Employee relocation is one of the most complex HR responsibilities. Between coordinating logistics, managing budgets, ensuring employee satisfaction, and maintaining productivity during the transition, corporate moves require careful planning and execution.
Orlando has become an increasingly popular destination for corporate relocations, with its growing tech sector, favorable business climate, no state income tax, and high quality of life. Whether you’re relocating a single executive or an entire department, understanding the unique considerations of moving employees to Central Florida will help ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.
Why Companies Are Choosing Orlando
Business Advantages:
- No state income tax (significant benefit for employees)
- Lower cost of living compared to major metros like New York or San Francisco
- Growing tech and business sectors
- Central location with excellent airport connectivity
- Pro-business regulatory environment
Quality of Life:
- Year-round warm weather
- Excellent recreational opportunities
- Strong school systems in many areas
- Cultural amenities and entertainment options
These factors make Orlando an easier sell to employees considering relocation.
Typical Corporate Relocation Package Components
A competitive relocation package makes the difference between successful recruitment and losing top talent.
Standard Package Elements:
Moving Expenses:
- Professional moving services (packing, transport, unpacking)
- Travel costs for employee and family to new location
- Temporary housing during transition (typically 30-90 days)
- Storage if needed between move-out and move-in dates
Home Sale/Purchase Assistance:
- Home sale assistance in current location
- Real estate agent fees
- Closing costs at new location
- Bridge loan support if necessary
Family Support:
- Spouse/partner career counseling or job search assistance
- School search and enrollment support
- Familiarization trips before the move
Tax Assistance:
- Gross-up to cover tax liability on relocation benefits
- Tax preparation assistance for the relocation year
Typical Investment by Position:
- Entry/Mid-level: $5,000-$15,000
- Senior professional: $15,000-$40,000
- Executive: $40,000-$100,000+
Tiered Relocation Approaches
Not every employee needs the same level of support. Many companies use tiered packages based on role, seniority, or distance.
Tier 1 (Entry-Level/Local Moves):
- Lump sum payment ($2,000-$5,000)
- Employee arranges own move
- Minimal additional support
Tier 2 (Mid-Level/Regional):
- Professional moving services
- House hunting trip
- Temporary housing (30 days)
- Basic real estate support
Tier 3 (Senior/Executive):
- Full-service move with packing
- Extended temporary housing
- Complete home sale/purchase assistance
- Spouse career support
- Multiple house hunting trips
- School selection assistance
Clear tier definitions prevent confusion and ensure equitable treatment.
Housing Considerations: Orlando Neighborhood Guide
Where your employees live significantly impacts their satisfaction with the relocation.
For Families with School-Age Children:
Winter Park: Excellent schools, upscale community, cultural amenities. Higher cost of living but walkable downtown. 15 minutes from downtown Orlando.
Lake Nona: Planned community with top-rated schools, modern amenities, growing medical/tech hub. 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
Oviedo/Winter Springs: Strong school systems, suburban feel, more affordable. 25-30 minutes from downtown.
For Young Professionals:
Downtown Orlando: Urban living, walkable, entertainment and dining. Premium pricing for city lifestyle.
Thornton Park/College Park: Historic neighborhoods near downtown, trendy restaurants and shops. Popular with young professionals.
Baldwin Park: Planned community with urban village feel, walkable. Strong sense of community.
For Budget-Conscious:
Clermont/Minneola: About 30 minutes west, more affordable, growing rapidly. Good value for space.
Kissimmee/St. Cloud: South of Orlando, significantly lower cost of living. Longer commutes but affordable housing.
Average Housing Costs (2025):
- Median home price: $380,000-$420,000 (varies by neighborhood)
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,400-$1,800/month
- 2-bedroom apartment: $1,700-$2,300/month
- 3-bedroom home rental: $2,200-$3,500/month
School Districts and Enrollment
For employees with children, school quality is often the make-or-break factor in relocation acceptance.
Top-Rated School Districts:
Seminole County: Consistently high rankings, strong academics. Serves Oviedo, Winter Springs, Lake Mary, Sanford areas.
Orange County (select schools): Large district with significant variation. Winter Park, Baldwin Park, and Lake Nona have highly-rated schools.
Private School Options:
Orlando offers numerous private schools including The Geneva School, Trinity Preparatory School, and Lake Highland Preparatory. Tuition ranges from $8,000-$30,000 annually.
Enrollment Timeline:
School enrollment can take 4-6 weeks. Required documents typically include proof of residence, birth certificate, immunization records, previous school records, and photo ID.
