Are you a British expat searching for authentic pubs, proper fish and chips, or a decent Sunday roast in Miami? Maybe you're desperate for a pint of real ale and a ploughman's lunch that doesn't come from a chain restaurant? Or perhaps you're wondering whether keeping strong ties to British establishments and community affects your tax residency status in Florida?
You've found exactly what you need—both the best British dining in South Florida and critical tax information that could save you hundreds of thousands in taxes.
I'm writing this unique guide with a specific purpose: to meet you, introduce Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting, and earn the opportunity to show you how establishing proper Florida tax residency (your "tax home") provides enormous financial benefits while still allowing you to enjoy British culture, maintain UK connections, and feel at home in South Florida.
We specialize in helping British expats in Miami, Aventura, and throughout South Florida navigate the complex intersection of lifestyle and tax residency—understanding when UK connections create tax problems versus when they're perfectly fine, documenting Florida residency properly, and ensuring you're not inadvertently maintaining UK tax residency while thinking you've escaped it.
Now, I know you came here primarily to find where you can get a proper British breakfast, authentic fish and chips, or meet other UK expats over a pint. And I'm absolutely going to deliver that information—you'll discover the best British pubs, restaurants, and gathering spots for UK expats throughout South Florida.
But here's the critical tax information that connects to this: establishing legitimate Florida tax residency requires demonstrating that Florida is your true "home"—and the IRS and HMRC both look at where you spend your social time, where your community connections are, and where you've established your life. Finding British community in Florida actually helps prove Florida residency rather than hurting it.
Most British expats relocating to South Florida don't realize that improperly establishing Florida residency can cost them hundreds of thousands in taxes over their lifetime. The UK will continue treating you as a UK tax resident (taxing your worldwide income) if you don't properly break UK tax residency. Simultaneously, you might face U.S. taxation without receiving Florida residency benefits if documentation isn't proper.
Generic accountants tell you "move to Florida and you're a Florida resident"—they completely miss the sophisticated residency planning required to satisfy both UK and U.S. authorities that Florida is genuinely your home. They don't understand the UK's Statutory Residence Test, don't know how to document Florida domicile properly, and miss the planning opportunities that come with establishing clear tax residency.
That's the problem we solve at Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting.
We don't just prepare basic tax returns. We provide comprehensive international tax planning specifically designed for British expats who want to establish Florida residency properly, maintain compliance with both UK and U.S. authorities, and build community connections in South Florida (including enjoying British pubs and culture) without jeopardizing their tax status.
First, I'm going to walk you through the best British pubs, restaurants, and gathering spots in South Florida—the authentic establishments where you can get proper British food, watch Premier League football, and connect with other UK expats who understand what you're going through.
Then, I'm going to explain how tax residency actually works for British expats, what the concept of "tax home" means, how maintaining UK connections affects your residency status, and exactly what you need to do to establish legitimate Florida residency that satisfies both HMRC and the IRS while still enjoying British culture and community.
But here's my direct ask: if you're a British expat who moved to Florida to escape UK taxes, if you're spending significant time in both countries, if you maintain a UK home while living in Florida, or if you've never had proper tax residency planning from a specialist—we need to talk immediately.
Schedule a consultation with Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting, and let's perform a comprehensive residency analysis to ensure you're properly established as a Florida resident for tax purposes while identifying any UK ties that might jeopardize that status.
You can absolutely enjoy British pubs and move on. But if you're serious about maximizing the tax benefits of Florida residency—if you want to ensure you're not inadvertently maintaining UK tax residency—we need to have a conversation.
Call us at (305) 790-5604 or book your UK expat tax residency consultation here.
South Florida's growing British expat community has attracted several authentic British establishments offering proper pub food, English breakfasts, and the atmosphere that makes UK expats feel at home. While Miami won't replace your local in Manchester or London, these venues provide genuine British experiences.
Let's explore where British expats in South Florida gather for food, drinks, and community.
