The DC area stacks taxes in a way few regions do: Maryland adds county income taxes of up to about 3.2% on top of the state rate, DC's top rate is 10.75%, and Maryland is the only state with both an estate tax and an inheritance tax. Florida has none of it, and Boca Raton is close enough to keep a foot in Washington.
What changes when you leave the DC area for Florida
| Maryland / Virginia / DC | Florida (Boca Raton) | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Maryland 5.75% top plus county tax up to about 3.2%; Virginia 5.75%; DC up to 10.75% | None |
| Death taxes | Maryland has an estate tax and an inheritance tax; DC has an estate tax; Virginia has neither | No estate or inheritance tax |
| Property tax | Moderate rates on high values in Montgomery, Fairfax and the District | Millage a bit under 2% of taxable value; homestead exemption and 3% Save Our Homes cap on primary residences |
| Flight | — | DCA/IAD/BWI to PBI and FLL nonstop in about 2 hours 30 minutes |
Rounded figures; confirm with your CPA. See how to establish Florida residency.
Where DC-area families settle in Boca Raton
From Potomac, Bethesda, Chevy Chase and McLean
Congressional, Burning Tree and Washington Golf members settle at St Andrews Country Club and the gated club communities, or at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club when the Chesapeake boat is coming along.
From Annapolis, Gibson Island and the Eastern Shore
Sailors and power boaters go directly to Royal Palm and Lake Rogers Isle, where there are no fixed bridges between the dock and the Atlantic.
From Georgetown, Kalorama, Old Town and Roland Park
Urban buyers choose the Golden Triangle, where tree-lined streets lead to Mizner Park and the beach, or an oceanfront residence on A1A.
Community notes
- Private schools: Saint Andrew's School, Pine Crest, Grandview Prep and American Heritage (Delray Beach) compare well with Sidwell, Landon and Holton-Arms families' expectations.
- Health care: Boca Raton Regional Hospital (Baptist Health), Lynn Cancer Institute, with Cleveland Clinic Florida and the University of Miami system in the region.
- Boca Raton Airport handles private aviation for frequent trips to Washington.
Why Boca Raton, specifically
South Florida has a dozen luxury markets. Relocating families keep choosing Boca Raton because it combines things the others split up: a real downtown (Mizner Park, Royal Palm Place, the Boca Raton Museum of Art and The Boca Raton resort), five miles of mostly uncrowded beach, a dense cluster of private golf and yacht clubs, strong public and private schools, two international airports within about 30 minutes, a Brightline station for Miami and Orlando, and an executive airport for private aviation right in the city.
East Boca Raton, east of I-95 and especially east of Federal Highway, is where most relocating buyers at the top of the market settle: the deep-water estates of Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, the Intracoastal homes of Lake Rogers Isle, the walkable Golden Triangle, the private-club life at St Andrews Country Club, and the oceanfront and Intracoastal condominiums along A1A and downtown.
How a long-distance purchase works with Ricky
- A call before you fly. Where you're coming from, who's moving, timing, club and school priorities, and whether you want a primary residence, a seasonal home or both.
- A curated tour, not a scavenger hunt. Ricky previews homes in advance, including quiet off-market opportunities, and builds a one- or two-day itinerary around your flights into PBI or FLL.
- Introductions that take months on your own. Club membership directors, school admissions, builders and architects, insurance brokers who understand coastal property, and CPAs and attorneys experienced with domicile changes.
- Closing from a distance. Remote notarization, inspections and walk-throughs are routine for out-of-state buyers; Ricky manages the moving parts so you don't have to be here for every step.
This page is general information for people considering a move to Boca Raton. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. Rates, exemptions and deadlines change; verify current figures with a CPA or attorney licensed in the states involved.
