Important Information & Facts About Florida

Any of the following actions can indicate your intent to establish Florida Residency:

• Obtain a Florida driver's license
• Register to vote in Florida
• Declare Florida residency on a personal income tax return
• File a declaration of domicile at a county courthouse
• Qualifying for homestead exemption

You are considered a Florida resident when your true, fixed, or permanent home and/or principal establishment is in Florida. You can establish Florida residency by filing a declaration of domicile, qualifying for homestead exemption, or registering to vote. Other actions, such as obtaining a Florida driver's license, can indicate intent to establish residency.

• Cost for first time registration of a passenger vehicle in Florida is approximately $413.40. (Fees include transferring title, 1st year registration fee and new license plate). We provide your legal physical address.
• Trucks weighing more than 5,000 lbs are registered as commercial vehicles and initial registration is approximately $225.00.
• Annual renewal of vehicle registration is from $45 to $70 per year - based on vehicle weight. Renewal for RV's is approximately $80 per year. Annual renewals are done via mail. NO inspections or emissions testing requirements in this county. (No annual trips to Florida are necessary.)
• Sales tax may be collected on vehicles purchased within 6 months of registration application. (Documentation of at least 6% sales tax paid on purchase must be provided to avoid being charged.)
• If you have previously owned vehicles in Florida and have purchased a license plate that you no longer use, you can save the $100 plate fee on a passenger vehicle.
• Documentation: (Be prepared to provide)
  1. Original title or loan information on lien holder
  2. Proof of Florida insurance
  3. Vehicle identification number (VIN) verified by a police officer (if not presenting the vehicle in person)
  4. Bill of sale for vehicles purchased less than 6 months
• You must first send the lienholder request form to your lienholder. Your lienholder will then send the title to the courthouse, who will mail you a letter notifying you to come to the courthouse to complete the processing of your title and registration. In addition, all individuals must be present with a picture ID, or an original properly executed Power of Attorney must be provided by the individual not present.

Provide proof of Florida vehicle registration (we provide your legal physical address)

• Provide social security number
• Surrender your valid driver's license from another state
• Pass an eye exam and pay $20
• You can find more information here.

• No personal income tax on Florida residents
• No personal property tax on individuals
• State sales tax is 6.00%, local taxes 1.50%

• You may register to vote in Florida for all state and federal elections by selecting the county courthouse in Okaloosa County as your voting district. You are not eligible to vote in local elections.
• You may not use the physical address we provide you for voting privileges.