Location: 1949 E Hallandale Beach Blvd, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Looking for the most authentic British experience in South Florida? The Crown & Crumpet stands as Hallandale Beach's premier British establishment, combining a traditional British grocery store with a café serving proper English breakfasts, afternoon tea, and British favorites that make UK expats feel genuinely at home.
The establishment offers imported British groceries you can't find elsewhere in Florida—proper bacon, PG Tips, Branston Pickle, HP Sauce, Cadbury chocolate, McVitie's biscuits, and hundreds of UK products. The café serves full English breakfasts, jacket potatoes, ploughman's lunch, sausage rolls, Cornish pasties, and proper afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream.
The Crown & Crumpet attracts British expats from across South Florida who make regular pilgrimages for British products and the comfort of authentic British food. The establishment has become a community gathering spot where UK expats connect, share information about living in Florida, and maintain cultural connections.
Tax Residency Consideration: Establishing social connections in Florida—including regular visits to British establishments like The Crown & Crumpet—actually strengthens your Florida residency claim. HMRC's Statutory Residence Test considers where you've established social and community ties. Regular presence at Florida establishments (even British ones) demonstrates Florida as your social home. At Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting, we help British expats understand how their Florida lifestyle activities support or undermine their residency claims. Our comprehensive expat tax services include residency planning that considers your actual lifestyle while optimizing your tax position.
Location: 3624 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Are you searching for a proper British pub atmosphere in Broward County? The Fiddler's Creek delivers authentic pub ambiance with British ales on tap, traditional pub food, and Premier League football on multiple screens—everything a British expat needs for a proper pub experience.
This establishment offers fish and chips done properly (not American "fish and chips" that bears no resemblance to the real thing), shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, steak and ale pie, and other traditional pub favorites. The bar stocks British ales including Fuller's, Newcastle, and rotating guest taps featuring UK craft brewers.
The Fiddler's Creek attracts British football supporters who gather for early morning Premier League matches, creating the authentic matchday atmosphere that UK expats crave. The pub becomes a community hub where expats from Liverpool, Manchester, London, and throughout the UK gather to support their clubs and connect with fellow Brits.
Premier League and Sports Viewing: Many British expats maintain UK Sky Sports or BT Sport subscriptions via VPN to watch football. This raises tax questions—does maintaining UK television subscriptions indicate UK residency? Generally no, if other factors clearly demonstrate Florida residency. However, if you're spending significant time in the UK, maintaining UK media subscriptions, and not establishing strong Florida ties, HMRC might argue UK residency continues. We help expats understand which UK connections are problematic versus which are innocuous lifestyle choices.
Location: 1265 S State Road 7, Hollywood, FL 33023
Looking for British Isles pub culture near Hallandale Beach? The Playwright Irish Pub offers the pub atmosphere that British expats appreciate, with Irish and British beers on tap, traditional pub fare, and the community atmosphere where UK and Irish expats naturally congregate.
While technically an Irish pub, The Playwright attracts British expats who appreciate the shared pub culture of the British Isles. The establishment serves traditional favorites including fish and chips, Irish stew, shepherd's pie, and full Irish breakfast that's close enough to a full English to satisfy most Brits.
The pub features live music, trivia nights, and sports viewing that attract a diverse British Isles community. British expats find common ground with Irish expats, creating a welcoming atmosphere for anyone from across the pond seeking familiar pub culture.
Establishing Florida Community Connections: For tax residency purposes, documented Florida social connections matter. Keep calendars, photos, receipts showing regular Florida presence at establishments like local pubs. If HMRC challenges your residency status, proving you've established genuine social life in Florida (versus merely owning property there) strengthens your position. We help British expats document their Florida connections properly—not just where they sleep, but where they actually live their lives.
