Landing a Florida State Capitol internship is a huge opportunity — but it comes with a very real logistical question: where do you live? Whether you're coming from out of state, relocating from another Florida city, or just looking to cut your commute, finding the right apartments in Tallahassee for a legislative internship is a little different than your typical apartment search. Here's what you need to know before session begins.
When Should I Start Looking for a Tallahassee Apartment for Session?
This is the most important question to get right early. Florida's regular legislative session runs for 60 days starting in March, which means interns are typically arriving in late January or February. The Capitol area sees a noticeable housing rush during this window, so if you're planning to intern during session, start your search as early as October or November. Tallahassee apartments close to the Capitol fill up faster than you'd expect, and waiting until the new year can leave you scrambling for limited options at higher prices.
01 — Start Earlier Than You Think
Session housing moves fast. If you're arriving in January or February, start your search in October or November to get the best options.
What Neighborhoods Are Closest to the Capitol?
The Capitol building sits in the heart of downtown Tallahassee, so your best bets for a short commute are the surrounding neighborhoods. You can browse all Tallahassee apartments near the Capitol on RentTally to see what's currently available, but here's a quick breakdown of the areas worth focusing on.
Midtown
One of the most popular areas for young professionals in Tallahassee, Midtown puts you about a mile and a half from the Capitol. It's packed with local restaurants, coffee shops, and bars that make it easy to decompress after a long day at the Legislature. Midtown apartments in Tallahassee are also within biking distance of both the Capitol and Florida State University — a bonus if you want to explore campus on weekends.
Downtown and Cascades Park
If you want to be as close as possible, downtown Tallahassee apartments put you within walking distance of the Capitol complex. The Cascades Park corridor has seen new residential development in recent years and offers modern apartment options right in the middle of the action — ideal if you want to skip the car entirely on busy session days.
Myers Park and Lafayette Park
These established neighborhoods sit between downtown and Midtown and offer a quieter, tree-lined feel without sacrificing proximity to the Capitol. If you're looking for apartments in Tallahassee with a more residential vibe, this corridor is worth a look.
02 — Midtown Is the Sweet Spot
Close enough to bike to the Capitol, social enough to enjoy your time off — Midtown is where most session interns end up and for good reason.
Do I Need a Car?
It depends on where you land. If you're in Midtown or downtown, you can realistically bike or walk to the Capitol — especially in the spring when Tallahassee weather is at its best. That said, having a car gives you a lot more flexibility for exploring the city on weekends and getting between multiple government buildings when your schedule requires it. If you do bring a car, look for apartments in Tallahassee with reserved parking, since street parking near the Capitol gets competitive on busy session days.
03 — A Car Helps, But Isn't Always Required
Midtown and downtown are bikeable to the Capitol. If you do have a car, prioritize reserved parking — street spots near the Capitol are limited on busy session days.
What Should I Look for in a Lease as an Intern?
Most legislative internships run anywhere from a few months to a full year depending on the program, so lease length matters. If you're only committing to session, look for short-term leases in Tallahassee or furnished apartments — some landlords in the Capitol area are accustomed to session-length tenants and offer more flexible terms than you'd expect.
If you're planning to transition into a full-time role in state government after your internship — which happens more often than you'd think — signing a standard 12-month lease from the start could make more sense for your budget. The Florida Senate's internship program page has details on program lengths to help you plan accordingly.
04 — Match Your Lease to Your Program Length
Short-term and furnished apartments exist in Tallahassee — but if there's any chance you're staying past session, a 12-month lease will save you money.
How Do I Find the Right Apartment on RentTally?
RentTally is built specifically for the Tallahassee rental market, making it easy to search by location, price, and amenities all in one place. Whether you're looking for a 1-bedroom apartment to keep costs down, something geared toward working professionals rather than students, or a furnished option that makes a short stint in Tallahassee easier to manage, you can filter quickly and compare your options side by side.
Start your search early, lock in your Tallahassee apartment before the session rush hits, and spend your energy making the most of your time at the Capitol.