Helpful Information

Residency
Under Florida law, you automatically establish residency when being employed, enrolling children in school or registering to vote. You may document your residency by obtaining a notarized Declaration of Domicile from the Clerk of the Circuit Court, which is located at the Courthouse Complex, 100 E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart. For more information, call 772-288-5551. 

Driver’s License
You must obtain a Florida Driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. You will be required to take the vision and written exams, even if you already have a license from another state. You must have two forms of identification to prove your date of birth. Your license expires on your birthday. Florida law requires that front seat occupants in vehicles, as well as anyone under 18, wear seat belts. In Florida you can be fined for not wearing seat belts. Children six-years and older must wear seat belts wherever they are seated, while children ages four and five may use seat belts or a federally approved restraint seat. Children under four must be in a federally approved child restraint seat. Violators will be fined. The driver is responsible for passengers and Florida law also prohibits any open container of alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. Driver’s License Offices are located at 3485 SE Willoughby Boulevard in Stuart, 11734 SE Federal Highway in Hobe Sound and 3003 SW Martin Downs Boulevard in Palm City. Please note that road tests are given only at the Hobe Sound office. For more information, call 772-288-5600. 

Vehicle License Plates and Auto Tags

When you establish residency in Florida, you also must obtain Florida license plates or tags for your vehicle(s). A Florida license tag is required within ten-days of establishing residency, employment or a child’s enrollment in school in Florida. Florida is a no-fault insurance state. Personal injury protection and liability coverage is required by law. Individuals registering vehicles must pay an initial registration fee of $100, a tag fee and a title charge. Bring your title, registration and proof of insurance to the Tag Office at the Tax Collector’s Office, at which time an odometer reading will also be taken. In addition to the standard tags, a number of specialty tags are available at an additional charge. Your tag expires on your birthday.

Boat Registration

Motorboats and sailboats used in Florida waters, unless registered in another state and used less than 90-days, must be registered. Call the Martin County Tax Collector’s Office at 772-288-5600 for details.

Post Office
Pick-up a change of address kit from your local Post Office. If you do not have a forwarding address, the Post Office will allow general delivery up to 30 days. The Post Office must be notified to start delivery at a new address. Post Office box rentals are available at the Post Office or from private companies in the area.

Utilities
There are several utility companies serving Martin County for electricity, telephone, water, cable/wireless television and trash pickup. Some utilities will arrange service over the phone, while others require a visit to their offices. Ask if you can obtain a waiver of deposit by bringing a letter of reference from your current utility company.

• Electric – Florida Power & Light Co., 6501 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach 772-287-5400

• Telephone – AT&T, 700 Northpoint Parkway, Ste. 410, West Palm Beach 800-753-0710

• Water – Martin County Utilities, 2378 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart 772-221-1434, City of Stuart Water Department, 123 Flagler Street, Stuart 772-288-5300

• Sanitation – City of Stuart: You must sign a billing notice at the Stuart City Hall to arrange for garbage pickup. In other areas, call the local company to arrange pickup. Stuart Community Services, 121 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart 772-288-5300. For Martin County: Waste Management, 7700 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound 772-546-7700

• Television Service – Comcast Cable, 1495 NW Britt Road, Stuart 800-COMCAST (266-2278).  AT&T 700 Northpoint Parkway, Ste. 410, West Palm Beach 800-753-0710

Taxes
As a newcomer to Florida, there may be differences in tax laws, e.g. there is no State Inheritance Tax. There is also no State Income Tax, but you should consult your attorney, tax advisor or Trust Officer to take advantage of any tax savings. For additional information on any Florida tax, contact:

Florida Department of Revenue
900 Prima Vista Boulevard, Ste. 300, Port St. Lucie
800-352-3671
 

Sales Tax (Martin County)
The State Sales Tax is six percent (6.5%) of the total amount of any sale. (6%) to State of Florida and (.05%) to the county. Medicines, medical services and most food items are exempt.

Licensing of Pets
All dogs and cats must be licensed. To obtain a license, you must bring proof of rabies vaccination. For more information, contact:

Martin County Tax Collector’s Office
3485 SE Willoughby Boulevard
Stuart, FL 34994
772-288-5600