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Todd A. Currey, LLC - CPA, GRI, CRS, ABR
EMAIL
941-918-8889
Tamara L. Currey, LLC
EMAIL
941-587-1776
Susan Carte P.A.
EMAIL
941-228-3386
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SARASOTA Area Information
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7/27/2008 |
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Local Information and History of SARASOTA |
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Living and Working In Paradise
Once known primarily as a vacation or retirement destination, today's Sarasota
is home to diversity. A great year-round climate, expanding employment
opportunities, abundant leisure time activities and excellent schools attract
creative entrepreneurs, skilled workers and professionals who want to thrive in
a community where life is fun. Almost half of Sarasota County's population is in
the prime working age range of 25 to 64. No matter what your age or stage,
there's always something interesting to do in Sarasota.Sarasota County is
located on the West Coast of Florida, about 60 miles south of Tampa. The
county's approximately 600 square miles extend west from rustic ranch land to
the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. With more than 35 miles of
gulf beaches, residents are within a 15-minute drive of the most spectacular
white sand beaches in the world.
The average year-round temperature is a pleasant 72 degrees; averaging 61.5
degrees in January and 80 degrees in August. The average annual rainfall is 60
inches.
Sarasota offers a diversity of neighborhoods to suit every taste and budget,
each with a unique personality. Residents enjoy all the hospitality of a small
town combined with the amenities and modern infrastructure of a large city.
Sarasota County's communities include: Sarasota, Englewood, North Port, Venice,
St Armands Circle; and the barrier islands of Casey Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key
and Siesta Key.
Residency
To become an official Florida resident, file a declaration of domicile. The
document states that you reside at a certain address and is notarized by the
Clerk of the County Court. Contact the Sarasota County Clerk of Circuit Courts,
2000 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 362-4066.
Taxes
- The homestead exemption provision means that permanent residents don't
pay taxes on the first $25,000 of their home's appraised value. You can
reduce your ad valorem tax bill by seeking a homestead exemption on the
first $25,000 of your home's value.To file for exemption, establish
residency by Dec. 31 prior to the year you will claim exemption, then file
for exemption in January or February. Contact the Sarasota County Property
Appraiser at 2001 Adams Lane (941) 951-5650.
- Residents of Sarasota County benefit from a property tax millage rate
that is among the lowest in the state.
- The state of Florida has no personal income tax!
Vehicle Registration/Driver's License
New residents must register their vehicles in Florida within 10 days of
gaining employment or enrolling children in school. To register a vehicle, be
prepared to provide the Sarasota County Tax Collector's office with your current
driver's license, proof of Florida auto insurance, prior registration
certificate and ownership title. The vehicle identification number will be
verified, and you will need to apply for a Florida license plate. The fee
depends on the vehicle's weight. Newcomers also must apply for a Florida Title
Certificate if there is a lien on the vehicle; you should bring your payment
book to the Tax Collector's office. Contact the Sarasota Tax Collector, 101 S.
Washington, (941) 362-9898.
Florida law requires that new state residents apply for a Florida driver's
license within 30 days. But first, register your car as noted above.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will need to see proof of your Florida vehicle
registration, your out-of-state driver's license and your social security card.
If you own a Florida-registered vehicle, bring the registration as well. If your
out-of-state license is valid, you need only take a vision test. A written exam
and driver's test is required if your license is invalid or if you are applying
for your first license. The written exam is based on the Florida Driver's
Handbook and the driver must supply the vehicle for the test. A license is valid
for six years and costs $20. Contact the driver license office at 601 S. Pompano
Ave., (941) 361-6217, or call (941) 361-6222 for an appointment.
Voter Registration
To vote, you must register in your county of residence. You are eligible to
vote if you are a U.S. citizen, county resident and at least 18 years old by the
next election. To register, fill out a form and swear an oath that you live in
the county. Your voter registration card will be mailed to you before the next
election. For information on registration locations near you, call the Sarasota
County Supervisor of Elections Office at 101 S. Washington St. (941) 951-5307.
http://www.sarasotachamber.com
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Equal Housing Opportunity