By Jennifer Stevens
With the rise in remote work opportunities, more and more people are realizing they can work from anywhere—choosing to trade their Zoom bedroom backgrounds for real swaying palm trees. Called “digital nomads,” these remote workers are travelers with laptops, often choosing to stay in one place for a few weeks to a few months before moving on to someplace new.
The term “digital nomads'' was coined in 1997, when businesses first started looking into the possibility of having employees work remotely. Since then, the nomadic lifestyle has taken off — especially since the pandemic. Before 2020, there were only a handful of countries offering digital nomad visas; now there are 61.
People who can prove they earn enough online income now have the ability to work all around the world. But they also have the ability to work all around the U.S., and Florida is one of the best places to do this.
Jessie Bodner, a 26-year-old digital nomad, started working remotely in New York City during the pandemic, then earlier this year decided to take her laptop down to Hollywood, Florida. Originally from New Jersey, she said, “I always felt like Florida was a place to come and decompress and it always felt like a vacation spot. But with the work flexibility, I thought why wait until I’m retired to live in such a beautiful place? Why not do it now? I can pick up and just go.”
If you’re a digital nomad, here are 12 outstanding places in Florida to work remotely.
1. Destin
With its white sugar-sand beaches and emerald green Gulf of America, Destin is the type of place people dream of when considering the digital nomad life.
Known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin has always been a popular vacation destination for fishing and water enthusiasts. But Tanya Rauch, Director of Marketing for Hotel Effie Sandestin, said that since the pandemic, it’s become a hot spot for digital nomads as well—even during off season.
“With its beautiful beaches, state parks, and being so close to Old Florida and natural springs, Destin is a great place for nature enthusiasts,” Rauch said. “Plus, it’s also a great place for road trips. You can get to New Orleans in 4.5 hours while exploring Alabama along the way.” She particularly loves Destin during off-season, Rauch said, because there are plenty of festivals (think wine, seafood, beer…there’s even a mac and cheese festival!) and fishing tournaments.
What type of Digital Nomad would love Destin: Beach lovers, golfers, and fishing enthusiasts wanting a slower pace of life.
Where to Stay: Sandestin is centrally located for digital nomads to ride bikes, take a golf cart or walk to restaurants and shops. Miramar and Holiday Isle are also great options to find beach-front holiday homes.
Places to Work: Beachworx promises coworking space and private office rentals with a conference room. They also offer a virtual address in Destin. If a coffee shop is more your scene, check out East Pass Coffee Co and Capriccio Café in the heart of Destin, and 2 Birds Coffee and Cafe in Miramar Beach.
2. Miami
Probably the most popular city on our list for digital nomads, Miami is a hot spot for remote workers looking for beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a culturally rich environment.
People wanting to connect with other digital nomads will be happy to know there are regular networking events, including meetup groups for remote workers and digital nomads, groups for remote creatives, and events for young professionals.
Miami realtor Lauren Popham said that since the pandemic, Miami has boomed. “So many people moved down here when their work moved online and they decided to stay because the weather is so great,” she said. “I think people were like, ‘hell, we don’t have to go back to living in our cold places. We’d rather live here and work remotely.’”
Popham said that this phenomenon is being called the “Manhattanization of Miami.” So much has been built, she said, and because of this, it’s become an even more bustling city than it was before.
What type of Digital Nomad would love Miami: A social remote worker who loves the beach, a bit of luxury, and has money to spend (Miami is not cheap). People wanting to learn or practice Spanish will also love living here.
Where to Stay: Walkable neighborhoods include North Miami Beach, South Beach, Coconut Grove, Brickell, and Buena Vista. Short term rentals in any one of these places would be great for digital nomads.
Places to Work: Miami has dozens of coworking spaces to choose from, and a seemingly unlimited number of options for work-appropriate cafes.
3. Jacksonville
Florida’s largest city has gotten a lot of attention lately, placing first on Zillow’s list of the top 10 cities for digital nomads. Lauded for its affordability and “outdoor scenic views,” Jacksonville is a popular and well-deserved choice for remote workers.