Location: 309 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Are you seeking a lively pub atmosphere in downtown Fort Lauderdale? Waxy O'Connor's delivers the authentic Irish pub experience that appeals to British expats seeking familiar pub culture, with extensive whiskey selection, Irish and British beers, and the community atmosphere where UK expats feel comfortable.
The downtown Fort Lauderdale location attracts diverse crowds including substantial British expat populations. The pub serves traditional Irish and British pub favorites, hosts live music, and features multiple bars across multiple levels creating intimate spaces within the larger venue.
Waxy O'Connor's becomes particularly popular during major sporting events—Six Nations rugby, Premier League football, and other British sports draw UK expats who gather to watch matches and connect with fellow expats in the Fort Lauderdale area.
UK Property and Residency Complications: Many British expats maintain UK properties while living in Florida. If you're renting your UK property, this generally supports Florida residency (you've moved your home, converting your UK property to investment). But if you maintain a UK home available for your use, visit regularly, and haven't established strong Florida social ties, HMRC might argue you remain UK resident. At Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting, we analyze your specific situation to determine whether maintaining UK property creates residency risks or is properly structured.
Location: 10426 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
Looking for authentic British food in a restaurant setting? The Pub in Pembroke Pines offers British and Irish favorites in a restaurant atmosphere rather than rowdy pub environment, appealing to British expats seeking familiar food in a family-friendly setting.
The establishment serves proper fish and chips, shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, curry dishes, and other British favorites. The menu caters to British expats who want authentic food without necessarily wanting the late-night pub scene.
The Pub attracts British families and older expats who want familiar food and occasional connection to British cuisine without frequenting late-night establishments. The restaurant provides take-away options, allowing British expats to enjoy authentic British food at home.
Florida Driver's License and Residency: Obtaining a Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing Florida residency is legally required and serves as strong evidence of Florida domicile. Many British expats delay this, continuing to use UK licenses while technically Florida residents. This creates problems—not only are you breaking Florida law, but you're undermining your residency claim. HMRC looks at driver's license location when assessing residency. We help British expats understand the administrative steps that support residency claims beyond just filing tax returns.
Various Luxury Hotels Across South Florida
Are you craving proper afternoon tea service? Several South Florida luxury hotels offer authentic afternoon tea services that attract British expats seeking traditional tea experiences:
The Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables): Traditional afternoon tea served in the historic lobby with proper tea services, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries. The formal setting appeals to British expats seeking elegant tea experiences.
The Setai Miami Beach: Offers afternoon tea service in a sophisticated atmosphere with Asian-influenced tea selections alongside traditional British tea service elements.
Various Ritz-Carlton Properties: Afternoon tea services at Ritz-Carlton locations throughout South Florida, providing proper tea experiences for special occasions.
These hotel tea services attract British expats celebrating special occasions, entertaining visiting family from the UK, or simply craving proper afternoon tea that's properly executed rather than Americanized versions.
Entertaining UK Visitors and Residency: British expats often host visiting family and friends from the UK. Does this affect residency status? Generally no—hosting visitors strengthens your Florida residency claim by demonstrating you've established a home where others visit you. However, if you're spending months in the UK staying with family while they only visit you briefly in Florida, this suggests UK remains your primary home. The direction and frequency of visits matters for residency analysis.
The Crown & Crumpet (Hallandale Beach): South Florida's premier British grocery offering comprehensive UK product selection including fresh British bacon, sausages, black pudding, and imported favorites.
British Food Suppliers: Several online retailers deliver British products throughout Florida including British Corner Shop and other UK specialty importers.
Publix Supermarkets: Major Publix locations stock limited British products including:
World Market: Chain stores stock British foods, teas, biscuits, and specialty items though selection is limited compared to dedicated British shops.
Amazon UK: Ships many products to Florida for British expats willing to pay international shipping for items unavailable locally.
Establishing a True Home in Florida: For tax purposes, where you shop matters less than the overall pattern of your life. However, HMRC's Statutory Residence Test considers whether you've "maintained a home" in the UK versus establishing a new home in Florida. Shopping, social connections, professional relationships, and daily life activities all contribute to demonstrating where you genuinely live versus where you merely own property.
