To help to learn about our communities, has provided some links that describes Seminole and Orange Counties. 

Florida Taxes has one of the lowest tax rates in the nation, with a low corporate 5.5% tax rate, no city or state income tax, and no tangible personal property tax. The majority of Florida's tax revenues are derived from sales and tourist resort taxes.

Our statewide sales tax is 6% on retail goods, rentals and services, Lake, Osceola, and Seminole Counties have a 1% surcharge added to purchases in their respective counties. Exemptions to the sales tax include groceries, medicine, rental property, items purchased for resale and telephone services. Our property taxes are based on mills, in which a mill is $1 per $100 of assessed property value. Each municipality has its own millage rate, as do the counties, who take care of the collections. The taxes are due November 1st of each year, with taxpayers getting a 4% discount for early payment. Homestead Exemption - Residents of Florida are exempt from paying taxes on the first $25,000 of the assessed value of their property, provided they file for the exemption between January 1st and March 1st. Contact the Tax Collectors Office for the county in which you reside. Filing need be done only once so long as you continue to live on the property.

When you put down your new roots in establishing a residency will be much easier than you think. You simply need to either register to vote in the county where you reside or file a Declaration of Domicile with your local clerk of the courts. To receive a voter's registration card, new residents must show proof of their current residence, or even a lease or utility deposit receipt will do.

Orange County. (407) 836-2070
Seminole County.   (407) 321-1130 x7709
Osceola County.  (407) 870-4600
Lake County.   (904) 343-3531 

Driver's Licenses. If you are a Florida resident with a valid license from another state you must obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. You must also obtain a license if you: 1) enroll a child in public school; 2) Register to vote; 3) file for Homestead Exemption; 4) accept a job; or 5) reside in Florida for six consecutive months.  If you have a valid license from another state you will only need to take a vision test and provide a Florida registration certificate. Applicants without a valid out-of-state license must take a vision, road sign, and driving test.  In Florida, you must be at least 16 years old. Minors who are at least 15 may obtain a restricted learner's permit. It's a good idea to schedule an appointment at one of the examining offices, or plan on a long wait. Fees are $20 for a six-year term and are renewable during your birth month.. Bring a social security card and two forms of identification.

Registering Your Vehicle in Florida. Your license plates should be obtained within 30 days of establishing residency, starting employment, or enrolling the kids in school. Proof of ownership and insurance is mandated (your vehicle must be covered by 'no-fault' or personal injury protection, PIP). The Tag Office will need to check the vehicle ID number, so don't forget to bring the vehicle with you. If there is a lien on the vehicle, you must provide this information, the lien holder's address and the account number. Fees should be around $190 depending on the type of vehicle. Florida enforces a seatbelt law and children, up to age 4, must be in an approved child's car seat.

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