Locate the home of your dreams, find a great job, check out our leisure
activities and learn about all those details of daily living you need to know:
educational opportunities, registering to vote, getting your license plates,
locating health care.
Residency
To
become an official Florida resident, file a declaration of domicile. The
document states that you reside at a certain address and is notarized by the
Clerk of the County Court. Contact the Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Courts,
2000 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 362-4066.
Taxes
-
The homestead exemption provision means that permanent residents don't pay
taxes on the first $25,000 of their home's appraised value. You can reduce
your ad valorem tax bill by seeking a homestead exemption on the first $25,000
of your home's value. To file for exemption, 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.
-
Residents of Sarasota County benefit from a property tax millage rate that is
among the lowest in the state.
-
The state of Florida has no personal income tax!
Vehicle Registration/Driver's License
New
residents must register their vehicles in Florida within 10 days of gaining
employment or enrolling children in school. To register a vehicle, be prepared
to provide the Sarasota County Tax Collector's office with your current driver's
license, proof of Florida auto insurance, prior registration certificate and
ownership title. The vehicle identification number will be verified, and you
will need to apply for a Florida license plate. The fee depends on the vehicle's
weight. Newcomers also must apply for a Florida Title Certificate if there is a
lien on the vehicle; you should bring your payment book to the Tax Collector's
office. Contact the Sarasota Tax Collector, 101 S. Washington, (941) 362-9898.
Florida law requires that new state residents apply for a Florida driver's
license within 30 days. But first, register your car as noted above.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will need to see proof of your Florida vehicle
registration, your out-of-state driver's license and your social security card.
If you own a Florida-registered vehicle, bring the registration as well. If your
out-of-state license is valid, you need only take a vision test. A written exam
and driver's test is required if your license is invalid or if you are applying
for your first license. The written exam is based on the Florida Driver's
Handbook and the driver must supply the vehicle for the test. A license is valid
for six years and costs $20. Contact the driver license office at 601 S. Pompano
Ave., (941) 361-6217, or call (941) 361-6222 for an appointment.
Voter Registration
To vote, you must register in your county of
residence. You are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, county resident
and at least 18 years old by the next election. To register, fill out a form and
swear an oath that you live in the county. Your voter registration card will be
mailed to you before the next election. For information on registration
locations near you, call the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office at
101 S. Washington St. (941) 951-5307.
Important Links
Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Longboat Key
Chamber of Commerce
Siesta Key Chamber of
Commerce
Venice Area Chamber of
Commerce
Englewood Area
Chamber of Commerce
North Port Area Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Association
of Sarasota
Main Street Merchants
Assoc. of Sarasota
St. Armands Circle
Association
Sarasota Main Street Association
Superior Small Lodging
Sarasota County
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Sarasota County
Sarasota City
Manatee County
Bradenton City
Englewood City
Venice City
HOSPITALS
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Doctors Hospital
LIBRARY
Selby Public Library
NEWSPAPERS
Herald-Tribune
Sarasota Magazine
TRAVEL
Sarasota-Bradenton Airport
Maps & Driving Directions
