Retirement is often seen as a time to relax, travel, and enjoy life after decades of hard work. But for many Florida seniors, financial pressures are forcing them to return to work. Rising living costs, housing expenses, and healthcare bills are making it difficult for retirees to make ends meet. Some are reentering the workforce out of necessity, while others find fulfillment and purpose in staying employed. Whatever the reason, ‘unretirement’ is a growing trend in the Sunshine State.
Struggling to Make Ends Meet in Retirement
When Miami resident Janette Campbell retired from teaching, she thought she had left the workforce for good. But now, she’s searching for full-time work just to keep up with her bills.
“We are having issues paying our bills and finding somewhere to live. The economy has gone up sky high, so we have to get back out there,” Campbell shared in a recent interview.
She’s far from alone. A 2024 survey from Resume Builder found that 13% of retirees between ages 65 and 85 are likely to return to work this year, while 22% are already employed. Many seniors in South Florida are feeling the same financial pressures, struggling to keep up with the rising costs of housing, insurance, and everyday necessities.
In Fort Lauderdale, for example, out of a total senior population of 34,756, approximately 26.3%—or 9,149 seniors—are employed, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The rising costs of condo assessments, rent, insurance, and maintenance fees are making it nearly impossible for many to stay retired.
Rising Costs Are Draining Retirement Savings
Many retirees expected their savings and Social Security to sustain them, but the reality has been quite different. Inflation has driven up the cost of essentials, from groceries to healthcare, leaving seniors financially vulnerable.
The Federal Reserve reported that the median household retirement savings among 65- to 74-year-olds was $200,000 as of 2022. Even with recent stock market gains, that amount doesn’t stretch far. Under the 4% rule—a common retirement income guideline—that nest egg would provide only about $8,000 in annual income.
Meanwhile, healthcare costs continue to climb. A recent analysis by Fidelity found that a 65-year-old retiring in 2024 can expect to spend an average of $165,000 on medical expenses in retirement, a nearly 5% increase from the previous year.
For those relying on Social Security, the numbers aren’t much better. After the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of just 2.5%, the average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers is $1,976—totaling under $24,000 per year.
According to a 2024 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 31% of retirees between 62 and 75 said their spending is much higher or slightly higher than they can afford. That’s up from 27% in 2022 and just 17% in 2020.
Florida’s Rising Cost of Living is Forcing Seniors Back to Work
Florida has long been a magnet for retirees due to its warm climate and lack of state income tax. But over the last few years, the state’s affordability has declined.
Julia Dattolo, president and CEO of CareerSource Palm Beach, explained that seniors are returning to work for three key reasons: economic necessity, the desire for social interaction, and personal interest.
“We see our mature clients coming into our centers to seek part-time employment to supplement their retirement income because of their increased living expenses, insurance premiums, and even rent/HOA fees,” Dattolo said.
The numbers back it up. As of December 2024, the median home sale price in Florida was $411,100, according to Redfin. Just five years prior, it was around $250,000. Property values have surged, pushing property taxes higher, even for those who own their homes outright.
Homeowners’ Association (HOA) fees have also skyrocketed. In Miami-Dade County, the median condo association fee hit $900 per month in mid-2024—up 59% since 2019, according to Redfin. In Broward County, fees jumped over 56% to $613 per month. Rising insurance premiums are a key factor in these increases, and new laws requiring condo communities to maintain large cash reserves for future repairs are adding to the financial burden.
For retirees on a fixed income, these rising costs are making retirement unsustainable.
Beyond Finances: Finding Purpose in ‘Unretirement’
While financial concerns are driving many seniors back to work, others find that returning to work provides mental stimulation, social interaction, and a sense of purpose.
Philip Williams is one such example. After retiring from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where he worked in grants administration, Williams took a part-time job at a Miami Springs charter school.
Though he doesn’t need the money, the job keeps him engaged and allows him to pursue his passion—playwriting. “That’s what my business card says, and I’ve now got I think 65 plays posted on my website,” he shared.
Many of his fellow retirees at the school also enjoy the structure and sense of purpose their jobs provide. For them, staying employed is about more than just money—it’s about staying active and connected.
Is Returning to Work the New Normal for Retirees?
Retirement looks different today than it did a few decades ago. Many seniors once envisioned their golden years as a time of rest, but for a growing number of them, work remains a central part of their lives. Whether it’s due to financial necessity or a personal desire to stay active, ‘unretirement’ is becoming more common—especially in states like Florida, where the cost of living continues to rise.
For those considering a return to work, there are options. Many retirees are opting for part-time roles, freelance work, or consulting opportunities that offer flexibility while still providing extra income. Some are even turning their hobbies into small businesses.
The key takeaway? Retirement is no longer a one-size-fits-all experience. For many, staying in the workforce—at least part-time—is becoming a necessary and fulfilling part of their later years.
