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NEWCOMER INFORMATION
From
finding the right schools to registering your vehicle, moving to a
new area can be a challenging experience. This relocation guide was
prepared to help ease the transition.
Residency
To
become an official Florida resident, file a declaration of domicile
through the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 2000 Main
St., Sarasota, (941) 362-4066. You can download the form from
www.sarasotaclerk.com.
A declaration of domicile is not an application for a homestead
exemption.
Homestead Exemption and Taxes
Permanent Florida residents don't have to pay taxes on the first
$25,000 of their home's appraised
value. To file for a homestead exemption,
you must establish residency by Dec. 31 prior to the year you will
claim exemption, then file for exemption in January or February.
Contact the Sarasota County Property Appraiser at 2001 Adams Lane,
(941) 951-5650.
The Sarasota County
property tax millage rate is among the lowest in the state.
Florida has no personal income tax!
Vehicle Registration/Driver's
License
New
Florida residents must register their vehicles within 10 days of
gaining employment, enrolling children in public school or
establishing residency.
Register at the Sarasota Tax Collector’s
office, 101 S. Washington Boulevard, (941) 362-9898. Be prepared to
show your current driver's license, proof of Florida auto insurance,
prior registration certificate and ownership title. The fee is
based on the weight of the vehicle. Your automobile registration
expires at midnight on your birthday.
New
Florida residents also must apply for a Florida driver's license
within 30 days (but after they register their vehicle). The Florida
Department of Motor Vehicles is located at 601 S. Pompano Ave. S.
For an appointment, call (941) 361-6222. Bring proof of your
Florida vehicle registration, your out-of-state driver's license and
your Social Security card. If your out-of-state license is valid,
you only need to take a vision test. If your license is invalid, or
if you are a first-time driver, a written exam and driver's test are
required. A copy of the Florida Driver Handbook is available at
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/handbooks/English. You must provide the vehicle for the
driver’s
test.
Voter Registration
You are eligible
to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, a county resident and you will be
at least 18 years old by the next election. You can register at the
Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office at 101 S. Washington
St., (941) 951-5307, or you can register online at
http://election.dos.state.fl.us. You
must submit your valid Florida driver's license number or Florida
identification card number. If you do not have either of these, you
must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. Your voter registration card will be mailed to you.
Area Information
Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau
Sarasota County
Venice
Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Englewood Chamber of Commerce
Venice Area Chamber of Commerce
Englewood Florida Guide
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Sarasota County Libraries
State of Florida
WOFL - (Fox)
WSPB 1450
The Weather Channel
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Florida Restaurants Guide
Florida Golf Guide
Beach Vacation Guide
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Also be sure to visit these pages:
Sarasota Accolades,
News Articles,
Area Golf Course Map,
New Homes Directory,
Neighborhoods Guide
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