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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Orlando real estate 
Many
people coming into Central Florida believe that Disneyland International Drive is what we
are all about. These folks never did get to visit Sanford or Mount Dora to see the real
Florida. So if you are new to the area, ask Bonnie to show what our communities
really about. 