Located on Florida's northeast coast, Jacksonville boasts 22 miles of gorgeous Atlantic beaches and claims the country’s largest urban park system. Workers who prefer to work outside can choose from seven state parks, 400 city parks, and a variety of beaches.
For the digital nomads wanting a bustling city atmosphere, downtown Jacksonville is about 17 miles inland from the beach, and is a blend of modern convenience and historic charm. This is where remote workers can network and build relationships with other digital nomads.
What type of Digital Nomad would love Jacksonville: Someone looking for a rental deal in a big city near the beach. This person would have a car and would love taking road trips to charming towns like Savannah and St. Augustine.
Where to Stay: Choose whether you’ll spend most of your time at the beach or in the city. In the city, walkable neighborhoods include historic Avondale, San Marco, and Riverside.
Places to Work: Jacksonville has plenty of coworking spaces spread throughout the city, as well as cafes and restaurants in every neighborhood.
4. Tampa
Another big city on our list, Tampa has all the benefits of a metropolis (world-class airport, sports teams, excellent restaurants), while maintaining small town charm within its neighborhoods.
Because of its weather, plethora of activities, and proximity to nature, Tampa has become a very popular place for digital nomads. “Young professionals are moving to Tampa more and more every day,” said Tampa Realtor Devi Vernon. “I think they’re moving here because we’re not as crazy as Miami or any big city, and you still get the weather and beaches.”
According to Fox News, Tampa has rebounded from the pandemic faster than any other city in the country. This has led not only to an influx of transplants and digital nomads, but also a real estate and restaurant boom, and the revitalization of downtown and Ybor City.
What type of Digital Nomad would love Tampa: Young professionals and people wanting to stay in a thriving city with a growing food and nightlife scene.
Where to Stay: Hyde Park in South Tampa is a walkable part of Tampa, close to downtown and the scenic Bayshore Boulevard. Other walkable neighborhoods include the new Waterstreet area and Channelside.
Places to Work: The Hyde House Public Studio is a popular coworking space in Hyde Park Village, and some work-friendly cafes include the Capital One Cafe in Hyde Park Village, Little Tina downtown, and Armature Works in the Heights district.
5. St. Petersburg
While technically part of Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg deserves its own spot on the list. More walkable than Tampa, and arguably more laid back, St. Pete is the perfect place for artsy digital nomads without a car.
Holly Wintrip, originally from St. Pete, has lived nomadically for the last five years, and always comes back home. “It’s a walkable, bike-able city, with a trolley system to get from downtown to the beaches, and a cross bay ferry to get to Tampa,” she said. It’s changed a lot in the last decade. “It’s definitely not God’s waiting room anymore.”
Claiming Trip Advisor’s #2 spot on its annual “Best of the Best Destinations,” the travel site notes the almost-always-sunny weather, beaches, the Pinellas Trail, and nightlife as big draws. We’d also add world-class museums, local craft breweries, and festivals to the list.
What type of Digital Nomad would love St. Petersburg: A laid-back remote worker with an affinity for waterfront parks, walkable neighborhoods, and access to world-class beaches.
Where to Stay: Downtown St. Petersburg, Old Northeast, and the Grand Central District are all pedestrian-friendly areas with tons of restaurants and cafes.
Places to Work: Popular coworking spaces include Rising Tide, Thrive, and The Station House. As for cafes, there are many options, including gluten-free Craft Cafe, Black Crow Coffee, and Grassroots Kava House.
6. Orlando
Most people think Orlando is reserved for family vacations at Disney or Universal Studios; but there’s much more to this Central Florida city.
Orlando was recently named the sixth best place for digital nomads to spend their winters by Business Name Generator, due to its “high quality of life score.” This includes factors like climate, safety, cost of living, health care, and of course, Wi-Fi speed.
The city has also become a dining destination, with 48 restaurants listed on the Michelin Guide. There are impressive food halls, a vibrant nightlife scene, and numerous performing arts venues.
What type of Digital Nomad would love Orlando: Someone who loves a hot food scene and access to numerous entertainment options (including theme parks).
Where to Stay: The charming neighborhoods of Audubon Park, Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village and Winter Park were all designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with sidewalks and bike paths. They all have plenty of coffee shops and local mom-and-pop-owned restaurants.
