New Resident Information
Establishing
Residency:
The easiest
way to become a Florida resident is to file a declaration of domicile
with the County Clerk of the Court.
Registering
to Vote:
Whether you
have moved from another county or from out of state, if you whish
to vote you must register in order to vote in your new county.
To register visit the Supervisor of Elections office.
Driver’s
License:
New state
residents wishing to obtain a Florida drivers license and/or register
their vehicle in the state may access the state requirements by
clicking here.
Vehicle
Registration:
Future residents
must register their vehicles in Florida within 10 days of gaining
employment or enrolling children in school. Proof of ownership,
proof of Florida auto insurance, prior registration certificate,
and a current driver’s license are needed. Florida is a
title law state requiring automobile owners to apply for a Florida
Title Certificate. You may obtain more information by contacting
your Tax Collectors Office, or by
clicking here.
Florida
Taxes:
Florida does
not tax personal income, salary, dividends, interest, or capital
gains. Property taxes are levied on 100% of assessed real estate
valuation, minus the Homestead Exemption, or any other exemptions
where applicable. To learn more about Florida Property Tax Exemptions
click
here.
Homestead
Exemption:
As a Florida
resident, you are eligible to declare the first $25,000 of your
home’s value as exempt for tax purposes, thereby reducing
your ad valorem tax bill. Generally, initial application for property
tax exemption must be made between January 1 and March 1 of the
year for which the exemption is sought. For information call the
County Property Appraiser’s office.
Boating
Registration & Fishing Licenses:
All motorboats used in Florida must be registered at the Tax Collector’s
Office. Boats with out-of-state registration need not register
in Florida if they are here for 90 days or less. You may purchase
your fishing licenses at the Tax Collector’s Office or at
nearly any bait or sporting goods store. If you are over age 65,
fishing licenses are free.
