Moving to Lake County, Florida: Your First 30 Days
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Welcome. Moving brings a long list, and a few Florida items come with deadlines. Here they are in order, each with the official office that handles it. Rules change, so confirm with the office before you go.
When Florida considers you a resident
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) says you may be considered a resident when you start work here, enroll children in a public school, register to vote, file for a homestead exemption, or live here more than six consecutive months (FLHSMV New Resident page). That date starts the clocks below.
Driver license: within 30 days
FLHSMV says new residents must get a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency to drive on Florida roads. Applications are in person. In Lake County, the Lake County Tax Collector handles driver licenses, and you can book an appointment online.
Vehicles: insure, title and register within 10 days
FLHSMV says you must get insurance from an agent licensed in Florida, then title and register your vehicles within 10 days of establishing residency. The Tax Collector’s motor vehicle services page lists what to bring, and FLHSMV explains what to do if a lender holds your title.
Utilities
Electric, water, sewer and trash providers change from street to street in Lake County. Type your address into our address lookup to see who serves it, then call each provider to start service. Many need a photo ID and a deed or lease.
Register to vote
The Lake County Supervisor of Elections explains how to register or update your address.
School enrollment
Lake County Schools explains how to enroll and which school serves your address.
Bought a home? The homestead exemption
If you own the home and it’s your permanent residence, apply with the property appraiser by March 1. Our homestead exemption guide explains what it’s worth and how it works.
Storms and emergency alerts
Sign up for AlertLake, Lake County’s official emergency notification system. Our storm page collects what to do before and after a storm.
Building or remodeling
Inside a city, the city handles permits; outside city limits, Lake County does. Our permit office directory lists each one.
Questions about your new neighborhood? We’re happy to help, whether or not you bought or rented through us.
General information, not legal or tax advice. We are real estate professionals, not attorneys or tax advisors. Laws change and situations differ, so ask your attorney or tax professional about yours.