Move over, Florida...

I've lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1994. Florida is certainly not what it was. The economy is in the toilet with no signs of a recovery coming any time soon. Everywhere we see empty houses and vacant commercial property.

Unemployment here is amongst the highest in the nation. The state and local governments continue to make massive budget cuts that are severely impacting schools, police departments, jails, emergency services and parks.

Florida public schools are certainly not among the best in the country. The graduation rate is only about 69%.

• Florida ranked 41st in per-student spending based on K-12 fall enrollment during the 2008-2009 school year.
  
• Florida ranked 47th in per-capita state and local government education spending during the 2006-2007 school year
  

Thakns for the info, Juli.

Talking to people down there, I kinda got a jist of what you posted. Assuming im able to sell my house where I am, I have a pretty good financial/family support system down there. Im hoping to be able to transition there ok in spite of the goings on. I know its possible, I just have to work hard and pray. Good thing is that house prices are low...at least theres a small silver lining..

I was wondering the same as you, OP.

Trying to figure out if I should relocate to Florida or move to another Texas city...

Was planning on relocating to Tampa from Texas.

I'm a student.

I just don't like where I am and I miss 'the sunshine', the nightlife and the beaches. It's a fun place to be.

...but I know the state's in the toilet. Not surprise that housing is STILL a mess. Those investors were *allowed* to go in there and practically 'flip' entire neighborhoods. State and local govt should've put a stop to it.

They saw, before the bubble even burst, that the rising home/apt prices were squeezing low-income families out.

Florida will be slow coming out of it mostly because it doesn't offer much beyond 'tourism', property and sunshine. It isn't a 'Big Business' state.

Like Texas, for instance.

Texas isn't that bad, really. Most people that I know are, like, "What recession...?"

Business and the GOP are bedfellows and, for once, all I gotta say is, 'Thank god that Texas is a 'one-party' state'...and Gov Perry has enough sense to not let these 'out of state' investors eff up our housing.

Many plants and factories closed in CA. Guess where they went? Straight to Texas. Where I live? In one block, in the span of 2 years, they've added a line of dining places. An IHOP. A TGIF. A hospital. A clinic. A bank..and they just finished a KOHL's. On the other side, they've built a Cricket mobile cell shop, Subway, Whateburger...a bunch of eateries.

So, I know Fl's all 'effed up'. *laugh*

I just want to know 'how badly'...

I have friends who are there but they're doing ok.

Hubby has family in the area who are also "OK" and living like normal. Ive heard the hospitals "are hiring" but I wont really find out until I start applying next spring.

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice...aside from telling me the state sucks right now, b/c i already know.

Also...Texas doesnt have sunshine?! Lol.

Im currently volunteering at FL hospital and I think they are hiring people who have more than 1 year experience. Only new grads have trouble finding jobs here at Orlando b/c no experience. There are pros and cons living in Orlando/ Kissmmee. It's cheap to buy house here and monthly expense is average IMO. There aren't many things to do here. I personally want to move to Cali or Texas. Orlando is only known for tourist attractions (Disney, Sea World, & Universal). If I'm staying at FL, I would choose Miami, south beach b/c nightlife. It's about an hour drive to the beach from Orlando. Good Luck

Thanks for that piece of info, IwantBobatea.

It gives me a small slice of hope to hear that I may be able to get a job. Ill have 2 years exp on a cardiac tele floor, so lots of familiarity with rhythms (lethal and otherwise) and cardiac meds. Also ACLS cert, but we dont titrate drips or do neo, but everything else basically.

Im hopeful, but not blind. Thanks so much.

Also, I wish i could move to Miami, but Im going to Kissimmee to be with family, so it would make no sense to keep going south to Miami.. Lol. Plus its too expensive.

I moved from FL to CA and do not miss it a bit. I know, the economy is bad here too but pay and benefits are so much better! I pay less for rent here in CA and my electric bill is 1/3 of what it was in FL. Go figure... Work culture and ethics are better too.

I'm also moving from PA to Florida...hopefully the Orlando/Kissimmee area and am nervous about such a huge move.

Have you started the license endorsement process yet? From what I've read, it is a slow moving process so give yourself plenty of time to get it done.

I'm also moving from PA to Florida...hopefully the Orlando/Kissimmee area and am nervous about such a huge move.

Have you started the license endorsement process yet? From what I've read, it is a slow moving process so give yourself plenty of time to get it done.

I have not started it yet. Considering its going to run almost $500 , I figure Ill wait til the New Year. I read somewhere that its an avg of 3 months to do start to finish.

Good Luck with your move! im already in contact with real estate agents down there as well as up here (have to sell my home). A little nervous about the job search though, Ill have to admit.

The $500 I mention is the FL transfer fee (what was it like $220 something?) as well as the two (?) required learning modules @ an avg of $100 each.

Have you found somewhere online to do the required education through? IF you have, please share!

Hey I know this post is old but Health First hospital located along the Space Coast (about an hour from Orlando) is opening a brand new hospital this spring/summer in Vierra. If you would be interested in an RN job with a bit of a commute or willing to move a little farther east, there are a LOT of postings on their website (including posts for their other three hospitals) And more and more everyday! Good luck and enjoy the sunshine state!