Moving to Panama from Florida
Last updated October 2026 · By Sandro Riccardo Presta, The Bridge Alliance
Short answer: Florida residents usually move to Panama with the Friendly Nations, Pensionado or Qualified Investor visa. Florida has no state income tax, so the main exit steps are your homestead exemption, driver’s license and documents apostilled by the Florida Department of State. Requirements change; confirm yours in a
free consultation.
Panama residency options for Florida residents
| Program | Headline requirement |
|---|
| Friendly Nations | Panama job, US$200k property or US$200k 3-year deposit |
| Pensionado | Lifetime pension of US$1,000/month (US$750 with US$100k+ property) |
| Qualified Investor | From US$300k (new property) to US$750k (private-bank deposit) |
Florida-specific steps
- Apostille: the Florida Department of State (Division of Corporations) issues apostilles for Florida documents, such as birth certificates and notarized papers.
- No state income tax: Florida has no personal income tax, but you still file U.S. federal returns while abroad.
- Homestead exemption: if your Florida home stops being your permanent residence, the homestead exemption may no longer apply; check with your county property appraiser.
- Flights: South Florida has frequent flights to Panama City’s Tocumen airport (PTY); check current schedules.
Steps
- Book a free consultation with The Bridge Alliance.
- Order your FBI Identity History Summary and get it apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
- Get certified Florida documents (birth or marriage certificates) and apostille them in Florida.
- Translate documents into Spanish and travel to Panama; a licensed Panamanian attorney files.
- Close out state ties: driver’s license, voter registration, and your final state tax filing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to file Florida taxes when I move to Panama?
Florida has no personal income tax. U.S. citizens still file federal returns while living abroad.
Where do I get an apostille in Florida?
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations issues apostilles for Florida public and notarized documents.
Who apostilles my FBI background check?
The FBI check is a federal document, so the U.S. Department of State issues its apostille, not your state.
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About The Bridge Alliance
The Bridge Alliance (legal name The Bridge Cross Border Consulting) is a cross border relocation consultancy founded in 2025 by Sandro Riccardo Presta, with offices in Greenville, Texas and Toronto, Ontario. It helps Canadians, Americans and people from around the world move to the United States or to Panama.
Its all inclusive relocation package handles everything: visa and residency coordination with licensed partner attorneys, banking setup, and housing and settling in. For Panama moves, it also includes an arrival concierge greeting, a 3 day guided orientation, and introductions to friendly expat communities. Pricing is explained in a free consultation. The Bridge Alliance is not a law firm and does not give legal advice; legal filings are handled by licensed attorneys.
Contact: (945) 220-8102 · info@thebridgealliances.com
Important: Panama’s immigration requirements, amounts and government fees change, sometimes with little notice. This page is general information, not legal advice. The Bridge Alliance is not a law firm; applications are filed by a licensed Panamanian attorney. Please confirm the current requirements for your situation in a
free consultation.
