Moving to the Emerald Coast: your checklist and deadlines
New Florida residents have 10 days to title and register their car, with Florida insurance, and 30 days to get a Florida driver license, according to FLHSMV.
Everything a new resident of Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa or Bay County has to do, in order, with the official deadline and the office for each step. Pick your county for local offices, trash and schools.
Your deadlines from your move date
The checklist, in order
Within 10 daysTitle and register your car
Buy a Florida auto policy from a Florida-licensed agent first. The VIN must be physically checked (form HSMV 82040) by a police officer, a licensed Florida dealer or tax collector staff.
Within 30 daysGet your Florida driver license
A Class E license costs $48; most tax collector offices add a $6.25 service fee. Bring the identity documents on FLHSMV's What to Bring list.
Before you voteRegister to vote
Florida closes registration 29 days before each election. You can register online.
By a dateOwn your home? File for homestead by March 1
You qualify if you own the home and live in it as your permanent residence on Jan. 1; apply with your county property appraiser by March 1 of that year. In 2026 it takes up to $51,411 off the assessed value ($25,000 off all taxes plus up to $26,411 off non-school taxes). More in our guide ›
On military orders? Florida doesn't require a Florida license or plate for service members and families stationed here. See the military guide ›
| Step | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Title and register your car | 10 days after you move | FLHSMV, New Florida residents |
| Get your Florida driver license | 30 days after you move | FLHSMV, New Florida residents |
| Register to vote | See step | Vote.gov, Florida |
| Own your home? File for homestead by March 1 | By March 1 | Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser, exemptions |
Pick your county
Second home or snowbird?
If Florida is not your legal residence, you can keep your home-state license and plates; the 10- and 30-day clocks start when you establish residency. Homestead only applies to your permanent home. Renting it out short-term has its own county and city rules.
Buying to rent: rules and taxes › · Retiring here: costs and taxes ›
Local help for new residents
- Real Estate Agents
- Property Managers
- Insurance Agencies
- Home Inspectors
- HVAC Contractors
- Pest Control Companies
Do you help people settle in here?
Where to stay while you house-hunt
Compare hotels and rentals for a house-hunting trip or the days before your move-in date.
New here? Help the next family
Questions new residents ask
How long do I have to get a Florida driver license after moving to the Emerald Coast?
30 days after you establish residency, per FLHSMV.
How long do I have to register my car in Florida?
10 days after you establish residency. You need Florida insurance and a VIN inspection first, per FLHSMV.
Is Gulf Power still my electric company?
No. Gulf Power became part of FPL on Jan. 3, 2022. Depending on your address, your power may come from FPL or from an electric cooperative such as CHELCO.
When is the voter registration deadline in Florida?
29 days before Election Day. You can register online.
Sources
- FLHSMV, New Florida residents
- Vote.gov, Florida
- Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser, exemptions
- Okaloosa County Tax Collector
- Okaloosa County Public Works
- Florida PSC, electric service areas
- Okaloosa County School District
- Walton County School District, enrollment
- Okaloosa County Tax Collector, Business Tax Receipts
- FLHSMV, Walton County offices
- Walton County, Curbside Collection Services
- FLHSMV, Santa Rosa County offices
- Waste Pro, South Santa Rosa County
- Santa Rosa County District Schools
- FLHSMV, Bay County offices
- City of Panama City Beach FAQ