in multiple states, these steps are essential for anyone splitting time between homes.
If you’re preparing for the sunshine season in Southwest Florida, read through these tips and make sure you’re ready before you pack your bags.
Snowbird Legal & Financial Checklist for Anna Maria, Bradenton, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg, FL Residents
1. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Many snowbirds who live part-time in places like Sarasota or St. Petersburg don’t realize that their insurance may not cover them when living in two states.
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Homeowners insurance: If your northern home sits empty for months, some policies classify it as “vacant” or “unoccupied,” which can lead to denied claims. Review your policy before you leave.
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Car insurance: If you’re driving to your winter home in Bradenton or Anna Maria Island, make sure your coverage extends across state lines. Longer stays often require updating your policy to ensure full protection.
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Health insurance: Confirm your coverage applies in Florida and that you can access local specialists or hospitals near your winter residence.
2. Be Careful with Residency and Domicile Rules
If you’re considering making Florida—especially Sarasota County or Manatee County—your primary residence for tax purposes, be meticulous about documentation.
Residency affects your income taxes, estate planning, and probate process. To establish Florida domicile, keep your driver’s license, voter registration, and mailing address consistent with your Florida home. Maintaining accurate records helps avoid costly audits or disputes with northern states.
3. Avoid Multiple Probate Courts
Owning property in two states—say a home up north and a condo in St. Petersburg—can trigger probate in both locations upon your passing. To spare your loved ones the headache of two separate court proceedings, consult an estate planning attorney experienced in multi-state planning.
Common strategies to avoid multiple probates include:
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Creating a revocable living trust and retitling both properties into it.
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Using special deeds such as Lady Bird deeds or enhanced life estate deeds, which are recognized under Florida law.
If you own property in Anna Maria, Bradenton, or Sarasota, a Florida-based estate planning attorney can help ensure your assets are titled correctly.
4. Have the Right Medical and Emergency Legal Documents
Snowbirds who split time between states often overlook medical directives. Each state may have different requirements for documents like:
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Medical durable power of attorney
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Living will
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Patient advocate designation
If you spend part of the year in Florida and part elsewhere, you may need separate but compatible documents for each state. Work with an attorney familiar with Florida healthcare laws to make sure your paperwork is valid in Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and beyond.
Also, ensure your healthcare decision-makers have quick access to these documents in case of emergency.
5. Work with the Right Team of Professionals
Multi-state legal and financial planning can be complex. Surround yourself with a trusted team that understands the unique challenges of snowbird life.
Your team should include:
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A Florida estate planning attorney familiar with both Florida and your home-state laws.
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A CPA who can navigate multi-state tax issues.
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A financial advisor who understands your retirement and insurance needs.
Whether you’re wintering on Anna Maria Island, along Sarasota or Tampa Bay, or in downtown St. Pete, having the right professionals ensures your financial and legal affairs stay protected year-round.
Looking for the Perfect Florida Property?
If you’re ready to make your winter visits more permanent—or want help finding your ideal snowbird getaway—connect with Jo-Lee Mansfield at CostaLiving.com.
Jo-Lee specializes in helping buyers discover beautiful coastal homes throughout Anna Maria, Bradenton, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg. From beachfront condos to luxury single-family residences, she offers personalized guidance to help you find a property that fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.
In addition to real estate expertise, Jo-Lee can share valuable local insights for new Florida homeowners, from community amenities and local events to seasonal tips for snowbirds settling along the Gulf Coast.
Before making your move, reach out to Jo-Lee Mansfield at CostaLiving.com for trusted advice and tailored support on your Florida home search.
Enjoy Florida Without the Financial Headaches
Being a snowbird and escaping to the warm Gulf Coast is exciting—but the legal and financial details matter. With smart planning, you can enjoy your winter months in Sarasota, stroll along Bradenton Beach, or relax in Anna Maria without worrying about unexpected legal or tax issues.
Before you leave, complete your snowbird checklist and make sure everything is squared away.
You can also share this CBS News segment with friends and family who winter in Florida’s Gulf Coast communities to help them avoid common mistakes.
Need Help with Snowbird Legal Planning?
For more information about snowbird legal and financial planning in Anna Maria, Bradenton, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg, contact Danielle and Andy Mayoras. They provide estate planning guidance, media expertise, and keynote speaking on topics including multi-state probate, asset protection, and legacy planning.
Visit her website for legal tips, news segments, and resources, or connect with them on her Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for ongoing updates.
