For many retirees, spending the winter in Florida is more than a vacation—it’s a way of life.

Every year, countless “snowbirds” leave colder northern states and head south to enjoy Florida’s warmer weather, returning home when the seasons change. For some, Florida is simply a winter destination. For others, it eventually becomes a second home, a permanent residence, or even their true home.

But if you own property, maintain accounts, or spend significant time in more than one state, your estate plan may need to account for more than one place.

That’s the focus of our recent YouTube video, “Estate Planning Tips for Florida Snowbirds.” In the video, we discuss important estate-planning considerations for people who divide their time between Florida and another state—and why simply having a will may not be enough.

Where Is Home?

One important question for snowbirds is where they consider their permanent home or legal domicile. You may spend six months in Florida and six months somewhere else. You may own a Florida condominium while maintaining a primary residence up north. Or perhaps Florida has gradually become your permanent home, even though you still have strong ties to another state.

Your legal domicile can matter when determining which state’s laws apply to different aspects of your estate.

That’s why snowbirds should periodically review their estate plan as their living arrangements change. A plan that made sense when Florida was simply a vacation destination may no longer be appropriate after you purchase a home, move permanently, or begin spending most of your year here.

Don’t Overlook Your Florida Property

Owning real estate in more than one state can create additional estate-planning considerations. For example, someone might have a home in New York or New Jersey and a condominium in Florida. When that person dies, the estate may have to address property located in both states.

How your property is titled, whether you have a trust, and how your other assets are structured can all affect how those assets are handled after your death. Simply having a will does not necessarily mean your loved ones will avoid probate.

A review can help ensure your property is coordinated with the rest of your estate plan.

Review More Than Your Will

Your estate plan involves more than a will. Snowbirds should also review their durable power of attorney, health care documents, trusts, and beneficiary designations.

This is particularly important if your circumstances have changed since your documents were created. A new home, marriage, divorce, death in the family, or change in your intended beneficiaries can all be reasons to revisit your plan.

Plan for the Unexpected

Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you die. It also prepares for the possibility that you may become unable to manage your own affairs.

Ask yourself: If I became seriously ill while in Florida, would the right person have the authority to help me?

Having the appropriate documents in place before an emergency can make an enormous difference for you and your family.

Your Life Has Changed. Has Your Estate Plan?

Being a snowbird gives you the best of two worlds—but your estate plan shouldn’t leave you caught between them.

Whether Florida is your second home, your winter destination, or the place you’ve decided to call home permanently, it’s important to understand how your property, documents, beneficiaries, and long-term care plans fit together.

The question isn’t simply whether you have an estate plan. It’s whether your estate plan still fits the life you’re living today.

If you’ve made Florida part of your retirement years, consider making an estate-plan review part of your next season here, too.