The concept of "tax home" is critical for British expats but poorly understood. Your "tax home" isn't simply where you own property—it's where you've established the center of your life, your social connections, your community ties, and your genuine domicile.
UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT):
The UK determines tax residency through the Statutory Residence Test, which considers:
The More UK Ties, The Fewer Days Required for UK Residency:
This is critical—British expats with multiple UK ties can become UK resident while spending relatively few days there. For someone with four UK ties, just 46 days in the UK triggers UK residency.
Example:
British expat moves to Florida but:
Despite Florida property and partial year in Florida, this person is likely UK resident under SRT, subject to UK taxation on worldwide income. The multiple UK ties dramatically reduce the day count threshold for UK residency.
At Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting, we analyze your specific UK ties, calculate your day counts precisely, and structure your situation to ensure you properly break UK tax residency rather than assuming Florida property alone accomplishes this.
The U.S. uses different tests for residency than the UK, and both must be satisfied properly.
U.S. Tax Residency Tests:
Most British expats with green cards or spending substantial time in Florida are U.S. tax residents, requiring U.S. tax returns reporting worldwide income.
Florida Domicile vs. U.S. Tax Residency:
Being a U.S. tax resident doesn't automatically make you a Florida resident—you must establish Florida as your domicile rather than merely having U.S. residence status. Florida domicile determination considers:
Evidence of Florida Domicile:
The Day Count Doesn't Tell the Whole Story:
You can spend 200 days in Florida but fail to establish Florida domicile if you maintain stronger ties elsewhere. Conversely, spending 180 days in Florida with clear domicile documentation usually establishes Florida residency even with occasional travel.
At Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting, we help British expats document Florida domicile properly through comprehensive residency planning that satisfies both UK and U.S. authorities.
British expats moving to Florida during a tax year face complex "split-year" treatment requiring sophisticated planning.
UK Split-Year Treatment:
The UK allows split-year treatment in certain circumstances, treating you as UK resident for part of the year and non-resident for part. This prevents taxing your full year's income when you've only been resident part of the year.
Split-Year Qualifying Cases:
Case 1: Starting full-time work overseas Case 2: Partner of someone starting full-time work overseas
Case 3: Ceasing to have a UK home Case 4-8: Various other qualifying circumstances
Requirements for Split-Year Treatment:
Example:
British expat moves to Florida on July 1st. Under Case 3 (ceasing to have UK home):
If split-year treatment applies:
U.S. First-Year Choice:
The U.S. allows certain elections for the first year of residency, potentially optimizing taxation in the transition year.
Critical Planning Opportunity:
Timing your move, timing income recognition, and structuring the transition year properly can save enormous taxes. Many British expats simply move whenever convenient without considering tax year planning—this costs them tens of thousands unnecessarily.
We help British expats plan their transition year to minimize taxes in both countries, ensure proper split-year treatment qualification, and optimize the timing of income recognition and deductions around the transition.
Mistake 1: Assuming Property Ownership Equals Residency
Owning Florida property doesn't make you a Florida resident. You must establish genuine domicile through documentation and lifestyle. Many British expats buy Florida property, spend substantial time in UK, and assume they're Florida residents—they're not.
Mistake 2: Maintaining UK Home Available for Personal Use
Keeping your UK home available for your use creates an accommodation tie under UK SRT, dramatically reducing days allowed before triggering UK residency. If you're maintaining UK property, rent it out genuinely—don't keep it available for your personal visits.
Mistake 3: Keeping UK Driver's License and Not Getting Florida License
Florida law requires obtaining Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency. Continuing to use UK license undermines your Florida residency claim and violates Florida law. This is an easy fix—get your Florida license immediately.
