There’s a lot to think about when moving to Wisconsin from Florida. From differences in the cost of living to insurance premiums along with getting over to the Wisconsin DMV to transfer your Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration, you’ll want to do some budgeting and planning before you make the move.
Relocalate.com has done the heavy lifting for you. Our expert researchers have compiled the key things you need to know when moving to Wisconsin from Florida. Find out what you can expect to pay in federal and Wisconsin state taxes, whether you’ll be spending more or less in key cost of living categories, and how long you’ll have to get a new driver’s license and car registration. Plus, you can even get a head start on saving the most money when you move by comparing free quotes for health coverage, car insurance, home/renters insurance, and more.
License & Registration
Transfer your Florida driver’s license to Wisconsin within 60 days.
Transfer your vehicles & get Wisconsin license plates upon establishing residency.
On this page, you’ll be able to:
- See how the cost of living compares for Wisconsin and Florida.
- Estimate how much more or less you can expect to pay in state and federal income taxes after you move to Wisconsin.
- Find out what to expect when it comes to Wisconsin property taxes, buying a home, and home insurance premiums.
- Learn whether you’ll be able to save some money or have to spend a little more in key cost of living categories including groceries, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
- Find out what you’ll need to do with the Wisconsin DMV to transfer your Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration. (And how long you’ll have to do it.)
- Estimate how much it will cost to move from Florida to Wisconsin.
- BONUS: Start saving money today by comparing free quotes for all your new insurance policies in Wisconsin.
Moving to Wisconsin from Florida Checklist
- 1. Estimate the cost of the move.
- 2. Update your insurance policies.
- 3. Be prepared to transfer your Florida license & registration to Wisconsin.
- 4. Budget and prepare for cost of living changes.
- 5. Change your address and forward your mail through USPS.
- 6. Register to vote.
- 7. Update your new address with your banks, loans, and other accounts.
- 8. Set up your utilities and services at your new home.
Find some more tips and to-dos for Moving to Wisconsin here.
Cost of Moving from Florida to Wisconsin
Unfortunately moving can be expensive. Moving to a brand new state usually comes with some extra costs.
Use this moving cost calculator to get a rough idea of how much your move from Florida to Wisconsin will cost.
The rough distance between Wisconsin and Florida is 1,180 miles. We’ll use that for our calculations. Select the size of your home that you’ll be moving to get an idea of the costs.
Moving Cost Calculator: Florida to Wisconsin
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. The cost of your move will vary depending on the company you choose, your belongings, and other circumstances.
Update Your Insurance Policies for Coverage in Wisconsin
Don’t wait! Update your car insurance coverage for Wisconsin
When you move to Wisconsin, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be covered for all of life’s unexpected situations. That means updating your insurance policies with your new address and the minimum requirements for Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Car Insurance
One of the first policies you’ll want to update when you move is going to be your car insurance coverage.
In Wisconsin, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $10,000 property damage liability per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person, $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident.
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage
$358
On average, the annual premium for a minimum liability coverage policy is higher in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay more for car insurance in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Average Cost of Full Coverage
$1,292
On average, the annual premium for a full coverage auto insurance policy is lower in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay less for full coverage in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Do you own a motorcycle?
Wisconsin Home & Renter’s Insurance
Whether you’ll rent or own your new home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right coverage when you arrive.
Let’s face it, accidents happen during a move. Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your belongings and your house.
Average Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance
$890
You can usually expect that the annual premium for home insurance will be higher in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay more for your home insurance policy in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Will you own or rent your home?
Wisconsin Health Insurance
You’ll also need to make sure that you and your family have health coverage once you arrive in Wisconsin.
If you’ll be keeping your job when you move, be sure to ask your employer about any implications for your current health insurance policy.
You’ll need to find out which hospitals and plans are available near your new home. Spend some time researching providers in your area.
Healthcare Costs in Wisconsin
Higher
Generally, healthcare costs are higher in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay more for healthcare in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Will you be keeping health insurance with your current employer?
Find Health Coverage ➜
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Tasks when Moving to Wisconsin from Florida
Transfer your Florida Driver’s License
within 60 days.
After you’ve moved to Wisconsin, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license.
Transfer your Florida Car Registration
upon establishing residency.
You’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration and get Wisconsin license plates.
When you become a resident of Wisconsin, you’ll need to transfer your Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration.
You’ll also need to update your car insurance policies so that they meet the minimum requirements for Wisconsin. Sometimes this can come with a rate hike, so it’s always a smart idea to shop around.
The minimum liability coverage you’ll need in Wisconsin is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $10,000 property damage liability per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person, $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident.
You can start comparing car insurance quotes for Wisconsin for free right here on Relocalate.com.
Transfer Your Florida Driver’s License to Wisconsin
Minimum Age for a Wisconsin Driver’s License
16 years, 9 months old
A standard Wisconsin driver’s license is available to residents who are at least 16 years, 9 months old.
