Moving to Palm Coast & Northeast Florida: everything you need to know.
Thinking of moving here from another country, or buying a second home? This guide answers the questions newcomers ask us most, from visas and taxes to who turns on the lights, for Flagler, Volusia, St. Johns and Putnam counties.
Please read: General information, not legal, tax or immigration advice; verify with the official source. Rules change, so check the official link before you act, and talk to the right professional for your situation.
Start with the big picture
Then pick your community
Each county page lists the county offices and hospitals, then, city by city, who provides electricity, water, trash pickup, gas and internet.
Quick answers
Does buying a home here give me residency?
No. Owning U.S. property doesn't give you a visa or a green card. Immigration is a separate process; our Moving to the U.S. page names the main routes and links the official sources.
Is there a state income tax in Florida?
No. Florida has no personal state income tax. Property tax, insurance and the homestead rules are explained on our Moving to Florida page.
How much does it cost to live in Palm Coast?
Our cost-of-living article adds up real Palm Coast numbers: property tax, insurance, water, electric and trash, with the source for each.
Which electric company will I have?
It depends on the address. Most of Flagler County is FPL, but parts of Volusia, St. Johns and Putnam are served by Duke Energy, JEA, Beaches Energy, Clay Electric or New Smyrna Beach's own utility. Each county page shows what we could confirm, city by city.
How do I find the schools for a home?
Public school assignment goes by address. Use our schools page for the official lookup in all four counties.
Helpful tools on this site
Official sources
Every link on this page goes to the official source: the government agency, the county or city, or the utility itself.
- https://www.uscis.gov/
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
- https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/firpta-withholding
- https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/default.aspx
- https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Taxpayers_Exemptions.aspx
- https://www.floridadisaster.org/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/new-resident/
- https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/
Facts checked November 2, 2026. Equal Housing Opportunity: we describe places and serve everyone equally.