Moving to St. Johns County, Florida is exciting, but your first month is also when you should complete several important tasks that can save you money, avoid penalties, and make your transition much smoother. From updating your driver's license to filing for Homestead Exemption, here's a practical checklist to help you settle in.

Week 1: Update Your Driver's License & Vehicle Registration

If you've recently become a Florida resident, state law generally requires you to obtain a Florida driver's license and register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency.

You'll need to:

  • Update your Florida driver's license
  • Register your vehicle
  • Obtain Florida license plates
  • Update your auto insurance if necessary

Bring:

  • Proof of identity
  • Social Security number
  • Two proofs of Florida residency
  • Vehicle title and insurance (for registration)

Week 2: Register to Vote

Once you've updated your driver's license, registering to vote is simple.

You can:

  • Register online
  • Register while obtaining your Florida driver's license
  • Register through the Supervisor of Elections

Being registered ensures you're ready to vote in local, state, and federal elections.

Week 3: File for Homestead Exemption

One of the biggest financial benefits for Florida homeowners is the Homestead Exemption.

If the home is your permanent residence as of January 1, you may qualify for:

  • Up to $50,000 in property tax exemptions
  • Protection through Florida's Save Our Homes assessment cap, which limits annual increases in assessed value for eligible homesteaded properties

For many homeowners, this can reduce property taxes while helping keep future tax increases more predictable.

Week 4: Set Up Local Services

Make life easier by transferring or setting up your local accounts:

  • Electricity
  • Water & sewer
  • Internet service
  • Trash and recycling
  • USPS mail forwarding
  • Banking (if changing local branches)
  • Medical providers
  • Schools (if applicable)

Completing these tasks early helps avoid missed bills and service interruptions.

Local Tip for New Residents

One of the best ways to feel at home is to get involved in the community. Visit local parks, explore nearby beaches, support small businesses, and attend community events throughout St. Johns County, including St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, Fruit Cove, Julington Creek, Hastings, and World Golf Village. Getting familiar with your area makes the transition much easier.

The Bottom Line

The first 30 days in St. Johns County are administrative — not exciting — but they are what makes your move financially and legally complete. Skip the Homestead Exemption deadline and you lose a full year of tax savings. Skip proper domicile documentation and you leave yourself exposed to a former state's tax authority.

 Handle these steps in the first month, and by month two you're not managing a transition anymore — you're just living your new life in Florida.

Call or text Gail DeMarco: 904-640-8000
St. Johns County Relocation Specialist
Serving Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Del Webb Saint Johns, RiverTown, Palencia, St. Augustine, and all of St. Johns County, FL

Deadlines, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the St. Johns County Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Clerk of Court offices. Consult a licensed CPA and estate attorney regarding domicile and tax matters specific to your situation.