Tampa

Florida residents enjoy living in a state that imposes few taxes, since the   majority of revenue is derived from sales and use tax as well as intangible and corporate income taxes. Florida imposes no personal income tax. For more information on the Florida tax system or for answers to questions, contact:

 

Florida Tax Information & Referral

Department of Revenue (DOR)

Tallahassee, FL 32304-2716

850-488-6800

800-352-3671

www.myflorida.com/dor

 

Florida Residency

Simply moving to the state of Florida does not constitute legal residency. New residents who intend to make the state their home must register to vote or file a Declaration of Domicile with the circuit court.

 

Sales/Use Tax

A tax of 6 percent is imposed on retail sales, admission charges, storage, rentals, use, and some services. Certain items are exempt. Some counties also add a sales surtax that ranges from .5 to 1.5 percent. Items that are purchased out of state and brought into Florida within six months of purchase are subject to a 6 percent use tax.

 

Intangible Personal Property Tax

Every resident who owns, manages, or controls intangible personal property on January 1 must file a Florida Intangible Personal Property Tax Return unless the tax due, before discount, is less than $60. Taxable assets are taxed at $1 per $1,000 of value. The return can be filed as early as January, but it is late if postmarked after June 30. Penalties and interest apply.

 

Ad Valorem Property Tax

Newcomers who purchase a home in Florida must pay “ad valorem” tax based on the taxable value of the property. These taxes are assessed by the local county property appraiser and collected annually through the tax collector’s office. Contact your county property appraiser for details on tax rates and exemptions. Florida residents who own a home on January 1 of the taxable year are eligible for the homestead exemption of $25,000, which represents approximately $500 in tax savings.

 

Pet Licensing

 

Licensing your pets not only supports public health but assists owners in finding lost animals. Pet registration requirements and leash laws vary with the municipality or county in which you reside. Contact your local animal control officer for details on fees and regulations that apply to your city or community. Proof of a rabies vaccination is always required for registration, and fees are usually lower for spayed or neutered animals. For a wealth of helpful information on pet care and regulations, contact the Florida Humane Society or your county animal control office.

 

Hunting & Fishing Licenses

 

Florida hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased through county tax collector’s offices and other agents like sporting good stores or major retailers that sell outdoor equipment. For your convenience, licenses are also available through a toll-free number that allows use of a credit card:

 

License Sales by Phone

888-HUNT-FLORIDA

888-FISH-FLORIDA

 

The temporary license number is issued in minutes, and a permanent license arrives in the mail. Hunter education is a prerequisite in Florida for any person who was born on or after June 1, 1975. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission website provides a wealth of information on natural resources, outdoor sports, and seasonal game.

 

Voter Registration

 

You may register to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age (you can pre-register at 17), and have not been convicted of a felony unless civil rights have been restored. To vote in an election, you must be registered in the county where you reside by the book closing date — usually the 29th day prior to the election. Absentee ballots can be requested from the county supervisor of elections by mail, telephone, or via website. Provide the last four digits of your social security number, your name, address, birthdate, and voter identification number.

 

Registration will be permanent unless you change your name, address, phone number, or political party affiliation. Registration sites include many public offices, drivers license test sites, libraries, and supervisor of elections offices. You can also request a registration form by contacting the Florida State Division of Elections:

 

Florida State Division of Elections

107 West Gaines Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250

850-245-6200

http://election.dos.state.fl.us

 

League of Women Voters

 

LWV of Florida

850-224-2545

www.lwvfla.org

LWV is a bipartisan organization with the mission of encouraging voter participation, advocating voter reforms, and educating the public about candidates and issues.

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