Florida
#1
death-tax friendliness rank
- Category
- No state death tax
- Estate exemption
- —
- Top estate rate
- —
Florida ranks more death-tax friendly than New York on estate and inheritance treatment. Compare estate exemptions, inheritance rules, and federal estate interaction.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
More death-tax friendly on this model
Florida ranks #1 vs #40 for New York. Score gap: 27.65 (lower score = more friendly).
#1
death-tax friendliness rank
#40
death-tax friendliness rank
Side-by-side indicators for planning. Actual liability depends on estate size, heir relationship, situs of property, and filing elections.
| Metric | Florida | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Friendliness rank | #1 | #40 |
| Death-tax category | No state death tax | Estate tax only |
| Estate tax | No | Yes |
| Estate exemption | — | $7.35M |
| Estate top rate | — | 16% |
| Inheritance tax | No | No |
State rules explained
Estate exemptions, top rates, and inheritance class rules can each flip which state looks better for a given estate and set of heirs.
Florida has no state estate tax and no state inheritance tax for 2026.
Federal estate tax can still apply above the federal exemption even when the state has no death tax.
New York levies a state estate tax with an exemption of about $7.35M and a top rate near 16%. No separate inheritance tax.
New York’s estate exemption is about $7.35M with a “cliff” concern near the threshold—planning often focuses on staying under it. Most states do not offer federal-style portability of unused estate exemption to a surviving spouse.
Estate tax is paid by the estate before distribution. Inheritance tax is paid by the heir—often based on relationship class.
Federal estate tax uses about $15M per person (40% top rate). State tax can apply below that threshold.
For KY, MD, NE, NJ, and PA, use the inheritance tax calculator with relationship and amount for a modeled heir bill.
Compare any two states
Estate tax, inheritance tax, exemptions, and federal interaction.