We Did It!
After gathering every important document in our lifetime, 8 hours at the DMV, a visit to the social security office, numerous quotes for auto insurance, 1 visit from a county sheriff, 2 visits to the Tag Agency, 1 trip to the county tax collector, lots of driving around, waiting in lines and over $3000 later, WE DID IT!
We now have Florida driver's licenses, Florida car insurance, Florida license plates (they call them "tags" here), Florida registration and Florida titles on our cars. We are official residents of the state.
Except in the eyes of the Fish and Game Department. You can't get a fishing license until you have lived here for six months. It's killing Stephen. The big canal near our home is the one of the best spots to fish for butterfly peacock bass.
And if you're wondering about the visit from the county sheriff . . . we had to have the VINs on our cars inspected and certified. The website said a Florida police officer could do that for you. We called them and asked about it, totally expecting to have to drive all 3 cars to a police station. We were surprised when they said they would send a police officer out to our home to do that for us. It was the nicest part of the whole process. Though we hope our new neighbors don't think that their new neighbors are having problems. :-)
Lessons Learned During Process:
We now have Florida driver's licenses, Florida car insurance, Florida license plates (they call them "tags" here), Florida registration and Florida titles on our cars. We are official residents of the state.
Except in the eyes of the Fish and Game Department. You can't get a fishing license until you have lived here for six months. It's killing Stephen. The big canal near our home is the one of the best spots to fish for butterfly peacock bass.
And if you're wondering about the visit from the county sheriff . . . we had to have the VINs on our cars inspected and certified. The website said a Florida police officer could do that for you. We called them and asked about it, totally expecting to have to drive all 3 cars to a police station. We were surprised when they said they would send a police officer out to our home to do that for us. It was the nicest part of the whole process. Though we hope our new neighbors don't think that their new neighbors are having problems. :-)
Lessons Learned During Process:
- Important documents include but are not limited to birth certificates, social security cards, passports, marriage certificate, proof of residency, titles, deeds, HUD-1 settlement statements, transcripts, diplomas, proof of insurance.
- Keep all documents together so you can easily take them with you in an emergency.
- Maintain a happy attitude. It makes the waiting more bearable.
- Talk to the people in line with you. It surprises them and is fun.
Haha, that's awesome, Mom! I'm so glad you guys have finally finished the long process and are now true Florida-ians! (What do you call someone from the State of Florida anyway?) P.S. Could dad get a temporary fishing license? Or one for someone out-of-state? That stinks that he can't go fishing in his own backyard! We love you guys!
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