Moving to Florida

Establishing Residency
If you wish to establish Florida Residency, the following is a list of actions you may take:
1. Obtain a Florida automobile registration and drivers license.
2. Register to vote.
3. File your Federal Income Tax return in Florida.
4. File your intangible tax return in Florida.
5. Redraft your will, showing Florida residence. Have it attested before a Florida witness.
6. File a Declaration of Domicile at the County Courthouse.

Voter Registration
If you are citizen of the U.S., a resident of Citrus County and 18 years of age, you are eligible to become a registered voter. Registration books are always open, with exception of 30 days prior to the election. You may register online, the Driver's License office or at the Supervisor of Elections office. 352-341-6752.

Car License, Registration
Drivers Licenses are available by the Department of Motor Vehicles drivers license office in Crystal River and Inverness. Bring a current drivers license and social security number. If you have an out of state license and it has not expired beyond 30 days, you may be able to convert your license without a written test. A vision screening will be required. You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a operators license in Florida. In Crystal River (352-795-4221) In Inverness (352-726-6865).

Before getting your drivers license, your vehicle must be registered in the state at the county tax collectors office if the vehicle is in your name. You must have proof of Florida insurance. Take your title and insurance proof to the tag office. If the title is held by a lien holder the tag office will assist you in transferring the title to Florida. Prior to issuance of title, the Vehicle Identification Number must be verified. A law enforcement officer, a notary or Motor Vehicle employee may verify the V.I.N.

Newcomers getting a vehicle title and registration for the first time in Florida will be required to pay a $100.00 initial registration fee. If the car was bought less than 6 months ago, Florida may assess a sales tax. There will also be a $33.00 title transfer fee and annual tag fees ranging from $27.00 to $46.00 depending on the weight. The Tax Collector / Tag Office is in the Courthouse in Inverness ( 341-6500 ) and the Crystal River annex ( 795-5537 ).

Rules of the Road
Lights on! When driving in the rain or fog, full headlights are required. In Florida, a right turn on a red light is permitted after a full stop unless specifically prohibited by a sign or signal.

Seat belts are required in Florida. State law requires all front seat occupants in cars, pick-up trucks and vans to buckle up!

Children age 6 and younger must be buckled up, regardless of where they are sitting. Children ages four and five must be secured in either a seat belt or approved child restraint seat. Children under four must be in an approved child restraint seat. Failure to buckle up may result in a significant fine.
Florida has no annual vehicle inspection requirement. Unscheduled inspection stops are made to review your vehicle for safety standards and required operating features.

Taxes
Florida is still considered a low tax state. There is no state income or inheritance tax. A six percent sales tax is levied on most items with the exception of most food, prescriptions and medical services.

Contributing to Florida's favorable climate is the Homestead Tax Exemption. The exemption allows full time Florida residents to exempt $25,000 of their primary homes value from property taxes. You must apply in person to make the initial application during January or February at the Citrus County Property Appraiser's office in Inverness or Crystal River. Bring you Florida's Driver License and a copy of your deed or tax bill. Future renewal notices will be mailed to you each year thereafter.

No matter when you purchase your property here, you are responsible for paying the entire bill that is mailed to you in November. You will receive a credit from the seller for their portion of the years taxes at closing for you to apply to the tax bill when it becomes due. A discount is received for prompt payment of the bill with the discount diminishing each month through April 1, which is the deadline for payment. Real Estate taxes are paid in arrears in Florida.

The Florida intangible tax is a tax imposed by the state on certain assets owned by Florida residents. The tax is based on market value of the assets, such as business equipment.

Churches
You will find churches and religions of most every denomination in the Citrus County area. For a complete list you can refer to the local yellow pages or newspaper. Feel free to request a copy from your agent. You are sure to find a church compatible with your beliefs and new friends with whom to worship.

School Registration
Both public and private schools are offered to the students of Citrus County. Bus service is available to all students attending our schools. Routes are available through the Citrus County Bus Garage or the School Board Office (352-726-1931). There are 3 main public High Schools, 4 Middle Schools, and 7 Primary Education Schools in Citrus County.

To register you child for school attendance, please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate, recent evidence of your child's health examination, a certificate of immunization, the child's social security card, and proof of your residence. If you have any questions as to which school your child will attend, call the Citrus County School Board at the number listed above. Unless you are willing to drive your child and a waiver has been signed by the School Board, your child will be required to attend the public school in your district. Of course, private schools are the exception.

A new law does require students entering the seventh grade to get shots for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and hepatitis B.

Be mindful of what your child wears to school. There is a dress code in all Citrus County Public Schools. Students violating the code will be sent home.

The schools also maintain a zero tolerance policy on drugs, weapons, or violence on the school grounds. Suspension and/or expulsion are mandatory for these offenses.

Boating
All Florida boats with motors must be titled and registered at the Citrus County tax collectors office in Crystal River or Inverness. All boat registrations are renewed in the month of June. Call the Tag Office at (352-795-5537) or (352-341-6500) for further information on registration.

Prior to taking your boat in local waters, boat owners should familiarize themselves with local conditions, navigation rules, and safety procedures, as well as Florida laws. A strong consideration in our local waters is the protection of the West Indian Manatee. The Florida Marine Patrol strictly enforces laws protection this endangered mammal. For additional information or instructions in safe boating, contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary at 352-637-7293.

Fishing and Hunting
The tax collector serves as an agent of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Most local fishing and hunting supply stores are allowed to sell licenses supplied by the tax collector. A valid license is required by all citizens who intend to fish in public waters in the Citrus County Area. There are a few exemptions to the law. Refer to the tax collectors office for specific exemptions. (352-341-6512)

Hunting can only be done in State and Federal regulated wildlife areas or on private land of at least 100 acres in a rural area.

Fishing license cost $14.00 for salt water and $15.00 for fresh water. Hunting license cost $13.00 plus $27.00 for anyone hunting on state lands. Special stamps are required at additional cost for Turkey or Duck hunting.