Florida Retirement: What Sets the Sunshine State Apart

Chris and Samuel Dixon grew up in Florida and built Oxford Advisory Group to help retirees better navigate the state’s unique financial landscape. As lifelong Floridians, the brothers started the firm after seeing their grandmother lose her Florida home due to poor planning and questionable advice during the 2008 recession. That experience gave them a clear mission: equip Florida retirees with strategies that reflect the realities of Florida Retirement.

The Dixons were born and raised in Florida. Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with honors from Utah State University and a certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard Business School. Sam graduated from Florida State University’s College of Business with a degree in risk management and insurance. Both brothers remain deeply connected to the state, and their firm now operates offices across Central Florida and beyond, serving retirees and pre-retirees age 55 and older.

Florida retirement stands out from other states in several important ways. The most obvious difference is the tax environment. Florida has no state income tax—one of only nine states with this advantage. That means Social Security benefits, pension payments, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals, and investment income are not taxed at the state level. Retirees moving from high-tax states like California, New York, or New Jersey can keep thousands of dollars more each year. Florida also has no estate tax or inheritance tax, making it easier to pass wealth to the next generation without state-level erosion.

Homeownership brings another key benefit. Florida’s homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of a primary residence by up to $50,000, and the “Save Our Homes” cap limits annual assessment increases to 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. These protections help stabilize property taxes in a way that many other states do not. Florida’s asset-protection laws for retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are also among the strongest in the country.

At the same time, Florida retirement comes with realities that differ sharply from other states. The warm climate and year-round outdoor lifestyle attract retirees nationwide, but the state’s vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding means homeowners’ insurance costs are among the highest in the nation. Many retirees face elevated premiums, separate flood insurance requirements, and the need for robust emergency planning—factors that are far less common in inland or northern retirement destinations. Cost of living can vary widely depending on location, and while the tax savings are real, they must be balanced against these ongoing expenses.
Oxford Advisory Group was founded to address these Florida-specific dynamics. The brothers created a firm that combines tax-efficient retirement planning, personalized income strategies, and practical risk management tailored to the Sunshine State. Chris serves as Co-Founder and Growth and Education Manager, focusing on advanced tax planning and client education. Sam, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, brings vast experience in retirement income, IRA legacy planning, and risk management. Both are Registered Financial Consultants (RFC), and Sam holds additional credentials, including the CF2, Series 65, and Florida insurance licenses.

Oxford builds customized plans that aim to leverage Florida’s no-income-tax environment while better preparing clients for the state’s unique risks. Through their radio show, Reinventing Retirement, and educational seminars across Florida, the Dixons help thousands of families better understand how to make the most of what Florida offers—and avoid the potential pitfalls that caught their own grandmother off guard.

In a short time, Oxford Advisory Group has earned strong recognition. The firm was named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies and has received awards as Best Leading Retirement Advisor in Sarasota for 2025, along with Central Florida Favorites honors for financial planning and wealth management. Chris was named one of Florida’s top “Men of the Year” by Orlando Family Magazine and one of Industry Leaders magazine’s “Top 10 Entrepreneurs Making an Impact in 2025.” Sam earned spots on the Orlando Business Journal’s Central Florida 40 Under 40 and BusinessEliteAwards.com’s 40 Under 40. Together, they co-authored the Amazon #1 bestseller The Little Book of Total Tax-Free Investing: How I Help the Wealthy Lower Their Taxes.
For retirees considering or already living in Florida, the brothers recommend three actionable steps to make the most of the state’s advantages while protecting against its challenges:

Tips for Florida Retirement:

1. Establish and maintain proper Florida residency to secure every tax and property benefit. Update your driver’s license, voter registration, and vehicle registration to Florida, and file for the homestead exemption on your primary residence as soon as possible. These steps lock in the $50,000+ reduction in taxable home value and the Save Our Homes cap, while confirming your status for no state income tax on retirement income. Many newcomers underestimate how important documentation is—especially if they still have ties to a former state.
2. Build a Florida-specific insurance and risk-management plan. Review your homeowners and flood insurance coverage annually with a licensed professional. Factor in hurricane deductibles (often 2–5% or more of your home’s value) and consider an emergency reserve that has flexibility and liquidity without harsh penalties. Pair this with a simple weather-preparedness checklist for your home and family. Retirees who plan ahead here avoid the stress and unexpected costs that could potentially erode retirement savings.
3. Create a tax-efficient retirement income and legacy plan tailored to Florida rules. Work with an advisor who understands the state’s advantages to sequence withdrawals, maximize tax-free growth, and structure your estate for smooth wealth transfer. Strategies might include Roth conversions at the right time, optimizing Social Security timing, or using tax-free investment vehicles. Florida’s lack of estate and inheritance taxes gives you more flexibility than in many other states—use it wisely to protect what you’ve built for your family.

At its heart, Oxford Advisory Group remains committed to helping retirees enjoy Florida Retirement with what the state does best: offering financial breathing room and a vibrant lifestyle. Chris and Sam Dixon continue to draw on their family’s experience and their deep roots in the state to guide clients toward confident, secure retirements. For Floridians and those moving here, the message is clear—Florida retirement may offer powerful advantages, but success comes from planning that respects both its opportunities and its realities.

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Oxford Wealth Group, LLC (“Oxford Wealth” or the “Firm”) is a federally registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. Information about Oxford Wealth can be found by visiting the SEC site www.adviserinfo.sec.gov and searching by Oxford Wealth Group. We are a financial services firm that utilizes insurance and investment products. Oxford Advisory Group and Oxford Wealth Group, LLC are affiliated yet separate companies. Annuity contracts are made by and for the benefit of the buyer who should bear responsibility for premiums and understand their financial conditions.
Oxford Advisory Group was named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies based on revenue growth for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023. The Inc. 5000 was not compensated for consideration of this award; Oxford has paid for promotional materials related to this recognition.
Samuel J. Dixon was recognized on the Orlando Business Journal’s Central Florida 40 Under 40 list and on BusinessEliteAwards.com’s 40 Under 40 list (awarded March 2025 based on performance from January 2024 through December 2024). BusinessEliteAwards.com was compensated by Oxford for the use of marketing materials related to this award.
Christopher J. Dixon was named one of Industry Leaders magazine’s “Top 10 Entrepreneurs Making an Impact in 2025” (awarded in 2025 based on performance from January 2024 through December 2024). Industry Leaders was compensated by Oxford for the use of marketing materials related to this award.
Amazon’s #1 Best Seller status was reached on September 6, 2024, for the categories of Financial Risk Management, Personal Taxes, and Small Business Taxes, and the book remained a #1 New Release through September 25, 2024.
Sponsorships Oxford Wealth has entered into paid sponsorship agreements with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Rays. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Rays are not current clients of Oxford. Oxford Wealth has also entered into paid sponsorship agreements with Florida State University Athletics, University of Central Florida Athletics, and University of South Florida Athletics. FSU Athletics, UCF Athletics, and USF Athletics are not current clients of Oxford.