If you're new to Florida, you've definitely noticed how diverse the culture is in the Sunshine State. The cost of living, schools, and people will range from the Panhandle's Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama links to Latino influences in the far south. The good news is that you are not alone in adjusting to life in Florida.
Most of the people who reside there have moved from another state, so you are surrounded by millions of individuals who understand what it is like to be a newcomer. Aside from contacting the Chamber of Commerce in every municipality you wind up in for all of their new resident information, you should expect the following to be uniform across much of Florida.
Big tax breaks on property and personal income tax are some of the big bonuses to living in Florida. Be sure to file for the Homestead Exception to see if you qualify for further cuts. Unlike getting a driver’s license, filing for the Homestead Exception, registering to vote, or filling out a declaration of domicile, which will establish your residency in Florida. A driver’s license will only establish your intent to reside in Florida.
Various permits, forms, and licenses are also necessary for boats, the use of beaches and coastal areas, docks, burning, vehicles, and fishing. These will often vary according to the county. StateofFlorida.com offers information specific to each of these needs and breaks them down into categories. It also has links to Florida State agencies to help relocate individuals or businesses.
Getting the right insurance for your Tampa Bay Florida real estate property and belongings while you live in Florida is a necessity. The recent rash of hurricanes has inspired the Office of Insurance Regulation to reorganize itself to serve this important aspect of Florida living. Crosscheck some of their links to make sure that your insurance covers all of the possibilities.
Be sure to call or visit the website of the Florida Department of Education to find out how local schools rate in your area. In fact, selecting your property according to school districts may be a good idea if you have, or expect to start, a family in Florida. Each school also has a report on it done by the School Advisory Council Report which rates schools on performance, attendance, and various features.
Afternoon thunderstorms are a part of life almost every day for Floridians during the summertime. This is just one of the features of Florida’s weather that relocators should know about. Being prepared for Florida’s weather will make the transition of relocating much easier. Be sure to ask your neighbors how they prepare for hurricanes and heavy rain. Make sure that you have supplies on hand throughout the year. Also, ask your local authorities about what you should have on hand, what to expect, and who to contact for help.
Expect to see a lot more of your friends and families now that you live in Florida. Visiting you will become a vacation for many of them. It may save you money, in the long run, to buy year passes to some of the attractions in or around your town or city. It also wouldn’t hurt to collect some brochures from the local Chamber of Commerce, so you have a mini-library of resources at your fingertips for day trips and exciting attractions.
Remember that Florida relies on tourism as one of its biggest economies. Your loved ones will still consider Florida one of the top vacation spots long after you have become accustomed to living in the Sunshine State. Be sure to keep any welcome packages you receive from your real estate agent or homeowner’s association at finger’s reach for yourself, and for visitors.
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