| If you're new to Florida, then you've | | | | that your insurance covers all of the |
| probably already realized how diverse culture | | | | possibilities. |
| is in the Sunshine State. The cost of living, | | | | |
| schools, and people will vary from the | | | | Be sure to call or visit the website for the |
| Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama connections of | | | | Florida Department of Education to find out |
| life in the Panhandle, to Latino influences | | | | how local schools rate in your area. In fact, |
| in the most southern tip. The good news about | | | | selecting your property according to school |
| getting adjusted to life in Florida is that | | | | districts may be a good idea if you have, or |
| you're not alone. Most of the people who live | | | | expect to start, a family in Florida. Each |
| there have relocated from another state; | | | | school also has a report on it done by the |
| therefore, you are surrounded by millions who | | | | School Advisory Council Report which rates |
| know exactly what it feels like to be a | | | | schools on performance, attendance and |
| newbie. Besides contacting the Chamber of | | | | various features. |
| Commerce in whichever community you end up in | | | | |
| to get all of their new resident information, | | | | Afternoon thunderstorms are a part of life |
| you can count on the following to be | | | | almost everyday for Floridians during the |
| consistent throughout most parts of Florida. | | | | summertime. This is just one of the features |
| | | | of Florida's weather that relocators should |
| Big tax breaks on property and personal | | | | know about. Being prepared for Florida's |
| income tax are some of the big bonuses to | | | | weather will make the transition of |
| living in Florida. Be sure to file for the | | | | relocating much easier. Be sure to ask your |
| Homestead Exception to see if you qualify for | | | | neighbors how they prepare for hurricanes and |
| further cuts. Unlike getting a driver's | | | | heavy rain. Make sure that you have supplies |
| license, filing for the Homestead Exception, | | | | on hand throughout the year. Also, ask your |
| registering to vote, or filling out a | | | | local authorities about what you should have |
| declaration of domicile, will establish your | | | | on hand, what to expect, and who to contact |
| residency in Florida. A driver's license will | | | | for help. |
| only establish your intent to reside in | | | | |
| Florida. | | | | Expect to see a lot more of your friends and |
| | | | families now that you live in Florida. |
| Various permits, forms, and licenses are also | | | | Visiting you will become a vacation for many |
| necessary for boats, the use of beaches and | | | | of them. It may save you money in the long |
| coastal areas, docks, burning, vehicles and | | | | run to buy year passes to some of the |
| fishing. These will often vary according to | | | | attractions in or around your town or city. |
| county. offers information specific to each | | | | It also wouldn't hurt to collect some |
| of these needs and breaks them down into | | | | brochures from the local Chamber of Commerce, |
| categories. It also has links to Florida | | | | so you have a mini-library of resources at |
| State agencies to help relocating individuals | | | | your fingertips for day trips and exciting |
| or businesses. | | | | attractions. Remember that Florida relies on |
| | | | tourism for one of its biggest economies. |
| Getting the right insurance for your Tampa | | | | Your loved ones will still consider Florida |
| Bay Florida real estate property and | | | | one of the top vacation spots long after you |
| belongings while you live in Florida is a | | | | have become accustomed to living in the |
| necessity. The recent rash of hurricanes has | | | | Sunshine State. Be sure to keep any welcome |
| inspired the Office of Insurance Regulation | | | | packages you receive from your real estate |
| to reorganize themselves to serve this | | | | agent or home owner's association at finger's |
| important aspect of Florida living. | | | | reach for yourself, and for visitors. |
| Crosscheck some of their links to make sure | | | | |