Timeline for Corporate Relocations
8-12 Weeks Before:
- Extend offer including relocation package details
- Connect employee with relocation coordinator
- Schedule house hunting trip to Orlando
6-8 Weeks Before:
- Finalize housing arrangements
- Book moving company
- Begin school research and enrollment process
4-6 Weeks Before:
- Coordinate move dates
- Finalize travel arrangements
- Begin utility setup at new residence
2-4 Weeks Before:
- Confirm all arrangements
- Provide Orlando welcome packet with local resources
- Schedule first day at new office location
Post-Move (First Month):
- Regular check-ins on settling process
- Address any issues promptly
- Facilitate team integration
Tax Implications of Relocation Benefits
Under current IRS rules, most relocation benefits are considered taxable income to the employee, including moving expense reimbursements, house hunting trips, temporary housing, and home sale/purchase assistance.
The Gross-Up:
To offset this tax burden, many companies provide a “gross-up” which is an additional payment to cover the taxes on relocation benefits. Without this, an employee receiving $30,000 in relocation benefits might owe $10,000+ in taxes.
Florida Tax Advantage:
Florida’s lack of state income tax is a significant benefit for relocated employees. Someone moving from California or New York could save 5-13% of their income annually.
Provide employees with tax preparation assistance for the relocation year. The tax implications are complex and professional help ensures compliance.
Spouse/Partner Career Support
Dual-career couples are the norm, and neglecting the trailing spouse’s career needs leads to relocation failure.
Career Support Services:
Professional Networking: Connect spouses with local professional organizations and industry groups in Orlando.
Resume and Interview Coaching: Provide access to career coaches familiar with the Orlando market.
Job Search Resources: Partner with local recruiters or provide access to job search platforms.
Orlando’s Job Market:
Orlando’s economy is diversifying beyond tourism. Growing sectors include technology and software development, healthcare and medical research (Lake Nona Medical City), aerospace and defense, finance and business services, and digital media.
Temporary Housing Options
Corporate Housing: Furnished apartments specifically for corporate relocations, typically 30-90 day stays. Average cost: $2,500-$4,500/month including utilities.
Extended Stay Hotels: More economical for shorter stays (2-6 weeks). Cost: $1,200-$2,500/month.
Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb or Vrbo for more home-like environment, especially good for families. Cost varies widely: $2,000-$5,000/month.
Place temporary housing near the office to ease the commute during the stressful transition period.
Common Relocation Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Employee Declines Relocation Solution: Understand objections (usually spouse career, family ties, or children’s education). Address concerns directly with enhanced support in problem areas.
Challenge: Home Won’t Sell in Current Market Solution: Consider guaranteed buyout programs, bridge loans, or rental management services.
Challenge: Family Adjustment Issues Solution: Regular check-ins beyond just work performance. Connect families with community resources, schools, and activities.
Challenge: Underestimated Costs Solution: Build 10-15% buffer into relocation budgets. Clear communication about what’s covered prevents surprise expenses.
Building a Formal Relocation Policy
If you’re handling regular relocations, document your policy clearly.
Policy Should Include:
- Eligibility requirements
- Tier structure and benefits by level
- Repayment clauses if employee leaves within specified time
- Tax treatment and gross-up provisions
- Timeline and process
- Approved vendors and how to access them
Repayment Clauses:
Many companies require repayment if employees leave voluntarily within 1-2 years. Typical structure:
- Leave within 1 year: 100% repayment
- Leave within 2 years: 50% repayment
- After 2 years: No repayment required
Orlando Resources for Relocated Employees
Provide a welcome packet with these helpful resources:
Essential Services:
- DMV locations for driver’s license transfer (required within 30 days)
- Healthcare providers and hospitals
- Utilities setup (Duke Energy, OUC, waste management)
Community Connection:
- Orlando Chamber of Commerce
- Professional associations by industry
- Recreational activities and sports leagues
Practical Information:
- Public transportation (limited, most residents drive)
- Hurricane preparedness
- Local customs and culture
Measuring Relocation Success
Track these metrics to improve your relocation program:
Acceptance Rate: Percentage of employees who accept relocation offers
Retention Rate: How many relocated employees stay 1, 2, and 5 years
Satisfaction Scores: Survey employees on relocation experience
Budget Variance: How actual costs compare to estimates
Use this data to continuously improve your program.
Partner with Orlando Express Movers for Corporate Relocations
At Orlando Express Movers, we specialize in corporate relocations to the Orlando area. We understand the unique requirements of business moves and work seamlessly with HR departments to ensure smooth transitions for your employees.
Our Corporate Services:
- Dedicated account management for multiple relocations
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate employee needs
- Detailed reporting and billing for easy expense management
- White-glove service for executive relocations
- Competitive corporate pricing
- Full-service packing and unpacking
We’ve successfully relocated employees for companies across industries, from tech startups to established corporations. Our team understands that employee satisfaction with their move directly impacts retention and productivity.
Ready to Relocate Your Team to Orlando?
Whether you’re moving a single employee or an entire department, Orlando Express Movers is here to make the transition seamless. We’ll work with your HR team to understand your requirements and create a moving solution that fits your budget and timeline.
Contact Orlando Express Movers today to discuss your corporate relocation needs. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters: keeping your employees happy and productive during their transition to Orlando.