Florida is a popular place to live not only for its beaches and warm weather, but also for its lack of state income tax and generous asset protection laws.  Anyone can enjoy the beaches and weather, but it is important to establish residency in Florida to enjoy many legal benefits.

Establishing legal residency in Florida is the subject of Florida Statutes Section 196.015.  As the statute describes, legal residency is determined by the county property appraisers based on the particular facts and circumstances.  No one factor is conclusive that a person has established residency in Florida, but the statute identifies the following relevant factors:

1. Recording a declaration of domicile in the local county public records.  Forms are available from the county recording office.
2. Enrolling dependent children in local schools.
3. Employment in Florida.
4. Abandoning residency in another state.
5. Voter registration in Florida.
6. A Florida driver’s license or identification card.
7. Florida license tags on motor vehicles.
8. Florida address on federal income tax returns.
9. Banking at Florida banks.
10. Payment for utilities at the Florida residence.