Moving to Florida? Guide for New Residents 🌴 DMV, Car Registration, Retiring, Pets, SunPass
Lots of you out there are planning to move to Florida or purchase a second home here. If you're looking to establish residency in the Sunshine State, here are some practical tips. (Yes, you do have to go to the DMV)
*Disclosure: I am a Realtor, so I help people buy and sell houses. I am not an attorney or accountant. These matters can be complicated, so if you have any questions please consult a licensed professional.*
ESTABLISHING FLORIDA RESIDENCY
You are considered a Floridian when your true, fixed, and permanent home is in Florida.
DRIVER'S LICENSE & VEHICLE REGISTRATION
If you are a new resident you must get your Florida Driver’s License and register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency in the state of Florida.
DMV: What to Bring to Get Your License
https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/
Vehicle Registration General Information:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/html/titlinf.html
PET REGISTRATION
A Florida pet license is required for all pets. Florida pet registration forms are available at any local veterinarian. Both dogs & cats over 4 months old must have a pet license, and all are required to have rabies inoculations or booster shots. All Florida pet registration fees will vary from county to county, so check your county’s website.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Florida residents can apply for a Homestead Exemption. You get a discount on the assessed value of your home. It also caps the amount that your assessed value can go up each year to only 3%. This is a great tax benefit that Florida homeowners enjoy. Your deadline each year for registering is March 1st, so don’t forget! You will do this through your County Property Appraiser office or website.
E-PASS / SUNPASS
Florida has a lot of toll roads and a lot of them don’t have pay booths. If you live in an area with toll roads or plan on doing a lot of exploring in Florida, you will want to get a SunPass or an E-Pass.
https://epass.cfxway.com/epassweb
https://www.sunpass.com/en/home/index.shtml
FINDING EMPLOYMENT
State of Florida Job Openings:
https://jobs.myflorida.com/
RETIRING TO FLORIDA
If you are planning on retiring to the Sunshine State there is a website for the Department of Elder Affairs that actually provides a lot of useful knowledge.
Department of Elder Affairs:
http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/resources.php
Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates.
She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate.
melanielovestampabay.com
Email: matkinson@smithandassociates.com
Call/text me if you are looking to buy / sell a home in the Tampa Bay area! 813.368.6084
DISCLAIMER: All content provided on melanielovestampabay.com and the Melanie Loves Tampa Bay YouTube channel/social media platforms is for informational/entertainment purposes only. The owner of Melanie Loves Tampa Bay makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site. Information provided is subject to change.
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