I just moved back home to Florida after a military career and 4 years working for the USAF as a civilian.

The act of physically moving to Florida is not that hard (seems like millions of Yankees figure out how to do it every year...I kid, I kid). I was a Virginia state resident on a Monday, and by the time the sun set on Thursday, I was once again a full up Florida resident with my DL, Voter Reg, and Lic Plate on my vehicle. It helps to have a previously established address, but still, the process is pretty simple.

Florida is a fairly tax friendly state. We have no state taxes on regular or military retirement income, and depending on where you live, local property taxes are in line with the national average or slightly lower. The further south you get below Ocala, the higher the property tax rate.

Because we don't have a state income tax, the local sales taxes can be high, and gas is taxed to high heaven in many counties.

As far as Herps go, the climate is certainly friendly, and depending on what you want to keep, the rules and regulations are not too hard to live with. Knowing and understanding the laws is important. Some animals require a permit, and some are simply not allowed to be kept unless you were here to get grandfathered. I do find that living in central Florida, most of the animals I'm not allowed to keep, can be found just beyond my back yard, so it's not like you never get to see them.

If you plan on breeding and selling animals in Florida, you might want to speak to a Florida based breeder. I know they have certain permits they are required to have, but I don't know what the cost would be.