The secret is out: Florida is one of the best states in the country to live in. We’ve got the weather, we’ve got the waterfront on three sides of the state, we don’t have a state income tax or a state inheritance tax and we do have great infrastructure and tons of new residential construction.
So, what’s not to like? Not much. But if you want to move your permanent residence to Florida or if you’re already here and want to become a permanent resident, there is a process.
While not required, it is recommended to file a Florida Declaration of Domicile. This document states that you are a Florida resident and you maintain a residence in the state and intend to make that your permanent home. This is especially important if you spend time in another state during the year as proof of your permanent residency in Florida. The form needs to be notarized and verified that it is recorded.
Next is to obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days. You may not maintain two different state licenses. To obtain a Florida driver’s license, U.S citizens must have a U.S. birth certificate, valid passport or passport card, social security card, and two documents showing proof of residential address. There are different criteria for immigrants and Canadians. Your out-of-state license will be taken from you at the time of application. Non-driver I.D. cards are also available.
Likewise, Florida insurance for your vehicle must be obtained from a Florida licensed agent and you must register your vehicle in Florida within 10 days of application. If you plan on voting, register in Florida and do not vote in your previous state. Opening a local bank account will also verify your intent to be a permanent Florida resident. If you own a home, apply for the Florida homestead exemption to save on property tax. Disabled veterans may be entitled to a further tax exemption.
People moving to Florida need to be sure they are cutting ties to their former state. It is not uncommon for states to check the number of days spent in your former state through toll records, credit card charges and local services used.
Now that you know how to start the new resident process, here’s why you should make the move. These are the November Manatee County sales statistics reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee and they represent the highest recorded median prices:
Single-family homes had a median sale price of $450,411, up 28.5% from last November, and the average single-family sale price was $593,109, up 28.1%. The median percent of original list price to sale price was 100%, up 1.6%, and the median time to contract was six days down 68.4%.
The condo median sale price was $300,000, up 26.4% from last year, and the average sale price was $342,508, up 29.2%. The median percent of original list price to sale price was 100%, up 3.4%, and the median time to contract was nine days, down 73.5%.
Closed sales are down for both single-family homes and condos because of the lack of inventory, with homes selling in a matter of hours. Too many buyers, too few properties.
There isn’t much else left to say. According to the president of the Realtor Association, Florida, and Sarasota and Manatee counties, in particular, continue to be the go-to destination for buyers around the country.
Welcome to Florida to those who are already here or are getting ready to make the move. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2022.
