Florianópolis — affectionately known as Floripa — doesn’t quite fit into a single box. Technically, it’s both an island and a city. Culturally, it's a rare hybrid of surf town casual and urban amenities. Known as Ilha da Magia, or the Magic Island, Florianópolis delivers on the name with ocean breezes, green hills, and some of the tastiest seafood in Brazil.
The island is part of Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina and is known across the country as a favorite vacation destination. But unlike many beach towns that shut down between seasons, Florianópolis stays active year-round.
Over the last few years, Floripa has built a reputation as a home base for remote workers. Digital nomads come for the slower pace and low cost of living — and stay for the rare balance between work and lifestyle.
Why nomads love Florianópolis
Good infrastructure
Floripa has what remote workers need to stay productive: fast, stable internet, reliable electricity, and a growing network of coworking spaces. You’ll find laptop-friendly cafes in most neighborhoods, and Uber is available across the island.
Affordable cost of living
Compared to US or European cities, Florianópolis is affordable. Monthly budgets vary by neighborhood and lifestyle, but many nomads live comfortably on $1,000–$1,500 USD. Rent drops noticeably outside the high season, which runs from December to February.
Nature and lifestyle
With more than 40 beaches, tons of hiking trails, and a mild climate year-round, Floripa makes it easy to unplug after hours. Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and coastal hikes are part of daily life here, and all are accessible from the city’s main neighborhoods.
Easy time zone alignment
Floripa is just one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time for most of the year. For nomads working with teams or clients in the US and Europe, this means easier communication and fewer delays.
Friendly, low-key scene
While Florianópolis is growing in popularity, it hasn’t been overrun by remote workers (yet). Most people speak Portuguese, though English is common in tourist-facing spots.
Florianópolis at a glance
- Climate. Subtropical with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Expect temperatures between 15–30°C (59–86°F) depending on the season. Rain is common from January to March.
- Getting there. Fly into Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN), located about 30 minutes from most central neighborhoods. Direct flights are available from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and other major Brazilian cities.
- Living costs. Budget around $1,000–$1,500/month for basic expenses, including a furnished rental, groceries, and transportation. Prices rise during high season (December to February).
- Language. Portuguese is the official language. English is spoken in some tourist areas and coworking spaces, but basic Portuguese is helpful.
- Safety. Florianópolis is considered one of the safest cities in Brazil. Petty theft can happen in crowded areas, but most neighborhoods popular with nomads are low-risk and walkable.
- Visa options. Brazil offers a digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV) that allows remote workers to stay for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. Applicants must show proof of income and employment. Learn how to apply for Brazil’s digital nomad visa step-by-step.
Best Florianópolis neighborhoods for nomads
Floripa is spread across an island, so choosing the right neighborhood matters. Whether you’re looking for surf, community, or quiet, these are some of the best spots for digital nomads to live and work:
Lagoa da Conceição
Lagoa is the unofficial hub for digital nomads in Florianópolis. Set around a scenic lagoon, the neighborhood offers easy access to beaches, cafes, coworking spaces, and nightlife. The neighborhood is walkable, lively, and well-connected to other parts of the island.
Campeche
Located on the southeast coast, Campeche is a quieter alternative to Lagoa with a local vibe. The beach here is long and uncrowded, with solid surf and a growing cafe scene. It’s a good fit for those who want a slower pace without feeling isolated.
Barra da Lagoa
A laid-back fishing village turned surf enclave, Barra da Lagoa has a low-key atmosphere and some of the island’s best beginner waves. It’s less built-up than other neighborhoods but offers a peaceful, affordable base close to nature.
Centro
Floripa’s downtown core is where you’ll find government offices, big-box shops, and a more traditional urban feel. While it lacks beach access, Centro is well-connected by public transit and offers budget-friendly housing and coworking options.
Best places to work for digital nomads in Florianópolis
Floripa abounds with laptop-friendly spots, whether you prefer a cozy cafe or a dedicated coworking space. WiFi is reliable across the island, and you’ll find outlets and strong coffee in most of the places listed below. Here are some of the best spots to get things done:
Best coffee shops
- Café Cultura (Multiple locations). One of the most reliable work spots on the island, Café Cultura has three locations with fast Wi‑Fi, plenty of outlets, and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating.
- Garapuvu Café & Bistrô (Rod. Admar Gonzaga 600, Campeche). Near the beach, this café serves healthy meals alongside Wi‑Fi and outlets.
- Nas Ondas Café (Av. Campeche 1512, loja 3, Campeche). An airy café with a focus on specialty coffee, light meals, and reliable Wi‑Fi.
- ARBOR Café (R. Ernesto Meyer Filho 37, Porto da Lagoa). A specialty coffee bar known for carefully sourced beans and reliable WiFi.
Best coworking places
- Impact Hub Floripa (Multiple locations). This global chain currently has five locations in Floripa — each with high-speed internet, hot-desks, private rooms, and event spaces.
- Sandbox Coworking (Multiple locations) This coworking spot emphasizes creative collaboration with comfortable workstations, natural light, coffee facilities, and two locations.
- Favo Coworking (HJ62+J2 Ingleses Norte, Centro). This downtown spot features a bright environment with adjustable desks and some of the island's most competitive pricing.