Relocation Information

It is no wonder that hundreds of people are relocating to the Gulf Coast each month. This area offers beautiful beachfront, bay front and waterfront homes as well as lovely inland homes and condos. Besides the weather and the water, this area has something to offer young and old alike. We are a playground of water sports, outdoor activities, golf, tennis, boating, fishing, not to mention theater, fine dining, historical sites and plenty of shopping. Because this area is split between Charlotte and Sarasota Counties, the information below is presented with contact information for both counties.

Areas in Charlotte County include Rotunda and parts of Manasota Key & Englewood. County web site: www.charlottecountyfl.com

Areas in Sarasota County include Venice, South Venice, North Port and parts of Manasota Key & Englewood. County web site: www.co.sarasota.co.fl.us

Additional Web Sites
The Florida State Government: www.myflorida.com
A great site for new residents and visitors is: www.visitflorida.com

Florida Residency
To become a legal resident, file a Declaration of Domicile form with the County.

Driver's Licenses
New residents must apply for a Florida driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. A driving test and an eye exam are required. Provide identification in the form of a Social Security card, birth certificate, valid out-of-state driver's license, voter registration card, or vehicle registration.

Register automobiles within 30 days of establishing residence in Florida. Proof of ownership must be shown.

No-fault insurance (P.I.P.) is required on all private passenger vehicles licensed in Florida and on those of non-residents in the state for more than 90 days.

Filing for a Homestead Exemption
As a resident of Florida, you may declare the first $25,000 of your new home exempt for tax purposes and reduce the cost of your ad valorem tax bill. To file for an exemption you must establish residency by December 31st. Taxpayers must file between January 2 and March 1 with the appropriate County Property Appraiser. Applicants must provide a voter's registration card, valid Florida driver's license and registration certificates, titles for any motor vehicles owned and a recorded deed for the home, or a vehicle registration/title for a mobile home. For more information contact the County Property Appraiser's office:

Florida Taxes
Florida does not tax personal income, salary, dividends, interest, or capital gains. Tangible personal business property is appraised on machinery, equipment and certain rental units. An Intangible Personal Property Tax is levied on stocks, bonds, and other securities with the first $20,000 being exempt. Estate taxes for Florida residents are deducted from the amount claimed by the Federal Government. Real Estate (ad valorem) taxes are levied on 100% of assessed real estate valuation, minus Homestead Exemption, if applicable. Residents living within the corporate limits of the City of Venice pay both city and county taxes on real estate; homeowners in the unincorporated areas pay only the county tax (1993 Millage rates were 13.8277 for County residents; plus 3.8060 if residing in the city.)

The State Sales Tax is 6%, plus Sarasota County collects 1% sales tax for capital improvements. (The County also collects a 2% Tourism Tax on accommodations). Tax Collector's Office, 4000 Tamiami Tr. S., 492-3000.

Tourist Tax:
Tourist tax is a 3% tax on the total rental amount collected from any person or other party who rents, lease, or lets for consideration living quarters or accommodations in hotels, motels, apartment motels, rooming houses, tourist trailers, camps, mobile homes, or condominiums for a period of 6 months or less.

Voter Registration
Must be 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a permanent resident of Sarasota County. Register at the Supervisor of Elections office:

Inheritance Taxes
There are advantages to transferring securities and personal property to Florida as there is no State inheritance tax. Contact an attorney to see if you need to change your will to comply with Florida law.

Schools
Because this area of the South Gulf Coast is split between Sarasota and Charlotte Counties, some students attend schools in both districts. A reciprocal agreement allows Englewood Elementary students in Sarasota County to attend middle school and high school in Charlotte County.

Boating License
All motor boats 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.

Fishing License
Purchase license at the Tax Collector's Office or at nearly any bait or sporting goods store. Fees vary. Residents 65 or older are free of charge.
For more info: www.floridaconservation.org/license