Advisor builds niche guiding wealthy movers to Florida, Texas

Jason Stephens is the founder and managing partner of Evertern Wealth, a multifamily office in Naples with 12 advisors. In recent years the firm estimates about 80% of its new clients sought help because they were moving to Florida. Stephens works with clients who relocate from states including California, Illinois and New York and with some arriving from Washington and other states considering new taxes.

Evertern helps clients establish state residency and compares income and estate tax outcomes between their current state and Florida or Texas. The firm uses a financial model that quantifies potential tax and estate savings and illustrates how different residency choices affect long-term finances. Advisors also factor in local issues such as health care access, school systems and infrastructure when advising where to settle inside Florida.

To attract prospects, Stephens developed informational workshops on becoming a Florida resident and estate-planning considerations. The firm also uses search-engine optimization to capture queries about residency, produces podcasts, runs local television commercials and sends targeted mailings to people renting in winter destinations such as Naples, Sanibel Island, Sarasota and Palm Beach.

Referrals from accountants and attorneys are a steady source of clients. Many professionals contact Evertern to confirm residency steps for clients who have sold businesses, retired or begun working remotely. The firm conducts outreach during peak visitation months to people staying in Florida for a week, a conference or an extended season.

Serving relocators presents legal and logistical questions. Long family ties, property or business interests in the origin state can complicate proof of residency and timing of the change. Stephens describes the transition for many clients as a shift from accumulation to distribution and a re-evaluation of lifestyle priorities.

Stephens grew up in south Florida, has lived on the state’s east and west coasts and spent time working in New York. That local experience informs his advice on micro-location differences across Florida.

Pandemic-era remote work and recent tax changes in some northern and western states have coincided with higher interest in relocation. Stephens said, “One key is to know the topic and enjoy the work.” He added that clients moving to Florida are younger and come from a wider range of places than in previous years.

Evertern continues to focus on residency mechanics, tax comparisons and lifestyle factors that clients raise when deciding whether and where to relocate.