If you are relocating to the Sarasota County or Manatee County area, this page has a lot of information on it to help you to begin to discover and learn more about the area.
You’ll find Demographic information, Hospital information, Schools and College information, Maps to help you get around, Banking information, Credit score websites, Voter Registration information, Proof of Residency, Important information about Tags, Permits, and Licenses of all types in this area. You even have the Property Appraisers website to help you check out property values, and a helpful telephone number list.
Demographics
Follow these links for demographic information (quick facts) about different cities. Compare the cost of living, climate, schools... between Sarasota and other cities around the country.
Local Hospital Information
Helpful medical information in the event of an emergency.
Schools, Colleges, & Library Information
Helpful Schools, Colleges, and Library information.
Local Newspapers and Magazines
Local Newspaper and Magazines for your reading pleasure.
Maps and Travel
Follow the links below for location maps, and helpful driving directions.
Mortgage Information
Follow the links below to find out today's rates and other helpful information on mortgages and financing your home.
Credit
Follow the links below to learn more about credit scoring and the 3 major credit bureaus.
Voter Registration Information
Proof of Residency
For most purposes, a utility bill with your name and address shown is sufficient for proof of residency, however some employers may require additional proof for newcomers. You can file a Declaration of Domicile at the Clerk of Court.
There is a wealth of knowledge at the Clerk of Courts website you can check for foreclosure sales, tax sales, online records of plats, condominium documents and much more.
Vehicle Registration Information & Other License information
New residents must register their vehicles in Florida within 10 days of gaining employment or enrolling children in school. To register a vehicle, be prepared to provide the County Tax Collector's office with your current driver's license, proof of Florida auto insurance, prior registration certificate and ownership title. The vehicle identification number will be verified, and you will need to apply for a Florida license plate. The fee depends on the vehicle's weight. Newcomers also must apply for a Florida Title Certificate if there is a lien on the vehicle; you should bring your payment book to the Tax Collector's office. See the tax collector links below.
There is a wealth of information on the Tax Collector site. You will find information on Disabled Parking Permits, Hunt & Fishing licenses, Motor Vehicle Registrations, and Boat Registrations.
Drivers License Information
Florida law requires that new state residents apply for a Florida driver's license within 30 days. But first, register your car as noted above.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will need to see proof of your Florida vehicle registration, your out-of-state driver's license and your social security card. If you own a Florida-registered vehicle, bring the registration as well. If your out-of-state license is valid, you need only take a vision test. A written exam and driver's test is required if your license is invalid or if you are applying for your first license. The written exam is based on the Florida Driver's Handbook and the driver must supply the vehicle for the test. A license is valid for six years and costs $20. See the links below for drivers license information.
Property Appraiser Information
At the Manatee County Property Appraiser website you can search for property information by Address, Owner's Name, and Account Number. Website also has information on Homestead Exemption for New Florida Residents.
At the Sarasota County Property Appraiser website you can search for property information by Parcel ID, Owner's Name, Address, or Subdivision Code/ Condominium Name. Website also has information on Homestead Exemption for New Florida Residents.
Moving Companies
Hotels and Accommodations
Helpful Telephone Numbers
This is not a complete list because there are so many topics that could be added. Hopefully these numbers will help to get you started.
Cable TV
Brighthouse (Manatee)
|
941.748.1822 |
| Comcast (Sarasota) |
941.377.0995
|
| Direct TV Satellite connection |
800.280.4388
|
Telephone
|
Verizon Residential
|
800.483.4000
|
Verizon Commercial
|
800.483.5000
|
Water
| Bradenton Public Works |
941.708.6300
|
Manatee County utilities
|
941.792.8811
|
Longboat Key public works
|
941.316.1988
|
Holmes Beach Public works
|
941.708.5833
|
Palmetto Utilities
|
941.723.4570
|
Sarasota Public works
|
941.861.5000 |
Electricity
Florida Power and Light
|
941.917.0708 |
Toll free number
|
800.226.3545
|
Peace River Electric
|
941.758.1118
|
Gas
Teco - Peoples Gas
|
941.366.4277
|
Toll free number
|
877.832.6747 |
Fire Departments
Anna Maria
|
941.741.3900 |
Bradenton Beach
|
941.741.3900
|
Bradenton
|
941.708.6233
|
Holmes Beach
|
941.741.3900
|
Longboat Key
|
941.316.1944 |
Sarasota
|
941.861.5000
|
Police Departments
Anna Maria
|
941.708.8899
|
Bradenton Beach
|
941.778.6311
|
Bradenton
|
941.932.9300
|
Holmes Beach
|
941.708.5804 |
Longboat Key
|
941.316.1977
|
Palmetto
|
941.721.2000
|
Sarasota
|
941.366.8000 |
Sheriff Departments
Manatee County
|
941.747.3011
|
Sarasota County
|
941.316.1201 |
Licenses
Pets (Manatee)
|
941.742.5933
|
Pets (Sarasota)
|
941.861.9500
|
Marriage (Manatee)
|
941.741.4020
|
Marriage (Sarasota)
|
941.861.7400 |
City/Town Halls
Anna Maria
|
941.708.6130 |
Bradenton
|
941.932.9400
|
Holmes Beach
|
941.708.5800 |
Longboat Key
|
941.316.1999 |
Palmetto
|
941.723.4570
|
Sarasota
|
941.365.2200 |
Public Transportation
Manatee County Transit
|
941.749.7116
|
Sarasota County Transit
|
941.861.1234 |
Airports
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport |
941.359.2770
|
Tampa International Airport |
813-870-8700
|
Sarasota - Tampa Express (shuttle) |
800-326-2800
or
941-355-8400 |
|