Wisconsin Driver’s License Expires
every 8 years
You’ll need to renew your driver’s license every 8 years.
Wisconsin Driver’s License Cost
$34.00
A driver’s license will cost around $34.00.
One of the first things you’ll want to do after becoming a resident of Wisconsin is to get a driver’s license.
In fact, new residents should apply for their Wisconsin driver’s license within 60 days.
In Wisconsin, driver’s licenses are issued by the DMV.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the Wisconsin Driver’s License Application.
- Surrender your Florida driver’s license.
- Present the necessary proof of identity and residency with your new Wisconsin address.
- Pass any required testing.
- Take a photo.
- Pay the driver’s license fee.
After applying and passing any necessary tests, you’ll receive a temporary paper license. The Wisconsin DMV will mail you your new license, and it should arrive within a few weeks.
For official information and for details about scheduling appointments, visit https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/external/bds-landing.aspx.
Wisconsin Driver’s License Knowledge Exam
Total Questions on the Wisconsin Driver’s License Test
50 total questions
The Wisconsin knowledge exam will typically consist of 50 total questions that are based on the driver’s handbook.
Passing Score
80%
You’ll need to score 80% to pass the test.
When you transfer your Florida license to Wisconsin, you should be prepared to pass the driver’s license written exam.
While not every applicant will be required to take the test, it is still a good idea to brush up on traffic laws in Wisconsin.
Before you visit the DMV, take some time to study the official driver’s handbook for Wisconsin. While many traffic laws and safety rules are universal from state to state, there are some specifics that may be a little different.
Assuming your Florida driver’s license is valid and unexpired, you should not need to take the Wisconsin driving test.
Is your Florida driver’s license valid?
One potential hang up to be aware of is around the validity of your Florida driver’s license.
To make things as easy as possible, your Florida license should be valid when you apply for a license in Wisconsin.
Ideally what this means is that you should clear any issues with the Florida DMV BEFORE you move.
For example:
- If your Florida driver’s license is lost or damaged, you should replace it before moving.
- If your Florida driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you should try to reinstate it before you move.
If your Florida driver’s license is expired when you go to apply for your Wisconsin license, it’s possible that the DMV will treat it like a brand new application, which may require a written exam and a road test, plus any other requirements for new drivers.
The bottom line: Try to take care of any issues with your Florida driver’s license BEFORE you move and visit the Wisconsin DMV.
Transfer Your Car Registration from Florida to Wisconsin
If you’re going to bring your car with you when you move, you’ll also need to transfer your Florida registration to Wisconsin.
Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the Wisconsin DMV.
You can find more specific details for your vehicle registration and official information at https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/external/bds-landing.aspx
Wisconsin Registration Fee Basis
flat rate
Wisconsin vehicle registration fees are generally calculated by flat rate.
Registration Base Fee Estimate
$75+
Additional fees may vary based on vehicle type as well as any local fees and taxes.
Wisconsin Registration Expiration
every year
In Wisconsin, you’ll need to renew your registration every year.
Front License Plates
Wisconsin requires that vehicles display a front license plate.
Vehicle Safety Inspections
There is typically no vehicle safety inspection required in Wisconsin.
Smog & Emissions Testing
Emissions testing is required biennially for some counties in Wisconsin.
New residents in Wisconsin are required to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration upon establishing residency.
When moving to Wisconsin with vehicles from Florida, you should be prepared to:
- Complete an application for Wisconsin registration and title.
- Present your current registration documents from Florida.
- Provide any other necessary proof of ownership documents (title, lease agreement, lienholder information, etc.)
- Pass any necessary vehicle inspections required for Wisconsin registration.
- Have a valid Wisconsin insurance policy for your vehicles.
- Pay the registration fees.
Notify the Florida DMV
While it’s not always a requirement, it can be worthwhile to update your address with the Florida DMV and notify them that you have moved out of the state.
This can often be done on the DMV website, and will prevent you from receiving any renewal notices for your old driver’s license and registrations.
Taxes in Wisconsin vs Florida
Differences in taxes are a big consideration in any state to state move.
Unfortunately, it’s not all black and white. In order to get the full picture, it’s important to consider all of your potential tax burdens when moving from Florida to Wisconsin including state income tax, property taxes, and sales tax.
Plus, you’ll need to think about how the overall cost of living on key spending categories is going to compare. More on that below.
For example, if you’re a homeowner, it’ll be smart to look at both income tax differences, property tax burdens, as well as average home prices to get a more accurate idea of your tax savings or hike once you move to Wisconsin.
We’ll cover some key differences in your tax savings and tax hikes when moving to Wisconsin from Florida.
For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be comparing effective tax rates, which simplify the marginal tax rates and tax brackets in each state to look at the estimated average total tax you may be paying.
Note that your tax situation may be much different than the estimates provided here. Use these as a high-level comparison tool.
