Author: hagge Date: 6/14/01 10:39 AM Number: 6909
Cannot draw any conclusion from the poll, as the answers are too few as at 14 June.

I think the problem is that most people don't know anything about ex-pats or what kind of taxes they must pay. My parents retired to Florida 25 years ago, and I've come to know quite a bit about retirement there.

Florida is a great place to retire for an American citizen. They don't have a state income tax, and the whole place is geared to people over 60. The climate is warm and humid nearly all year long - something that most older folks like.

Health care is top notch and is optimized for the elderly. All the doctors and hospitals are well equipped to handle the numerous problems associated with aging and with all the health plans as well.

One downside in Florida is the 'intangibles' tax, that is levied against your bonds/equities portfolio (not your cash). If you are wealthy, and have a big portfolio, you'll pay a lot of tax.

Other taxes (sales, property, etc) in Florida are quite reasonable for the retiree.

Russ