Mistake 4: Not Registering to Vote in Florida
Voter registration demonstrates intent to make Florida your permanent home. Many British expats ignore this administrative step, weakening their residency claim. Register to vote in Florida and de-register in the UK if you were registered there.
Mistake 5: Maintaining Strong UK Professional Ties
Continuing UK employment, serving as UK company director with regular UK presence, or maintaining UK business operations creates work ties under SRT. If transitioning to Florida permanently, structure professional relationships to minimize UK ties.
Mistake 6: Splitting Time Roughly Equally
Spending 150 days in Florida and 150 days in UK suggests no clear domicile establishment. If moving to Florida, spend substantially more time there than UK to demonstrate clear domicile change. The first year especially, maximize Florida presence.
Mistake 7: Not Obtaining Homestead Exemption
Florida's homestead exemption reduces property taxes and serves as strong residency evidence. Many British expats don't apply for homestead exemption, missing both tax savings and residency documentation. File for homestead exemption on your Florida primary residence.
Mistake 8: Keeping All Important Documents, Valuables, and Family Heirlooms in UK
Where you keep important documents, family heirlooms, and valuable possessions indicates where you consider "home." Transfer important items to Florida to demonstrate genuine domicile establishment.
At Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting, we review all factors affecting residency and identify mistakes that could jeopardize your Florida residency status before they become problems.
Let's quantify what establishing proper Florida residency actually saves British expats.
Example: British Expat Relocating to Florida
Profile:
Scenario 1: Improper Planning (Remains UK Tax Resident)
Scenario 2: Proper Planning (Florida Resident, Non-UK Resident)
Annual Tax Savings: $50,000
Over 20 years of Florida residency: $1,000,000 in cumulative tax savings
That million dollars represents actual money staying in your pocket versus going to HMRC through improper residency planning.
Additional Benefit: Florida's Zero State Income Tax
Compare Florida to high-tax U.S. states:
On $650,000 income, Florida saves:
Choosing Florida over high-tax states saves additional six figures annually.
The stakes are enormous. Proper residency planning isn't merely paperwork—it's the difference between building wealth and surrendering massive amounts to taxation.
How many days can I spend in the UK without becoming UK tax resident?
This depends on your UK ties. With no UK ties, you can spend up to 182 days in the UK without becoming resident. However, with multiple UK ties (accommodation, family, work, 90-day), you might become UK resident after just 46-90 days in the UK. The Statutory Residence Test is complex—day counting alone doesn't determine residency. We help British expats calculate their specific day limits based on their UK ties.
Can I maintain my UK home and still be a Florida resident?
You can own UK property while being a Florida resident, but you must structure it properly. If you maintain a UK home available for your personal use, this creates an accommodation tie under UK SRT, reducing days allowed before UK residency triggers. Best practice: genuinely rent your UK property to third parties on long-term leases, removing your personal availability. At Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting, we help structure UK property ownership to avoid creating residency problems.
Do I need to tell HMRC I'm leaving the UK?
Yes, you should inform HMRC when you're leaving the UK permanently or for an extended period. Use form P85 "Leaving the UK - getting your tax right" to notify HMRC of your departure. This starts the process of closing your UK tax affairs and can trigger split-year treatment evaluation. Many British expats skip this step, creating confusion about their residency status. Proper notification to HMRC is essential.
What's the homestead exemption and why does it matter?
Florida's homestead exemption provides property tax reduction (up to $50,000 off assessed value) for your primary residence. Beyond tax savings, homestead exemption serves as strong evidence of Florida domicile—you're declaring under oath that Florida is your permanent residence. File for homestead exemption at your county property appraiser's office before March 1st following the year you establish Florida residency.
Can I spend summers in the UK and still be a Florida resident?
Potentially yes, but day counting becomes critical. If you spend less than the SRT thresholds in the UK (considering your UK ties), you can maintain UK visits while remaining non-resident. However, spending entire summers in UK (90+ days) might trigger UK residency depending on other factors. We analyze your specific situation to determine safe visiting parameters while maintaining Florida residency.
