Moving to Florida: what to know.
Taxes, insurance, hurricanes, driving, health care and pets: the Florida basics every newcomer asks about, with the official link for each.
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.
Taxes
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No. Florida has no personal state income tax (Florida Department of Revenue). Federal income tax still applies, and so do sales tax and property tax.
What is the homestead exemption, and can I get it?
The homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of the home that is your permanent residence by up to $50,000, and the "Save Our Homes" rule then limits how much that assessed value can rise each year. You must own and live in the home as your permanent residence on January 1, and apply with the county property appraiser by March 1. A seasonal or vacation home doesn't qualify, and a non-citizen generally needs qualifying immigration status, such as a green card. Florida voters decide a change to the homestead exemption on November 3, 2026, so check the current amount with the property appraiser in Flagler, Volusia, St. Johns or Putnam and ask what they need from you.
How does property tax work?
Property tax is paid to the county tax collector once a year, for the year that just ended. Bills go out around November 1, there is a discount (up to 4%) for paying early in November, and taxes are due by March 31 (Florida Department of Revenue: property tax). The amount depends on the assessed value and on the local rates where the home is. Our cost-of-living article shows real Palm Coast numbers.
Insurance and hurricanes
Do I need homeowners insurance?
If you have a mortgage, the lender will require it. If you pay cash, it's your choice, but most owners buy it. Get quotes early, before you make an offer, because the age of the roof and the location change the price a lot. Citizens Property Insurance is the state-created insurer for people who can't find coverage elsewhere, and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has consumer help.
Do I need flood insurance?
A regular homeowners policy doesn't cover flooding. Check the home's flood zone on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center; lenders require flood insurance in high-risk zones. Citizens also has its own flood insurance requirement for its customers, which reaches every Citizens home policy on January 1, 2027. Federal flood policies (FloodSmart.gov) usually take 30 days to start, so don't wait for a storm.
When is hurricane season, and how do I prepare?
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Learn your evacuation zone (each county page in this guide has the lookup), make a plan and a supply kit, and follow your county's emergency management office during a storm. The state's FloridaDisaster.org has checklists and the Know Your Zone map.
Driving
When do I need a Florida driver license?
Once you become a Florida resident, you have 30 days to get a Florida driver license (FLHSMV: new Florida residents). Visitors can generally drive on a valid license from home. Non-citizens bring proof of identity and of lawful presence; the FLHSMV "what to bring" page lists the documents. In our area you apply at the county tax collector's office (each county page has the link).
How do I register a car, and what insurance do I need?
New residents register and title their vehicles in Florida within 10 days of becoming residents (starting a job, enrolling children in school, or registering to vote counts) (FLHSMV: tags and titles). Every Florida-registered car needs at least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 of property damage liability coverage (FLHSMV: insurance requirements).
Health care, voting, schools and pets
How does health care work?
The U.S. has no single public health plan for everyone. Most people have insurance through work, buy a private plan, or have Medicare at 65 and older if they qualify (Medicare.gov). Lawfully present immigrants may be able to buy a plan on the Marketplace; see HealthCare.gov for immigrants, and note that the rules for financial help change on January 1, 2027. Visitors should carry travel medical insurance. In an emergency, call 911. Each county page lists the local hospitals.
Can I register to vote?
Only U.S. citizens can register and vote. Owning a home or holding a green card does not make you eligible. Citizens who move here can register through the Florida Division of Elections.
How do I find my children's school?
Public school assignment depends on the home's address. Our schools page has the official address lookup for all four counties, the state's report cards and Florida's homeschooling rules.
Can I bring my dog or cat?
Yes, but plan ahead. The CDC has rules for dogs entering the U.S. (age, microchip and an online form, with extra rules for some countries) and a page on bringing cats. The USDA explains bringing pets from another country. Check the rules for your country a few months before you travel.
Official sources
Every link on this page goes to the official source: the government agency, the county or city, or the utility itself.
- https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/default.aspx
- https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Taxpayers_Exemptions.aspx
- https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Taxpayers.aspx
- https://flaglerpa.com/homestead/
- https://vcpa.vcgov.org/exemption/homestead
- https://www.sjcpa.gov/homesteadportability/
- https://pa.putnam-fl.com/exemptions/
- https://www.citizensfla.com/
- https://www.citizensfla.com/flood
- https://floir.gov/consumers
- https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
- https://www.floodsmart.gov/
- https://www.noaa.gov/tropical-cyclone-climatology
- https://www.floridadisaster.org/
- https://www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/new-resident/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-to-bring/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/license-plates-registration/motor-vehicle-registrations/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/insurance/
- https://www.medicare.gov/
- https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/
- https://dos.fl.gov/elections/for-voters/voter-registration/register-to-vote-or-update-your-information/
- https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/importation/cats/index.html
- https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
Facts checked November 2, 2026. Equal Housing Opportunity: we describe places and serve everyone equally.