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New to Florida
Enter your Zip Code below to get a Free Quote. We suggest getting quotes from both companies to ensure you get the best rate. There is no obligation to purchase.Billed as the Sunshine State, Florida delivers balmy days, sandy beaches, and a year-round slate of outdoor activities like golf and boating. Thousands of visitors trek to its many attractions each year, eager to experience Disney World, the Epcot Center, the mermaids of Weeki Wachi, and SeaWorld Orlando. Retirees are drawn to the area's warmer climes, and families come to work in the booming tourism and aerospace industries.
When you move to Florida, you'll need to get a FL driver license and register your car in the state, as well. Check out the state's Web site for a quick FAQ on various issues. Also, see the following links on this site to get you started:
- Get your Florida driver license: The Division of Driver Licenses has dozens of offices throughout the state to serve you.
- Obtain insurance with a Florida insurer: You'll need to comply with the state's auto insurance requirements before applying for a title and registering your vehicle. Find details about minimum insurance requirements on this site.
- Apply for title and registration: This business is handled by your county tax collector's office. We also have information on how to register your boat.
Top Weather and Climate
Florida's average temperatures range from about 53 degrees in the winter to 80 degrees and more in the summer. All that sunshine doesn't come without a price, however. The state has a six-month hurricane season (June through November), too. See the National Hurricane Center for more information and resources. Also find current weather information for major Florida cities.
Top Business and Technology
With Florida as one of the world's top travel destinations, the tourism industry brings in $57 billion of the state's income. The aerospace industry has also been a key part of Florida's economy ever since Kennedy Space Center was built in the 1960s. Agriculture is third on the state's list of healthy industries; Florida leads the Southeast U.S. in farm income.
Top Major Attractions
No article about Florida is complete without mentioning the wealth of amusement parks and sports attractions throughout the state. The following list represents just a few of the world-class entertainment and adventure venues that call Florida home:
- Titanic―The Exhibition
Top History of Florida
In 1513, the explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed in what is now northeast Florida and claimed the territory in the name of Spain. For the next century, French and Spanish settlers attempted to dominate the land, struggling against each other for final rights. In 1565, the Spanish settled St. Augustine, which became one of the oldest continually-inhabited European settlements in what is now the U.S.
Eventually, the British wrestled control of the area from the Spaniards around 1763, but when England was defeated in the American Revolution, the Spaniards took over the area again. Spain finally gave Florida over to the newly-birthed United States in 1819, in exchange for a promise that the U.S. would give up its claims on Texas (but we all know how well that turned out).
On March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th official state of the United States. Until the mid-1900s, it was one of the country's least populated states. The rising popularity of its warmer climes and agricultural possibilities, however, drew more and more newcomers over the years. It is the most populous state in the south today except for Texas, and the fourth most populous in the entire United States.
Top Fun Facts and Figures
- The booming retail and tourism trades are the reason that Florida is one of the few states in the U.S. that doesn't levy a personal income tax.
- 1,000 people move to Florida every day.
- Florida has more than 1,250 golf courses, more than any other U.S. state.
- Florida is the most popular spring training ground for major-league baseball teams (18 in all).
- Clearwater, Florida, is the U.S. city with the highest number of lightning strikes per capita.
- Miami has the distinction of being the first city in America that installed an ATM specifically for in-line skaters.
- The sports drink Gatorade is so named because it was developed at the University of Florida, home of the Gators.
- Orlando attracts more tourists than any other U.S. amusement park destination.
MORE LINKS FOR NEWCOMERS
Related Questions from DMV Answers
How useful is a free drivers permit practice test?
Practice tests for the drivers permit test are very useful, if you want to pass the learners permit test the first time you take it and be on the road to getting a regular drivers license. Free tests, available from your state motor vehicle office, are usually only about ten questions long; some states have several available. These tests are taken right out of the driver’s manual. But, the more practice tests you take, the better you’ll be at taking the exam to get your drivers permit. Some people find that the free tests aren’t quite comprehensive enough to make them 100% confident that they’ll pass the regular test. Taking some extra practice tests compiled by expert third-party companies that specialize in creating practice tests will reinforce what you have studied--and will boost your test-taking confidence. Many of these companies have put together learners permit practice tests for every single state; and these tests have more questions, so you g...
Read more >>What are the car seat laws in regard to a booster seat?
Children 2 to 5 years of age prematurely using safety belts are four times more likely to suffer a serious head injury in an auto accident than kids who are restrained in safety seats or booster seats. State laws should require children to be in age-and size-appropriate child safety seats or seat belts. However, most state child car seat laws are very vague. See the grid below for more inforamtion on car seat laws. Parents should remember that it’s not age that determines when a child no longer has to ride in a child safety seat, it’s weight and height. Children who are shorter and thinner than their peers may need to ride in a safety seat for a bit longer in order to stay safe. The best way to determine if your child needs a booster seat is “The 5-Step Test.” Can my child sit all the way back against the car seat? Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs? Does the belt cross the shoulder between his neck and arm? Can his knees bend comfortabl...
Read more >>What paperwork do emission testing sites require?
The one thing you can count on having to bring to the smog check is your vehicle; the inspectors can’t perform an emissions test on a vehicle that’s not there, after all.After that, requirements vary by state. Once you dive into the grid, you’ll see that most emissions testing sites require nothing more than your registration information (this might be your vehicle’s registration card, registration renewal notice, or – in the case of newly purchased vehicles – your title) and the appropriate fees. You’ll even see that some states provide emissions tests for free!Of course, situations might arise in which you’ll need to provide extra paperwork, such as a smog test reminder notice. This grid notes such additional requirements, but be sure to pay attention to any registration or smog check renewal notices that might outline the paperwork you must bring.Check the grid below to find out your state’s requirements.
Read more >>Is a work permit the same as a restricted or hardship license?
While some states group all of these under the same category, a work permit is usually considered to be a bit more limited that a restricted or hardship license.That's because a work permit normally only allows you to drive to and from work. Meanwhile, a restricted or hardship license allows you to drive within certain hours of the day - perhaps to go to the doctor's office, school, or grocery store - as well as to and from your job. Some states also offer hardship licenses to young drivers under the legal driving age, depending on their family needs and distance from school and public transportation.Again, though, states define work permits and hardship licenses differently, so you'll need to inquire with your state's driver's license agency to specifically find out what driving activities you're allowed to do - and when.If you have a revoked drivers license, you might find it more difficult to obtain a work permit or hardship license than if you have a suspended drivers ...
Read more >>Is there a grace period for my registration?
You can learn if your state offers a grace period for vehicle registration from the grid below. If you harbor more questions about this topic, call your local state's DMV office. Or try visiting its Web site and search under registration renewal.If your registration's expiration date is approaching or has passed, you need to initiate the renewal process as quickly as possible. Otherwise you'll risk accruing late fees and, possibly, getting ticketed.
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