Establishing and Maintaining Legal Domicile (Residence) in Florida

A. Declaration of domicile filed with clerk of the court in county of residence.
B. Establishing and Maintaining Legal Domicile (Residence) in Florida
B. Declaration of residence in will, trust, and advance directives.
C. Registering to vote and voting, in person if possible, in Florida (all elections).
D. Notice to taxing and voting officials of previous residence that one has become a resident of Florida.
E. Application for homestead exemption if one owns property which qualifies for such exemption.
F. Florida auto registration and driver’s license.
G. Recital of Florida residence in all deeds and other documents. Review trusts for possible changes.
H. When registering at hotel or otherwise, giving place of residence, always give Florida residence. If mail is to be forwarded elsewhere, give separate address for “forwarding of mail.”
I. The federal income tax return should reflect the Florida residence as “the home address” in the return and should be filed in the proper office, accordingly.
J. Establish an active bank account in Florida. Have social security payments and other regular receipts deposited in that account.
K. Establish membership in local civic groups, clubs and churches and make contributions to Florida chapters of desired charities.
L. Have public utilities and other bills sent to your Florida address.
M. Convert resident membership in clubs and other organizations outside Florida to non-resident memberships.
N. Close out of state safe deposit boxes, if possible. Open Florida safe deposit boxes.

Registering to Vote:	Supervisor of Elections
Automobile Registrtion:	Tax Collector’s Office (Plates)
Automobile License:	Florida Highway Patrol (New Driver’s License)
Homestead Exemption:	Residents may file for homestead exemption at the property appraiser’s office. Filing must be accomplished between January 1 and March 1. Bring your warranty deed so legal description may be ascertained, together with driver’s license and voter registration card.

About the Author

Michael T. Lahti is a Trust & Estate Attorney and Chair of the Elder Law practice group. He has practiced law since 1995 and is a prolific public speaker, having conducted hundreds of educational seminars on a number of legal topics related to his practice, including how to reduce estate taxes and how to avoid probate. His practice includes estate planning, taxation, probate, estate and trust administration, elder law, and long-term-care planning. He regularly counsels families on how to protect assets from nursing home and long-term medical care expenses.