After you have arrived in the Manatee County area, there is much to learn before you can feel "settled" in your new home. Whether your choice is Bradenton, or in any of the suburban or more rural neighborhoods of Manatee County, many of the details are the same. Many of the small communities offer their own services to residents, others rely on major government and utility centers. Here are some hints to help you get acquainted.

 

 

 

 

Airport: The Manatee County area is served by Sarasota - Manatee Airport.

Automobile Insurance: Florida law requires that all automobile operators have "No-Fault" insurance. Under this law, your insurance company pays for any personal injuries that you receive as a result of an auto accident, no matter who is at fault. You must show proof of this insurance to obtain auto tags. For more information on the state's insurance laws, call toll-free in in Tallahassee, 1-800-342-2762.

Drivers License: If you become a resident of Florida, are employed here, or enroll your children in area public schools, you must have a valid Florida drivers license within 30 days. First-time applicants who have a conviction free record for the last three years can obtain a six year license which costs $19.00 and is renewable during the month of your birth. Even if you have a valid license from another state, you must take a road sign test and driving test as well as a hearing and sight test. The information needed to take these tests is found in the driving manual available free from any drivers license branch.

Residency: Simply moving to Florida does not make you a legal resident. You must register to vote or file a Declaration of Domicile with the circuit court. For more information about a Declaration of Domicile, call the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Recording Department, at 741-4800.

School: To be admitted to public school in Manatee County, a child must show proof of age. He or she must be five years old as of September 1st of the current school year to enter kindergarden, and six to enter first grade. The child must also undergo a health examination and subsequently have a certificate completed and signed by a physician within the last 12 months; be immunized among others against diptheria, measles, mumps, pertussis, polio, rubella, and tetanus, and show proof of residence (a utility bill, lease agreement, voter registration or Declaration of Domicile is sufficient).

 

 

Taxes: There is a six percent sales tax in Florida, from which food, medicine, drugs and professional services are exempted. Florida counties are authorized to levy an additional discretionary sales surtax of 1/2% to 1%. Florida has no state income tax. Nearly two-thirds of state revenue is raised from sales tax, much of it paid by tourists to Florida. The state offers a Homestead Exemption to property tax payers, which is based on the first $25,000.00 of assessed valuation. The exemption must be renewed annually. For more information, call 1-800-352-3671.

 

 

Traffic Tips: In Florida, right turn on red after a complete stop is permitted unless otherwise indicated. Full headlights are required during rain, smog, and distortion of vision.

Voter Information: You must be at least 18 years old (and show proof of age) and be a permanent resident of the state of Florida to register to vote.