The Florida tax comparison

Like Texas, Florida's lack of state income tax means moving to Spain results in a somewhat higher income tax burden for most earners. However, the gap is smaller than it appears for two reasons:

  1. U.S. citizens abroad still file federal returns and may use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) to exclude the first ~$126,500 (2024 figure) of earned income. Combined with the U.S.-Spain tax treaty and Spanish foreign tax credits, the actual U.S. federal tax owed on income already taxed in Spain may be zero or minimal for many earners.
  2. Spain's social security system provides healthcare, unemployment protection, and pension contributions — benefits that Florida-based workers currently pay for privately. The RETA or employee SS in Spain replaces insurance costs you bear independently in the U.S.

Example: Miami remote worker, $90,000 gross income

Staying in Florida

Federal income tax (~20% effective): ~$16,000

Florida state income tax: $0

Social Security + Medicare: ~$6,885

Health insurance (individual market): ~$6,000/year

Total out-of-pocket: ~$28,885 (32% of income)

Moving to Spain (Beckham Law)

Spanish IRPF (Beckham 24% flat): ~€19,872

Employee SS (6.35%, incl. health): ~€5,256

Florida state income tax: €0

Separate health insurance: €0 (SS covers it)

Total: ~€25,128 (~30% of gross)

Numbers are approximate. As a U.S. citizen you still file a U.S. federal return; the 24% Spanish tax generally offsets it via the Foreign Tax Credit or is covered by the FEIE. SS contributions in Spain include access to the public healthcare system after registration, and are capped at a maximum contribution base (so at higher salaries the SS figure is lower than a flat 6.35% implies). Exchange rate: $1 = €0.92. Consult a U.S. expat tax CPA for your actual situation.

Estimate your tax

Beckham Law Tax Calculator

Compare what you'd keep under Spain's 24% flat expat rate vs. the standard progressive rates.

Why Florida-based remote workers apply

Florida has one of the highest rates of DNV applications per capita among U.S. states — particularly from Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. The reasons are practical:

  • Miami's cost of living has surged since 2020. A 1BR in Brickell or Coconut Grove now costs $2,800–$4,000/month. A comparable apartment in Madrid or Seville costs €1,200–€1,800/month
  • Miami's Latin-American cultural connection makes the Spain transition familiar — Spanish language, similar food culture, existing social networks
  • Direct MIA → MAD flights make Spain accessible. Many Florida-based clients of Spanish origin or descent feel at home in Spain quickly
  • Spain's healthcare quality — after establishing residency and contributing to Social Security, you access one of the world's top-ranked public healthcare systems
  • Climate: Spain's Mediterranean climate is warmer than Florida in winter and, particularly in southern cities, feels familiar in summer

Your consulate: Miami

Florida residents (except possibly the panhandle area — verify your jurisdiction) apply through the Spanish Consulate General in Miami, located in Coral Gables. The Miami office is bilingual, experienced with DNV applications, and has relatively accessible appointment windows — typically 4–8 weeks. Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands residents also use the Miami consulate.

Florida-specific application notes

  • Income minimum: The solo DNV threshold is ~€2,849/month (~$3,100). Florida's median remote worker income in tech and professional services typically exceeds this. Use the income eligibility checker to confirm your household situation
  • Health insurance: You need Spanish health insurance from a Spain-authorized insurer for the visa. Several international insurers (Cigna Global, AXA Spain, Sanitas, Asisa) serve Florida-based applicants directly
  • FBI background check: The federal apostille takes 10–14 weeks — start it immediately. Full guide →
  • Florida residency termination: Florida does not tax income, so there is no residency termination issue from a tax standpoint. You simply establish domicile in Spain. Straightforward compared to California or New York

The in-Spain route for Floridians

MIA → MAD is one of the most frequent transatlantic routes, with daily direct flights on Iberia, American, and Air Europa. Florida applicants are well-positioned for the in-Spain application route: fly to Madrid as a tourist, file directly with the UGE for the 3-year TIE permit, and skip the year-one consulate renewal entirely. Most of my Florida clients choose this route. See the full comparison →