Places to Work: There are several coworking spaces downtown, and no shortage of coffee shops. Some cafes to check out are Craft & Common and Qreate Coffee + Studio.
7. Melbourne Beach
The first small town on our list, Melbourne Beach, on Florida’s Space Coast, is a quiet, laid-back community, perfect for digital nomads looking for a slower pace of life.
Located on a barrier island separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Indian River Lagoon, Melbourne Beach is just 1.3 square miles. This means you’ll see more surfers than people working on laptops, but there are still a few cafes where digital nomads are welcome.
The sleepy town of Melbourne Beach feels secluded, but is just four miles from the mid-size city of Melbourne, with its historic downtown area and urban amenities. Additionally, four miles north of downtown is an art district called Eau Gallie, where you can find galleries and boutiques, and attend festivals and live music events.
What type of Digital Nomad would love Melbourne Beach: Someone looking for a sleepy beach town with waves for surfing. This person could live here without a car, or commute downtown if they wanted more things to do.
Where to Stay: With only 1.3 square miles, any house rental will be within walking distance to the beach. Other options could be to stay across the bridge in downtown Melbourne, or in artsy Eau Gallie.
Places to Work: In Melbourne Beach, there’s no better option than bringing your hotspot to the beach, but there are a couple of cafes on Ocean Avenue. In downtown Melbourne, you’ll find a coworking space called Groundswell Startups and several cafes, like the popular Apocalypse Coffee Roasters.
8. Sarasota
About an hour south of Tampa is the mid-sized city of Sarasota, known for its world-class arts scene and proximity to some of the world’s best beaches.
Former remote worker and Sarasota transplant Megan Greenberg describes Sarasota as “a mix between a Key West, no-shoes-no-service-no-problem type of life as well as a very affluent, upscale, luxury type of life.” She loves it because “you get a full spectrum of lifestyle choices in a small, driveable city.”
While Megan enjoys having a car, she said that digital nomads would have no problem navigating Sarasota without one. The downtown area has plenty of restaurants, the opera, the theater, museums, and a weekly farmer’s market. The city’s new trolley system runs from downtown to the upscale St. Armand’s Circle, Lido Beach, and Longboat Key and is completely free.
What type of Digital Nomad would love Sarasota: Someone who loves cultural activities and a thriving arts scene but also likes to eat tacos with their feet in the sand.
Where to Stay: Downtown is a great option if you don’t want a car, as well as the Rosemary District, which is popular amongst young professionals.
Places to Work: Cafes are the way to go in Sarasota, and you can’t go wrong with any on Mainstreet, including O&A and Breaking Wave Coffee.
9. Delray Beach
Between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach is a vibrant coastal city that USA Today once named “the most fun small town in America.”
Delray Beach’s downtown area is full of live music venues, bars, restaurants, and art galleries, and there is a constant list of upcoming events on display. From outdoor jazz concerts to the town’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, it’s easy to see why Delray Beach deserves its fun reputation.
Walkscore.com calls Delray Beach a “walker’s paradise,” awarding the town a walking score of 94 out of 100. Digital nomads won’t need a car to call this place their temporary home; the downtown area is quite concentrated. Pedestrians can also reach the beach within 20 minutes.
What type of Digital Nomad would love Delray Beach: A social person who loves walking to restaurants and cafes, attending art and cultural events while being close to the beach.
Where to Stay: Downtown Delray Beach, the Pineapple Grove Art District, and the Delray Beach Marina District are all great neighborhoods for digital nomads.
Places to Work: Coworking offices aren’t as popular here, but there’s no shortage of cafes—including the popular Colombian Coffee House and The Seed.
10. St. Augustine
America’s oldest city has long been a favorite destination for tourists, but has recently gained attention among the digital nomad community.
International Travelers House named St. Augustine as its #1 winter destination for digital nomads in the U.S. This isn’t only because of the desirable weather, but because of the festivals, concerts, art shows, and events that frequently fill the city’s calendar.
