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QUICK FACTS

Location
Sarasota County is located on the Florida Gulf Coast between Tampa and Fort Myers. 

Communities in Sarasota County
Casey Key, Englewood, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Manasota Key, Nokomis, North Port, Osprey, Siesta Key, St. Armands, Venice

Geography
573 square miles
35 miles of beachfront

Average Temperature Range
Annual: 61.2 – 83.8° F
January: 49.3 – 73.3° F
July: 71.6 – 91.7° F

Sarasota averages 361 annual days of sunshine

Average Annual Rainfall
52.08 inches

Population
More than 325,900 residents
Median age: 48.9 years

Major Access Roads
Interstate 75 and US Highway 41 (North-South)
University Parkway, Fruitville Road, Bee Ridge Road and Clark Road (East-West)

Airport
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located at the intersection of US 41 & University Parkway. (941) 359-5200

Peak Season
The area's peak season runs from February through Easter.

Accommodations
A wide variety of accommodations are available, from campgrounds to luxury resort hotels. Privately owned condominiums and cottages are also available for rent. 

State Parks
Myakka River State Park (28,875 acres)
Oscar Scherer State Park
Enjoy bird-watching, biking, walking and camping amid Florida's natural swamps, palmetto brush and pines. Myakka State Park offers guided boat and train tours.

NEWCOMER INFORMATION

From finding the right schools to registering your vehicle, moving to a new area can be a challenging experience.  This relocation guide was prepared to help ease the transition.

RESIDENCY

To become an official Florida resident, file a declaration of domicile through the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 2000 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 362-4066.  You can download the form from www.sarasotaclerk.com.  A declaration of domicile is not an application for a homestead exemption.

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND TAXES

Permanent Florida residents don't have to pay taxes on the first $25,000 of their home's appraised value.  To file for a homestead exemption, you must establish residency by Dec. 31 prior to the year you will claim exemption, then file for exemption in January or February.  Contact the Sarasota County Property Appraiser at 2001 Adams Lane, (941) 951-5650.  The Sarasota County property tax millage rate is among the lowest in the state.  Florida has no personal income tax!

VEHICLE REGISTRATION/DRIVER'S LICENSE

New Florida residents must register their vehicles within 10 days of gaining employment, enrolling children in public school or establishing residency.  Register at the Sarasota Tax Collector’s office, 101 S. Washington Boulevard, (941) 362-9898.  Be prepared to show your current driver's license, proof of Florida auto insurance, prior registration certificate and ownership title.  The fee is based on the weight of the vehicle. Your automobile registration expires at midnight on your birthday. 

New Florida residents also must apply for a Florida driver's license within 30 days (but after they register their vehicle).  The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles is located at 601 S. Pompano Ave. S.  For an appointment, call (941) 361-6222.  Bring proof of your Florida vehicle registration, your out-of-state driver's license and your Social Security card.  If your out-of-state license is valid, you only need to take a vision test.  If your license is invalid, or if you are a first-time driver, a written exam and driver's test are required.  A copy of the Florida Driver Handbook is available at http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/handbooks/English.  You must provide the vehicle for the driver’s test. 

VOTER REGISTRATION

You are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, a county resident and you will be at least 18 years old by the next election.  You can register at the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office at 101 S. Washington St., (941) 951-5307, or you can register online at http://election.dos.state.fl.us.  You must submit your valid Florida driver's license number or Florida identification card number.  If you do not have either of these, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.  Your voter registration card will be mailed to you.
 

LIBRARIES

POLICE/SHERIFF

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Also be sure to visit these pages:  Sarasota Accolades, Area Golf Course Map, Neighborhoods Guide, New Developments