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FLORIDA GUIDE

Life in Florida comes
with its own rules. Know what comes next.

From homestead exemptions and property taxes to court records, hurricanes, and starting a business, CountyOffices gives you clear Florida-specific guidance for the things that matter.

Reviewed against official Florida government sources • Updated as laws and requirements change

What brings you here today?

I own a home in Florida

Homestead exemption, property taxes, assessments, deeds, and hurricane damage.

I'm buying or selling property

Closings, title searches, documents, documentary stamp tax, flood zones, and property records.

I'm preparing for hurricane season

Permits, evacuation info, insurance documents, county resources, and emergency alerts.

Someone passed away

Probate, wills, estates, homestead property, and county court filing.

I'm getting married or divorced

Marriage licenses, divorce filing, name changes, and official records.

I'm caring for an aging parent

Senior services, benefits, property issues, and estate planning information.

I need an official record

Birth, death, marriage, court, property, and business records.

I'm starting or running a business

Sunbiz, licenses, permits, EIN, taxes, sales tax, and local requirements.

How-To Guides for Florida

Florida works differently. Here's what to know.

Homestead & Save Our Homes

Florida's homestead exemption and assessment cap can save you thousands and protect your home in many situations.

Property Appraiser vs. Tax Collector

The Property Appraiser determines value. The Tax Collector collects the tax.

Clerk of Court Does More

From official records and deeds to marriage licenses, probate, and court records - your Clerk of Court does a lot.

Florida Homestead After Death

How your homestead may affect probate, inheritance, and creditor protection in Florida.

No Traditional County DMV

Driver licenses and vehicle registration are handled by the state and local Tax Collector offices.

Hurricane & Disaster Rules

Permits, emergency orders, reassessments, FEMA help, and recovery deadlines matter after a storm.

The questions Florida residents actually ask

See more common questions →

Not sure where to start?

Describe your situation and we'll point you in the right direction.

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IMPORTANT IN FLORIDA

Important Deadlines in Florida

The single most consequential date on a Florida homeowner's calendar is March 1: the deadline to file for homestead exemption on a home you owned and occupied as your permanent residence as of January 1.

Property Tax Appeals in Florida

If you believe your county Property Appraiser has overvalued your home, Florida gives you a real, accessible path to challenge it - but the clock starts the moment your TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice is mailed, typically in August.

Public Records Access in Florida

Florida's public records law, enshrined in both statute (Chapter 119) and the state constitution, is genuinely among the broadest in the country, often called the Sunshine Law.

Storm & Recovery Help in Florida

Florida's hurricane season runs officially June 1 through November 30, and every coastal - and often inland - county maintains an evacuation zone system (typically labeled A through E or similar) that determines when and whether residents are asked to leave ahead of an approaching storm; know your specific zone before hurricane season starts, since it's tied to your address, not a general regional designation.

New to Florida?

Florida law gives you specific windows to get squared away once you establish residency - and residency itself kicks in through any one of several triggers: starting a job in Florida, enrolling your kids in a Florida public school, registering to vote here, filing for homestead exemption, or simply living in the state more than six consecutive months.

Find the services available in your county

Florida laws apply statewide, but offices, services, procedures and local requirements can vary by county. Select your county for verified local offices, services and official resources.

All 67 Florida counties

Browse every county and county seat.

No matches. Clear the filter to see the full list.

Sources and References

67COUNTIES COVEREDAcross Florida
22M+RESIDENTS REPRESENTEDFlorida population covered
1,000+TOPICS & GUIDESAnswers for real life
VerifiedSOURCED TO OFFICIAL RESOURCESEvery guide links to primary government sources