St. Augustine has grown over the years, but still retains a small town feel and southern charm. Its historic downtown boasts cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture, making it the perfect backdrop for history-loving digital nomads. Beach lovers will enjoy the 40+ miles of scenic coastline.
What type of Digital Nomad would love St. Augustine: History buffs wanting to claim the nation’s oldest city as their home and people who love a tourist-friendly town with plenty to do.
Where to Stay: The historic downtown is usually where tourists stay, and is a good option for pedestrians. Lincolnville is another great option and is the city’s most prominent historically black neighborhood.
Places to Work: There are many restaurants and cafes to choose from. The Kookaburra Coffee and Crucial Coffee are popular options.
11. Gainesville
A college town located in North Central Florida, Gainesville consistently makes “best of” lists for livability and was recently named the second-best place to live in Florida by Forbes.com (just after Tampa).
Gainesville has everything a great college town should: a rich cultural and arts scene, sporting events, a range of dining options, and a lively nightlife scene. Its downtown is just a few miles from campus and has everything a digital nomad would need, and is the most walkable area in the city.
Having a car in Gainesville means digital nomads will be able to explore the amazing nature just outside the city. There’s Sweetwater Wetlands Park, O’Leno State Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the fresh water springs, including Gilchrist Blue Springs, Poe Springs, and Ginnie Springs.
What type of Digital Nomad would love Gainesville: Young professionals who want to take advantage of everything a college town has to offer.
Where to Stay: Downtown is the best neighborhood for digital nomads wanting a lively city atmosphere and amenities.
Places to Work: Popular downtown cafes include Wyatt’s Coffee and Volta Coffee.
12. Anna Maria Island
The last location on our list isn’t necessarily a digital nomad hotspot, but Anna Maria Island is such a dreamy, sleepy location that we had to include it.
A seven-mile long barrier island south of St. Petersburg and north of Sarasota, Anna Maria Island is made up of three cities: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Each area has its own feel, with Bradenton being the island’s tourist hub, Holmes Beach being most family-friendly, and Anna Maria being known for its quaint charm.
Sarasota resident Megan makes frequent visits to Anna Maria Island, when she wants to slow down and put her feet in the sand. Anna Maria, she said, would be a perfect spot for digital nomads who are “more mature and have few more coins.”
What type of Digital Nomad would love Anna Maria Island: Someone looking to live the island life while still being a 40-minute drive from Sarasota and 45 minutes from St. Pete.
Where to Stay: While we like all of Anna Maria Island, we recommend a rental in Anna Maria city, in the northern part of the island.
Places to Work: For being such a small town, Anna Maria has quite a few cafes where you can work, including Cool Beans A.M.I and North Shore Cafe.
Tips for Digital Nomads in Florida
Florida can be a dream location for digital nomads. Here are some tips:
- Affordable Housing: One of the biggest obstacles for people wanting to work in Florida is the cost of housing. Consider using a website like TrustedHousesitters.com to get free housing in exchange for watching pets and taking care of plants. Additionally, Airbnb hosts often offer discounts for month-long stays. Florida digital nomad Holly Wintrip also recommends joining Facebook groups to find roommates and short-term/long-term housing options.
- Finding Work/Life Balance: Another Florida digital nomad, Jessie Bodner, said in a beautiful place with a tropical climate, it can be hard to find balance between vacationing and working. To find her own balance, she generally works from home but finds time to get outside regularly. Scheduling walks outside during breaks and even eating lunch on the porch reminds you of why you’re living this digital nomad lifestyle.
- Get Social: Part of work/life balance is having a social life, but this can be challenging as a digital nomad. Wintrip said she’s had good luck using Meetup.com and going on tours in her new cities. She’s also had friends who have used the BFF function of Bumble with success. As a digital nomad, Bodner said, you need a “willingness to explore and put yourself out there.” She said that while “it’s difficult to do that, the internet helps.” She recently used Google to find a creative writing class in her new town to meet like-minded people.
- Consider Traveling Slowly. While for some, the excitement of a new destination every few weeks is intoxicating, for Wintrip, she needs at least three months to be able to appreciate the city and explore it properly. However, “six months is better because it provides a sense of stability and time to work and explore so I don’t feel like I've missed out on something.”
