Relocation guide
Moving to Sarasota
How to choose where to live, the Florida paperwork for new residents, and what to know about hurricanes, insurance and schools.
Choose where to live.
23 areas from Anna Maria Island to Englewood. Each page has every home for sale and a short local guide. Compare them all ›
Islands & beaches
Barrier islands and beach towns on the Gulf.
Cities & towns
From Bradenton down to Englewood and inland to Arcadia.
Sarasota neighborhoods
In-town neighborhoods, from downtown to Gulf Gate.
Communities
Master-planned communities with their own villages and amenities.
Homes for sale, live from Stellar MLS. Some areas overlap (Sarasota includes Siesta Key, for example).
Your first weeks in Florida.
Deadlines from the state of Florida; check the official sites for the current documents and fees.
Step 1: Florida driver license
New residents who drive have 30 days to get a Florida driver license. Bring your current license and the documents the state asks for; book a visit with the county tax collector. flhsmv.gov ↗
Step 2: Car title and registration
Register and title your car in Florida within 10 days of starting a job, enrolling children in school or otherwise becoming a resident. You'll need proof of Florida car insurance and a VIN check.
Step 3: Homestead exemption
If you own the home you live in on January 1, apply for the homestead exemption with the county property appraiser by March 1. It lowers the taxable value and limits yearly increases. Moving from another Florida homestead? Ask about portability.
Step 4: Voter registration
Register or update your address with the county Supervisor of Elections.
Step 5: Utilities and internet
Electricity, water, trash and internet providers depend on the address. Set them up a week or two before you move in; George can tell you who serves a home.
Living here.
No state income tax
Florida has no state personal income tax. Property taxes, insurance and any HOA or CDD fees matter more when you compare homes.Hurricane season
June 1 to November 30. Know your evacuation zone and have a plan; the county emergency management office publishes the zones. Know your zone ↗Insurance
Get homeowners and flood quotes early: they depend on the roof, windows, elevation and flood zone, and can change the monthly cost a lot.Seasons
Winter and spring are busy, with seasonal residents and visitors in town. Summers are hot and humid, with afternoon storms.Schools
Public schools are run by each county: Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto. School zones can change, so check the zone for an address with the district before you buy.Getting around
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) sits between the two cities; Tampa and Fort Myers airports are within driving distance. I-75 and US 41 (the Tamiami Trail) run north to south.
Rent first or buy?
Renting first
A season or a year in a rental lets you try an area before you buy. See current rentals ›Buying from away
Tour by video, sign electronically and close remotely with the title company. Read the buyer's guide ›
Moving to Sarasota questions.
How do I choose where to live around Sarasota?
Start with how you want to live: on an island near the beach, downtown, in a master-planned community with amenities, or in a quieter town. Each area on this site has its own page with every home for sale and live prices, and the Areas page compares them side by side.
How long do I have to get a Florida driver license?
New residents who drive have 30 days to get a Florida driver license. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website lists the documents you need.
When do I apply for the homestead exemption?
You must own and live in the home as your permanent residence on January 1, and apply with the county property appraiser by March 1 of that year.
Should I rent before I buy?
If you don’t know the area yet, renting for a season can help you choose. You can see current rentals on this site, and George can help with both.
Can I buy a home from out of state?
Yes. Many buyers tour by video, sign documents electronically and close remotely or by mail with the title company. Inspections and the walk-through can be done by your agent or someone you trust.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and deadlines can change; the official sites linked above have the current ones.
Planning a move?
Tell George how you want to live and your budget. He'll suggest areas, send homes that match and set up video or in-person tours.