New to Florida? Here’s What You Need to Update
Welcome to Florida! As a new resident, there are several important steps you need to take to get properly registered and compliant with state and local requirements.
Quick links FL New Resident – FLHSMV » Duval New Resident – COJ »
What Should I Update?
- Florida Driver License or ID Card
- Vehicle, Vessel, Trailer, and Mobile Home Titles
- License Plate and Registration
- Florida Auto Insurance
- Voter Registration
- Homestead Exemption
Driver License & ID Cards
You must obtain a Florida Driver License within 30 days of becoming a resident. You are considered a Florida resident if you:
- Begin employment or business in Florida
- Enroll children in Florida public schools
- Register to vote in Florida
- File for Florida Homestead Exemption
- Reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months
All new license or ID card applications must be completed in person. Visit one of our 9 Tax Collector branch offices in Jacksonville or find a location statewide.
What to Bring:
To comply with REAL ID requirements, visit:
What to Bring – FLHSMV »
License & ID Fees: Fees – FLHSMV »
Driver Handbook:
More Info FL New Resident – FLHSMV »
Titles & Registration for Vehicles, Trailers, Vessels & Mobile Homes
You must register all vehicles, vessels, and mobile homes within 10 days of establishing Florida residency.
Required Documents:
- Out-of-state title (or current registration if title is held by lienholder)
- Proof of Florida auto insurance
- Driver license or ID
- Lienholder mailing address (if title is held)
- Military orders or Power of Attorney, if applicable
- VIN Verification (Section 8 of Form 82040 »)
Registration Notes:
- Vehicles titled in the past 6 months must show bill of sale or proof of sales tax paid
- If your out-of-state tag is expired or expires within 30 days, a 30-day temporary plate can be purchased for $5
- First-time Florida plate purchases may require a $225 Initial Registration Fee
For out-of-state titles held by a lienholder:
Avoid visiting a branch by starting the process online. Mail documents and payment to:
Duval County Tax Collector
Attn: Title Services
231 E. Forsyth Street, Room 100
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Vessel Titles & Registration
All motorized boats must be titled or federally documented before registration.
Required:
- Valid out-of-state title (or registration + notarized bill of sale)
- Complete vessel description (make, year, type, HIN, length, propulsion, etc.)
- Fee & Info Guide »
Boat/utility trailers require the empty weight listed on registration or a certified weight slip.
Where to Weigh Your Trailer:
- Baldwin I-10 Travel Center: (904) 266-4281 x4
- Berman Brothers, Inc.: (904) 353-3694 x270
- Old Kings Rd Landfill: (904) 768-5363
- Read’s Moving Systems: (904) 733-2626
- Shaw’s Land Clearing: (904) 387-1804
- TA Travel Center (Exit 329): (904) 829-3946 x3
Voter Registration
You can register to vote during any transaction at the Tax Collector’s Office if you have a Florida Driver License or ID.
Register Online: RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov »
Homestead Exemption
Florida residents who own and occupy their home may qualify for a Homestead Exemption, which can reduce your property taxes and lock in assessed value increases through the Save Our Homes cap.
Learn more and apply at: Duval County Property Appraiser – Exemptions »