Bring your out-of-state license to your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (county tax collector). Take an identify document with you too, such as the original or certified copy of your birth certificate. It’s also okay to bring a US Passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Provide proof of your Social Security number. This could be your Social Security card, a W-2 or pay stub. Offer two documents that prove your Florida address. A mortgage deed, Florida car registration or recent utility bills are the most commonly accepted, but anything with your new address should suffice. If you don’t intend to drive, you need to get a State ID card. This is the same exact process as getting a Driver’s License (without any tests, of course).
Get car insurance in Florida. Submit proof of your policy to the county tax collector. Show the original title to the county tax collector. Bring the car you want to register to your county tax collector’s office, so they can check out the VIN. Pay the fees. It costs around $225 to title and register your car for the first time in Florida. You will also have to pay the typical registration fees, which vary depending the age, type, and weight of your vehicle. [2] X Research source
This is a simple form that takes about 5 minutes to fill out. After you hand it in, your work is done. It’s as simple as that! You can also register online at registertovoteflorida. gov.
To get this declaration approved, you need two things: physical presence in Florida and intent. The former is pretty self-explanatory. As for the latter, “intent” can be shown through employment, having a doctor, being registered to vote, being involved in the community – the list goes on and on, and we’ll discuss many aspects below. Having this means that all your taxes now go to the state of Florida and nowhere else (starting with the next full calendar year, of course). Because Florida has no income, death, or estate tax, this may be a wise move. [3] X Research source If you only have one residence, a declaration of domicile isn’t necessary, though it is wise (for tax benefits).
It also affects your taxes (for the better). The Florida “Save Our Home” Act says that once qualified for the homestead exemption, the assessed value of your property for tax purposes carries an exemption for the first $50,000 of taxable value for all taxing entities except the school district (which allows a $25,000 exemption). In addition, once qualified, the assessed value for tax purposes cannot rise more than 3% in any given year. That means equity you won’t have to pay on. [4] X Research source
If you are looking to provide intent between two states, this is a good way to do it. Having employment in Florida will add weight to your case should your Declaration of Domicile be in question.
Child here meaning under the age of 18, of course. With a child in the Florida school system, this too adds weight to your Declaration of Domicile case.
If you live in two states in the same year, look into filing part-year returns. States combine differently (each state has different regulations), so look into your specific situation before assuming anything. [6] X Research source
Bank Church Gym Community groups, organizations, or affiliations Insurance-approved medical group
This can show intent in your Declaration of Domicile, too. Should any tax issues arise, this will certainly help your case.
If there is any doubt, it’s always best to check out your situation. What’s more, you may run into new rules and regulations you didn’t know if in your research.
It wouldn’t hurt to get an annual pass for Disney World, either!