Federal & State Income Taxes when Moving to Wisconsin from Florida
Overall, you’ll likely be looking at an income tax hike when moving to Wisconsin from Florida.
Wisconsin Income Tax (effective rates)
3.45% (single) & 3.65% (joint)
Wisconsin has a state income tax with an effective rate of 3.45% for single filers, and 3.65% for married couples filing jointly.
Effective Rates: Federal + State Income Taxes
19.52%
On average, the effective income tax rate (state + federal) is higher in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay more in income tax in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Tax Comparison Calculator
Effective income tax rates (Federal + State):
- Wisconsin: 19.52% (single), 19.54% (joint)
- Florida: 15.67% (single), 15.50% (joint)
In Wisconsin, your tax would be . In Florida, your tax would be .
You would pay more in than in .
When comparing your overall tax burdens between states, it can help to look at both the state and federal income tax rates.
Remember, this comparison is looking at the effective rates in order to simplify things.
Here’s a high level look at how your effective tax rates may be different after you move to Wisconsin from Florida
- State Income Tax (single filers): 3.45% in Wisconsin vs 0.00% in Florida
- State Income Tax (joint filers): 3.65% in Wisconsin vs 0.00% in Florida
- Federal + State Income Tax (single filers): 19.52% in Wisconsin vs 15.67% in Florida
- Federal + State Income Tax (joint filers): 19.54% in Wisconsin vs 15.50% in Florida
Sales Tax in Wisconsin vs Florida
Next, it’s helpful to consider the differences in sales tax.
Sales tax is a consumption tax you pay when you buy goods and services. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the final price you pay.
Note that many states have a state-wide sales tax and local governments and municipalities can charge an additional sales tax on top of that. This comparison looks at the state-wide sales tax.
Wisconsin Sales Tax
5%
Wisconsin has a state sales tax rate of 5%.
The sales tax rate is lower in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay less on sales tax in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Property Taxes in Wisconsin vs Florida
If you’re a homeowner, or plan to buy a home in Wisconsin, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the difference in property taxes and home values.
Wisconsin Property Tax Estimate
1.85%
The property tax rate is higher in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay more for property taxes in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Home Prices in Wisconsin
$180,600
On average, the average home price is lower in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay less for a house in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
This is also a good time to back sure you are getting the best deal on your Wisconsin homeowner’s insurance policy.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare in Wisconsin vs Florida?
Cost of living is another major difference when moving to a brand new state.
Depending on the local industries, geography, region, and population, the price of different goods and services can vary greatly.
Now, the cost of living will also depend on your own lifestyle, spending habits, and which city you move to in Wisconsin.
Cost of living (COL) indexes are used to compare each state to the national average of 100. The difference between COL values higher or lower than 100 represent the percentage difference from the national average.
We can compare the cost of living indexes for Wisconsin and Florida to get a high level idea of whether we’ll be saving money or have to spend a bit more on the following categories:
- Overall Cost of Living.
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Utilities.
- Transportation.
- Healthcare.
- Miscellaneous goods and service.
Overall, the cost of living in Wisconsin is
-5.00% cheaper
than the national average, compared to 2.30% more expensive for Florida.
Wisconsin Cost of Living Index
95
National Avg: 100
On average, the cost of living is lower in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay less for many things in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Cost of Groceries
-2.10% cheaper
than the national avg.
Typically, the cost of groceries is lower in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay less for groceries in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Housing Costs
-15.60% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, the cost of housing (rent/mortgage/etc) is lower in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay less for housing costs in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Wisconsin Utilities
2.80% more expensive
than the national avg.
The cost of utilities is typically higher in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay more for your monthly utility bills in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Transportation Costs
-1.40% cheaper
than the national avg.
On average, the cost of transportation is lower in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay less on transportation in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Healthcare in Wisconsin
13.70% more expensive
than the national avg.
Generally, healthcare costs are higher in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay more for healthcare in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Miscellaneous Costs
-3.30% cheaper
than the national avg.
The cost of miscellaneous goods and services are generally lower in Wisconsin. You’ll likely pay less for these things in Wisconsin than you did in Florida.
Relocalate.com Methodology
While big changes like moving to a new state can be exciting, we also know that any move can be stressful. That’s why we created Relocalate.com.
The data and comparisons on this page are designed to give you a high level look at what you can expect when moving from Florida to Wisconsin.
Our free moving tools and calculators are here to help you play around with the numbers so you can start working on a budget for your big move to Wisconsin.
We’ve crunched the numbers from census data, federal government resources, state and local data, as well as interviews and chats with people who’ve made the move from Florida to Wisconsin.
While there are many things we can’t control when moving to a new state, like the overall cost of living and housing prices, we’ve found that one of the single most effective ways to save money is by getting a better deal on your insurance policies.
That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted insurance providers and some of the best in Wisconsin to bring your free quote tools that you can access while you plan out your move.
Good luck! We wish you the best as you get settled into your home and start feeling like a Wisconsin local.