jerryss2

We just set up our Florida domicile yesterday, following the directions provided by escapees. 

it was very easy! The folks at the dmv/tax collector office were very nice and knew exactly what to do.   ( we were prepared with passports, ss  cards, escapee letter, etc...) 

Drivers licenses took about 20 minutes.  We almost forgot to file our “declaration of domicile “ with the county clerk. We had one of the local clerks notarize the form, then paid $10 to file it.  Everyone was very nice. 
 

notes,

the guide seems a bit out of date, but we got it done, ( certification form is no longer needed and voter registration is now done when you get your license)

no electronics are allowed in the court records office, so leave your phones, iPads, etc in the car. 

after, we drove to Sumter oaks rv park.   It was ... just ok.   The office staff was nice but referred us to Livingston Texas for all escapees questions.

feel free to ask me any questions! 

thank you all for your help.    I will set up our escapee mailbox this week, then we'll take a trip to SUMTER country after the holiday and make it official!

1 minute ago, sandsys said:

I don't recommend using January 1st as your move date. Moving during any month other than December or January then filing a partial year tax return in California makes the break more visible. California will use any excuse to hang onto you as long as they can; they are know to be very aggressive. So, move as many things as you can now and keep records that you have done so. Joining a church and some type of lodge in Florida will also help. I don't always recommend these steps to everyone but I do for anyone leaving California.

Linda

Sandsys,

I will get an escapees mail box this week, then begin  moving  credit cards, etc... to my Florida address.

Should we make a trip to florida now, or can we wait until January for Drivers License, etc...?

thanks in advance

22 minutes ago, Jim1521 said:

Are you keeping property in California?  If so, you may need to consult with an attorney.  There is more to "establishing a FL domicile" than just filling out a form.

I recently went through the process.  In my case, I was already a FL resident (been so for nearly 20 years).  However, once I sold my home, while I was still considered a Floridian (by domicile), the answer is "it depends".  We have a proven "audit trail" that we are still Floridians.  We've kept our doctors; we registered to vote in Clay county.  We maintain our affiliations with churches and schools in the Ft. Myers area.  In short, we're more than just Floridians on paper.

In discussions with a lawyer, we learned that if a state wants to come after you (i.e. California), and you still own property there, continue to use your same doctors, etc., etc., etc.,  - California could make a very valid case that you are still Californians, and come after you for property taxes, income taxes, etc.

Congratulations on retirement.

Jim1521,

Yes, we've sold our California property  (currently living with family and AirBnB's)  We plan on giving my hybrid car to my son, and buying a toad next spring, after we pickup the RV.

25 minutes ago, SWharton said:

I can only respond to your Escapees mailing address. I would get the Livingston one now and begin moving everything over to the new address. You will only use your FL address for auto registration, DL and voting. Not sure about income tax.

You will be surprised how much you will need to move to the new address and how long it takes.

You don't need to get a different bank. Just change your address on your current accounts.

I assume you are are selling your house in CA and terminating all ties. Don't forget about wills etc when in FL.

I also don't see any reason to go to FL when you don't own anything that needs to be registered there at this time.

SWharton.   Yes, we're trying to get things done now, so that we will have plenty of time.

Why would I get a Livingston Tx address, when I want to be a florida resident?   (we chose florida since I'm not yet 65 and not yet eligible for medicare)

I am currently a california resident, but am retiring in the next few weeks.   We plan on getting an RV in January, and want to establish domicile in Florida.

I have the escapees Florida domicile guide, but we have many many questions:  Can anyone outline the steps and timing?

* Should we establish an escapees mailing address now or wait until January?

* should we make a trip to florida now or wait until January?

* How long should we plan to be in Florida to do all this?  ( License, banks, etc...)
* we are selling our car soon will buy a toad in March/april. so, we won't have to transfer and vehicles, yet

* Is the process hard or easy?    any links to other posts are appreciated.

Jerry