Yup. One of my (former) renters was a VP in Clearwater, and had relocated from GA. They ended up leaving the area due to the high cost. I always saw Florida as the last bastion of common sense and control. Looks like I'll be doing the opposite of the Snowbirds when I retire: Sell everything and move North...!
I know the feeling. My wife can't stand it here. Too crowded, too expensive and just too many rude, selfish people. I'm really getting the feeling the Tampa Bay area is becoming like a big, dehumanizing Northern city.