🏠 Moving to Florida: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to move to Florida, there are several legal and practical steps you’ll need to take to establish residency, register your property, and stay in compliance with state and federal laws. While this guide is Florida-specific, many of these principles apply in other U.S. states. If you’re relocating elsewhere, consult a licensed attorney in that state.
📜 Declaring Florida Residency
To establish Florida as your legal domicile, file a Declaration of Domicile with the Clerk of Court in the county where you live.
- Forms are available on your county clerk’s website
- A small fee applies
- The declaration must be signed and recorded with the court
🏡 Applying for the Florida Homestead Exemption
The homestead exemption can reduce your real property taxes if you make Florida your permanent residence.
Requirements:
- Must own and occupy the home as of January 1
- Must apply by March 1 of the tax year
- Must provide:
- Florida driver’s license
- Florida voter registration card
- Recorded deed or proof of ownership
📝 Additional exemptions are available for widows/widowers, seniors, and others. These must be applied for separately.
🚘 Vehicle & Driver’s License Registration
Florida Driver’s License
Visit www.dmvflorida.org for:
- Driver’s license types & requirements
- Online appointment booking
- Office locations and hours
Registering Your Vehicle
Visit www.flhsmv.gov for:
- County-specific registration requirements
- Proof of Florida insurance is required
- A Florida driver’s license is usually required before registration
🚗 Auto Insurance Requirements
Under Florida’s no-fault law, your auto insurance must include:
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (recommended for added protection)
Umbrella policies may offer additional coverage. Talk to a licensed insurance agent for guidance.
🧾 Filing Your Taxes as a Florida Resident
Florida has no state income tax. You will still file federal tax returns with the IRS:
- Online via www.irs.gov, or
- By mail to the IRS Service Center in Atlanta, GA
🏛️ Overview of Florida Taxes
❌ No State Income Tax
Florida’s Constitution prohibits a personal income tax.
🏠 Real Property Tax
- Levied on all property owners, resident or not
- Based on assessed value of land and improvements
- Homestead exemption can reduce tax liability (apply by March 1)
💼 Corporate Income Tax
- 5.5% tax on Florida-sourced income for corporations with nexus
- S-Corps and pass-through entities are generally exempt
🪙 Sales & Use Tax
- 6% statewide
- Counties may add local surtax (up to 2.5%)
🧾 Tangible Personal Property Tax
Applies to:
- Business equipment
- Rental property furnishings
- Mobile home attachments (if land is rented)
👥 Household items for personal use are exempt.
- File a tax return with your county’s Property Appraiser between January and April
- The first $25,000 in value may be exempt under the ad valorem rule
⚰️ Estate Tax
- No state estate or inheritance tax for deaths after Dec. 31, 2004
🌴 Tourist Development Tax
- Applies to short-term rentals (under 6 months)
- Tax rate is typically 4%, plus applicable sales tax and local surtaxes
🌍 For Non-U.S. Residents
If you are a non-U.S. citizen considering a property purchase in Florida, you should plan ahead for:
- U.S. income tax
- Estate & gift tax liability
- Tax treaty implications
📌 Pre-acquisition tax planning with a U.S. attorney or accountant is strongly advised.
📞 Need Help?
If you’re planning to move to Florida or acquire property here, I can assist with:
- Domicile declarations
- Real estate transactions
- Business or tax-related matters
Contact me today to schedule a consultation.
Last Revision: March 2025.