Relocation Advisory

MICHIGAN TO FLORIDA PROTOCOL

Q: Does Michigan have an estate tax?

No. Michigan is one of the states without a separate estate or inheritance tax. However, you are still subject to the Federal 40% tax. Moving to Florida does not change your federal liability, but it prevents future state tax exposure if Michigan legislation changes.

Q: What about Proposal A vs. Save Our Homes?

They function similarly. Michigan's Proposal A caps taxable value increases at inflation (or 5%). Florida's 'Save Our Homes' caps it at 3%. Both protect you from spikes, but Florida's base millage rates in Lakewood Ranch are often competitive with high-tax MI suburbs.

Q: How strict is the 183-day rule?

It is the baseline. You must be in Michigan for fewer than 183 days to be a non-resident. However, the 'Domicile Test' is qualitative. You must prove your intent to make Florida your permanent home (Voting, Drivers License, Banking).

The Michigan Exodus: Lifestyle Arbitrage.

"You are paying a premium to live in the gray. Between the 4.25% State Income Tax and the 5 months of winter, your capital is under-utilized. We structure a lifestyle exit that reclaims your time and your money."

The Financial Case

Market Index Verified: February 2026

Your Wealth: MI vs. FL

Metric

Birmingham / Bloomfield Hills

Lakewood Ranch

The Griffin Impact

What $2M Buys

~3,500 sq ft (Older Traditional)

~4,500 sq ft (New Custom Estate)

+30% More Luxury

Income Tax

4.25% (Flat Rate)

Instant Raise

Winter Lifestyle

5 Months of Gray/Snow

365 Days of Outdoor Living

Priceless

Property Tax Basis

Capped (Proposal A)

Capped at 3% (Homestead)

Similar Stability

Scroll

The Wealth Release Calculator

Annual Household Income ($)

Tax-Funded Buying Power

$1,977,635

This model illustrates the estimated additional asset value your projected tax savings could service at today's rates, allowing you to direct capital back into your own equity.

GRIFFIN TAKE

"Don't let 'Up North' nostalgia keep you anchored to a tax liability. You can always visit Michigan in July. You should live in Florida for the other 11 months."

Build Your Exit Strategy

Download the full Michigan-to-FL Tax Guide or schedule a confidential consultation.

Access Granted

Open Michigan Exit Strategy

Welcome back. Your Briefing is ready

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Explore Properties

Sarasota Lakewood Ranch

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Michigan have an estate tax?

Tax professionals confirm that Michigan currently does not impose a separate state estate or inheritance tax. However, estate planners remind clients that they remain subject to Federal estate tax thresholds. While moving to Florida does not alter your federal liability, legal counsel often advises that establishing a Florida domicile protects you from any future state-level legislative changes.

What about Proposal A vs. Save Our Homes?

Tax experts note that they function similarly in theory. Michigan's Proposal A generally caps taxable value increases tied to inflation, while Florida's 'Save Our Homes' amendment statutorily caps assessment increases at 3% for homesteaded properties. Both mechanisms protect against market spikes, but financial models often show that Florida's base millage rates in areas like Lakewood Ranch are highly competitive compared to high-tax Oakland County suburbs.

How strict is the 183-day rule?

Tax counsel warns that the 183-day count is simply the baseline. While you must generally spend fewer than 183 days in Michigan to avoid statutory residency, CPAs emphasize that the state's 'Domicile Test' is highly qualitative. Legal professionals advise that you must decisively prove your intent to make Florida your permanent home (via voting registration, driver's licenses, and primary banking). We secure the physical real estate required to anchor that proof.