Florida's tax breaks on personal income tax, lower cost of living and subtropical weather attract thousands of new residents each year. Cost of living and property values are also attractive, with the cost of real estate soaring in other states such as California and New York.

Since the time when "La Florida" was under Spanish rule with St. Augustine as the capital, Florida has been a gateway and passageway between the Caribbean and the Old World. Since the early days of Henry Flagler, one of first early developers of Florida's tourist industry, tourism has been an attraction for most of the century. Ever increasing numbers flock to the international mecca South (Miami) Beach, touted as America's "Riviera."

For more information see the tourism Web site. One thing that the "locals" enjoy is bridge diving, which consists of diving near the pilings of a bridge on the Intracoastal Waterway. Coral heads and thousands of fish, as well as manatees and lobsters abound. Because of the calm waters the coral really thrives and turns the area into an aquarium.

Besides tourism, Florida's industry consists of the largest farming of cattle in the country and phosphate mining in the northern central region.

 Important taxes and fees for new residents

Relocation to Florida is extremely favorable for its tax breaks and incentives, including personal income tax breaks and homestead exemptions on property taxes. New Florida residents will also want to be aware of the state's tax and fee requirements listed below. For assistance call the Department of Revenue Service Center at 1-800-352-3671.

Personal income tax

There are no personal income, inheritance or gift taxes payable for residents.

Sales tax

Florida levies a 6 percent sales tax. There are additional county sales taxes.

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Personal and real property taxes: $25,000 Homestead Exemption

• Tangible personal property owned by businesses is filed on Form DR-405 (instructions for forms downloading) by April 1. This may be reported as early as Jan. 1, and is reported as 100 percent of the original total cost.
• If you purchase a home in Florida, you will pay "ad valorem," or property tax, based on the just or fair market value of the property. Ad valorem taxes are assessed and collected annually by the county property appraiser.
• A $25,000 homestead exemption is available to homeowners who meet certain requirements. The homestead exemption is available for homeowners whose home is their primary residence. More information is available by contacting this Department of Revenue Web site.

Intangible personal property taxes

• Intangible Personal Property Tax in Florida is a current year tax, which means payable in the same year. If you are a legal resident living in Florida on Jan. 1 of the tax year, you must file an intangibles tax return if your tax obligation is $60 or more.
• Some common examples of taxable intangible assets include stocks, bonds, certain money market funds, mutual funds, loans, notes, a portion of accounts receivable and limited partnership interests. Some examples of exempt assets include: money, franchises, and qualified IRAs, employee retirement plans and deferred compensation plans.
• Depending on your filing status, the first $20,000 is exempt. Taxable assets valued between $20,000 and $100,000 are taxed at a rate of .001 ($1 per $1,000 of value). Assets valued at more than $100,000 are taxed at a rate of .002 ($2 per $1,000 of value).
• The Intangible Personal Property Tax due date is June 30, but discounts apply for early filers, as early as Jan. 1.
• Residents must file Form DR-601I (instructions for forms downloading) by June 30.

Residents may obtain additional vehicle information by clicking here.

Driver's license

• New Florida residents must secure a driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident.
• Generally, applicants are not required to pass any tests if turning in a valid out-of-state driver's license.
• The driver's license fee is $20.
  

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Motor vehicle registration

• For registration and title, must have original title and proof of Florida car insurance to register vehicles.
• For first time registration, a $100 fee for each private vehicle is required.
• Title fees: $33.25 for relocation.
• License tag costs: $26.60 -- $44.60 depending on size of automobile.
• More information is available by clicking here.

Auto insurance

• You must have Florida coverage of $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 property damage liability (PDL) as long as you have a valid Florida tag, even if the vehicle is in another state or inoperative.
• There are no exemptions in the law.

According to Florida voter registration policy, residents:

• Must register to vote 29 days before the election (listed below).
  
• Can select or change party affiliation any time before the election day.

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The election dates are:

• Presidential primary 03/14/00
  
• Congressional and state primary 09/05/00
  
• Runoff
  
• General election 11/7/00

Residents may obtain an online voter registration application at:
National Mail Voter Registration Form or at the state Web site.
You may also locate the local election office nearest you through the following Web site: Project Vote Smart
You will need to select Government & Politics/Voter Registration/Local Elections Office.

State of Florida Web site