Establishing Residency – upon moving to Florida, you should officially establish residency as follows:
1. Obtain a Florida automobile registration and driver’s license.
2. Register to vote.
3. File your Federal Income Tax Return in Florida.
4. File your Intangible Tax Return in Florida
5. Redraft your Will, showing your Florida residence.
Automobile Registration – Information can be obtained at 1515 Sarno Road, Melbourne (321) 255-4410. New residents must register their vehicles and obtain Florida license tags within 10 days after obtaining employment, applying for Homestead Exemption, enrolling children in school, or registering to vote. Proof of liability insurance, previous out of state title, vehicle ID number, and odometer reading must be supplied. You should also bring lien information, and of course some form of personal identification. Note that Florida requires drivers to purchase no-fault insurance. Tags can also be purchased at 1840 U.S. 1, Rockledge, FL (321) 633-1897.
Driver’s License – Information can be obtained from the examining office in Brevard County at 3442 N. Harbour City Blvd., Melbourne (321) 752-3160 or 601 E. University Blvd., Melbourne (321) 984-4933. Newcomers must obtain a driver’s license within 30 days after establishing residence, beginning employment, claiming Homestead Exemption, enrolling children in school, or registering to vote. New residents are required to pass a visual examination if you have a valid license from out of state. You must bring some form of personal identification, your Social Security number, and your current Florida vehicle registration. Note in Florida, headlights are required when driving in fog or rain, seat belts and child seat(s) are required for all passengers.
Voter Registration – Residents may register to vote in a variety of ways. To register, contact the Supervisor of Elections at (321) 255-4455 located at 1515 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 or the Government Center at (321) 633-2124 located at 2725 Fran Jamieson Way, Melbourne, FL 32955. New registrations must be received at least 29 days prior to an election in order to be eligible to vote in that election. Florida is a “Closed Primary” state which means a person must be registered with a party in order to vote in that party’s primary election.
Homestead Exemption – Residents of Florida are exempt from paying taxes on the first $25,000.00 of the assessed value of their property if they file for Homestead Tax Exemption. You may file year round; however, the deadline to receive the exemption is March 1st (to receive the exemption for that year). You need only file one time as long as you continue to own your property, you are a Florida resident, and you only receive the exemption on one property. For detailed information, contact the Property Appraiser’s Office at South Brevard Service Complex, 1515 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 255-4440 or 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32955 (321) 690-6880. Other tax exemptions are available to certain Florida residents, such as those who are widowed, blind, or disabled. For more information contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 1515 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 255-4453.
Taxes and Intangible Taxes – Florida does not impose a state income tax. For more detailed information relating to taxes contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 1515 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 255-4453. For more information on intangible taxes call the Department of Revenues – Taxpayer Assistance at 800-352-3671 or 904-488-6800 when out of state.
Wills – If you are moving to the area from out of state, it is strongly suggested that you review your Will to ensure that it conforms to Florida Law.
Hospitals and Medical Centers – There are several Hospitals and Medical Centers to service the area.
Among the Hospitals are:
Health First/Holmes Regional Medical Center, 1350 S. Hickory St., Melbourne, FL 32901, (321) 434-7000.
Wuesthoff Hospital, 1700 Wuesthoff Drive, Viera, FL 32940 (321) 255-6030
Cape Canaveral Hospital, 701 West Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cape Canaveral, FL 32931 (321) 799-7111
45th Medical Group, Patrick Air Force Base, FL 32925, (321) 494-8229 serving active and retired service personnel and their dependents.
Veterans Administration Regional Office – Benefits Information and Assistance – Call (800) 827-1000
Education
Melbourne/Viera is well served when it comes to quality education whether enrolling your child in a public or private school. For higher education there are plenty of opportunities for continuing education at the college level without going far from home.
Public Schools – Brevard County Public School System can be reached at (321) 631-1911 or write to 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940, or at http://www.brevard.k12.fl.us/. All of Brevard County Public School residents need three documents: the child’s original birth certificate, immunization records showing all dates and proof of a medical checkup within the past 12 months. Registration is done at the Public School the child will attend. School redistricting is subject to change. Please contact the Brevard County Public School District’s administrative offices at (321) 633-1000 ext. 500.
Private Schools – Also, see the local yellow pages for a full list of over 50 private schools in the area.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, 50 W. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901 (321) 723-8323 Ascension Catholic School, 2950 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 254-1595
Melbourne Central Catholic High School, 100 E. Florida Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901 (321) 727-0793
Higher Education
Brevard Community College is a state funded junior college with 6 campuses and 13 adult and community educational centers throughout the county. For more detailed information contact (321) 632-1111.
Florida Institute of Technology is among the largest private colleges in the state. Florida Tech offers undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate degrees. For more detailed information contact (321) 674-8030.
Veterinarians – There are several veterinarian hospitals in the area:
Animal Hospital of Central Brevard, 4521 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL (321) 751-6007.
Coastal Animal Hospital Wellness Center, 545 Gus Hipp Blvd., Rockledge, FL 32955 (321) 632-3800.
Eau Gallie Veterinary Hospital, 3370 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL 32940 (321) 259-8492.
Viera East Veterinary Center, 5405 Village Dr., Rockledge, FL 32955 (321) 639-9888.
Dog Kennel - Barkingham Palace – 4210 Hwy. 1 South, Rockledge, FL 32955 (321) 636-7387.
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