How do I prove Florida is my "tax home" if challenged?
Evidence includes: Florida driver's license, Florida voter registration, homestead exemption, Florida physicians/dentists, Florida address on all accounts and documents, Florida club memberships, religious affiliations, professional licenses, and most importantly—physically spending more time in Florida than anywhere else. Maintain calendars, travel records, and documentation showing Florida as the center of your life. We help clients compile residency documentation that withstands scrutiny.
What if my spouse remains in the UK while I move to Florida?
This creates significant residency complications. Under UK SRT, having a spouse in the UK creates a family tie, dramatically reducing days allowed before UK residency triggers. This situation requires careful planning—possibly spouse also moving to Florida, or structuring visits carefully to stay within day limits. Split-family residency situations are among the most complex tax planning scenarios.
Do I need both a UK accountant and a US accountant?
If you have UK-source income or ongoing UK tax obligations, you'll likely need UK tax advice. However, your primary accountant should be a U.S. CPA specializing in UK-US issues who can coordinate with UK advisors when necessary. At Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting, we handle your U.S. tax obligations and coordinate with UK tax advisors when needed to ensure comprehensive planning across both countries.
Can I use my UK address for some things and Florida address for others?
No—this undermines your residency claim. Change all accounts, investments, professional licenses, important documents, and correspondence to your Florida address. Maintaining UK address on significant accounts suggests UK remains your primary home. Make a complete address transition to Florida.
What happens if I get my residency planning wrong?
If you remain UK resident while thinking you've escaped UK taxation, you're non-compliant with UK tax obligations and face penalties and interest on unpaid UK taxes. If you're US resident but haven't properly established Florida domicile, you might face state income taxes from another state. Residency mistakes cost British expats hundreds of thousands in unexpected taxes and penalties. This is why specialized planning is essential—the stakes are too high to get this wrong.
You now understand both where to find British community in South Florida and the critical importance of properly establishing Florida tax residency. The question is: what will you do with this knowledge?
You have two clear options:
Option 1: Assume that owning Florida property makes you a Florida resident. Continue splitting time between UK and Florida without understanding SRT implications. Maintain UK ties that jeopardize your residency status. Risk hundreds of thousands in excess taxation or penalties because your residency wasn't properly established.
Option 2: Schedule a consultation with Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting and get comprehensive residency analysis. Understand your UK ties and day count limits. Identify mistakes jeopardizing Florida residency. Implement proper documentation. Structure your UK property holdings correctly. Work with specialists who understand UK SRT and Florida domicile requirements.
The consultation is straightforward. We'll analyze your UK ties, calculate your SRT thresholds, review your current documentation, identify residency risks, and provide specific action items for properly establishing Florida residency while maintaining acceptable UK connections.
The financial stakes are enormous—potentially $1 million+ over your lifetime in Florida. This isn't optional planning.
Book your residency planning consultation: https://www.whittmarsh.com/pricing-how-it-works
Our Aventura office specializes in serving British expats throughout South Florida. We understand UK Statutory Residence Test, Florida domicile requirements, and the intersection of lifestyle planning with tax residency.
We specifically target British expats in South Florida who need sophisticated residency planning and international tax expertise. Our ideal clients include:
We provide comprehensive residency planning and expat tax services including:
Our mission is helping British expats successfully establish Florida residency, minimize taxation across both countries, and build wealth through proper international tax planning.
If you're a British expat in South Florida, proper residency planning isn't optional—it's the foundation of your entire tax strategy.
Schedule your consultation today: (305) 790-5604
Visit us online at www.whittmarsh.com
Whittmarsh Tax & Accounting serves British expats throughout Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and all of South Florida. We specialize in UK-US tax residency planning, Statutory Residence Test analysis, Florida domicile establishment, and comprehensive international tax compliance for British expats building their lives in Florida.