Info for New Resident
All area codes are (239) unless otherwise noted
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Establishing Residency
There are five ways to establish your Florida status:
-  Obtain a Florida driver’s license and automobile registration.
- Â Register to vote.
-  File your Federal Income Tax Return in Florida 252-8171 or visit http://www.colliertax.com/ttax.html.
- Â Redraft your Will, showing your Florida residence and have it notarized.
- Â File a Declaration of Domicile with Collier County Records
Division.
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Voter Registration
If you are at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Collier County, you are eligible to become a registered voter. Voter registration books are pen year round: however you must register at least 30 Days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. registration is available through the Collier County Elections Office. There are many satellite registration sites throughout the county. For more information call 252-9468 or visit http://www.colliervotes.com/.
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Driver’s License:
The State of Florida requires new residents to obtain a Florida’s within 30 days of establishing residence, become employed or registering a child in school. Drivers must be 16 years of age to qualify for a driver’s license; 15 years old to get a restricted permit.
To obtain a driver’s license, first register your automobile in the State of Florida. You must bring original documents that prove your identity, social security number and residential address. For more information visit http://www.flhsmv.gov/offices/collier.html or call (850) 617-2000.
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License Plates/ Vehicle Registrations
Florida tags must be purchased within 10 days of residence, employment, or enrollment of a child in school. Bring your title, registrations, proof of insurance and your vehicle identification number to the Tax Collector’s office or one of the many satellite offices. For more information call 252-8171 or visit http://www.colliertax.com/motorvehicle.html.
Tax Information
Florida still offers residents several tax advantages. There is no state income tax, gift tax, or inheritance tax (except for that portion of the federal tax returned to the state by the federal government).
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Sales Tax
Sales tax in Florida is currently 6 % on the dollar.
Food, medicine and professional services are exempt. Counties have the option of charging an additional penny sales tax.
Homestead Exemption
Filing for residency makes you eligible to receive Florida’s Homestead Exemption. This provision allows full-time Florida residents to exempt $50,000 of their home’s value from property and school taxes. First time applicants must file in person at the property appraiser’s office between Jan. 1st and March 1st. You will need to bring specific documentation. For more information visit http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/exemptions.html.
Pet Licenses
Dogs and cats four months of age and older must be registered and vaccinated annually. Licenses are available through your local veterinarian or the county. Leash laws are also strictly enforced. This means that your dog must be restrained be either leash or fence at all times. hefty fines are levied on violators.
Rules of the Road
When driving in the rain or fog, headlights are required. In Florida, a right turn on red is permitted after a full stop, unless specifically prohibited by a sign or signal. Seat belts are required. Seat belt laws apply to all cars, pickup trucks, and vans operated on Florida roads. All passengers in the front seat must wear a seat belt. All passengers under the age of 18 must wear a seat belt. Children 3 and younger must be secured in a federally approved child-restraint seat. Children 4 – 5 must be secured by either a federally approved child restraint seat or safety belt. The Driver is responsible for buckling up the child. Florida police may immediately seize the license of anyone arrested for driving under the influence or anyone refusing to submit to a breath, blood or urine test.
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