State Taxes & Requirements

Florida Relocation Requirements & Resources
Please refer to MyFlorida.com or one of the following sites for detailed information:

• Florida Department of Elder Affairs (Retiring in Florida)
  https://www.elderaffairs.state.fl.us

• Florida Department of Revenue
  https://www.myflorida.com/dor

• Florida Statutes Online
  https://www.leg.state.fl.us

  Key sections:

  • § 222.17 — Homestead exemption

  • § 1009.21 — Residency requirements for tuition & state financial aid

  • § 196.015 — Permanent residency

  • § 372.57 — Fishing licenses

 

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Taxes & Exemptions

• Personal Income Tax: None

• State Retail Sales Tax: 6.0%

• Florida Corporate Income Tax: 5.5% on net income

• Ad Valorem (Real‑Estate) Taxes:
  Combines city, county, school‑district levies, plus special assessments

  • Homestead Exemption: up to $50,000

  • Property assessed at ~100% of market value

  • Bay County ranks among the lowest millage rates in Florida

• Local License Tax (Panama City & Panama City Beach only): 1%

• Gasoline Tax:

  • Local: $0.07/gal

  • State: $0.367/gal

• Infrastructure Surtax (Bay County): ½‑cent sales tax dedicated to infrastructure improvements

• Public‑School Sales Surtax: ½‑cent sales tax dedicated to school development

 

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Name Change for U.S. Citizens

If you’ve legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must present the original—or a certified copy—of your marriage certificate or court order. Photocopies aren’t accepted unless certified by the issuing authority.

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Driver’s Licenses & ID Cards

• Website: https://www.flhsmv.gov

• Name on License: Must match the name on your Social Security record. If you’ve changed your name recently, update SSA before applying.

• Testing Requirements:

  • New FL residents with an out‑of‑state license: vision test only

  • First‑time applicants: vision, written, and road tests

• Fees:

  • First issuance: $48 (valid 8 years)

  • Renewal: $48

  • Replacement: $25

• Required Documents:

  • Birth certificate

  • Social Security card

  • Two proofs of residential address

  • Marriage license or divorce decree (for name changes)

Make an appointment for driver‑license services whenever possible.

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Automobile Registration & Tags

• New residents must register vehicles within 10 days of establishing residency, beginning work, or enrolling children in public school. (Military personnel and full‑time students are exempt.)

• Required: proof of FL insurance; out‑of‑state title or registration; Form HSMV 82042 (VIN & odometer verification).

• More info: https://www.flhsmv.gov or your Bay County Tax Collector at https://www.baytaxcollector.com

 

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Bay County Tax Collector / DMV Office Locations

(Office hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; arrive before 3 p.m. for driver’s tests at “* ” locations)