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, 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 this link for demographic information (quick facts) about different cities. Compare the cost of living, climate, schools... between Sarasota and other cities around the country.
US Census Bureau Quick Facts official website
The Sarasota County - Hometown Locator website
The Bradenton - Hometown Locator website
Maps and Travel
Follow the links below for location maps, and helpful driving directions.
MapQuest official webpage
RandMcNally official webpage
Mortgage Information
Follow the links below to find out today's rates and other helpful information on mortgages and financing your home.
M&I Bank official webpage
Country Wide official webpage
Wells Fargo official webpage
Credit
Follow the links below to learn more about credit scoring and the 3 major credit bureaus.
Myfico official webpage
Equifax official webpage
Experian official webpage
Voter Registration Information
Online Voter Registration Form
Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Website
Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Website
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.
Sarasota County Clerk of Courts
Manatee County Clerk of Courts
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.
Manatee County Tax Collector
Sarasota County Tax Collector
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.
Sarasota County
Manatee County
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.
Manatee County Property Appraiser
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.
Sarasota County Property Appraiser
Moving Companies
Spirit Movers
Two Men and a Truck
Allied Van Lines
Penske Truck Rental for Do It Your-selfers
Hotels and Accommodations
Ritz Carlton Resort in Sarasota
The Colony Beach Resort on Longboat Key
Fairfield Inn & Suites at Lakewood Ranch
Holiday Inn at Lakewood Ranch
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
941.748.3816
www.mybrighthouse.com
Comcast (Sarasota) 941.371.6700
Direct TV Satellite connection 800.280.4388
Telephone
Verizon Residential 800.483.4000
Verizon Commercial 800.483.5000
Water/ Sewer/ Garbage
Bradenton Water Department 941.932.9400
Bradenton Sewer/Public Works 941.708.6300
Bradenton Sanitation/ Garbage 941.708.6340
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
Waste Management Sarasota 941.924.1254
Sarasota County Utilities 941.861.6790
Electricity
Florida Power and Light 941.917.0708
Toll free number 800.226.3545
Peace River Electric 863.773.4116
Gas
Teco - Peoples Gas 941.366.4277
Toll free 877.832.6747
Ferrellgas - Palmetto (propane) 941-722-1669
Ferrellgas - Sarasota (propane) 941-358.8710
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
941.747.8621
Sarasota County Transit 941.861.1234
941.861.1020
www.scgov.net/scat
Greyhound Bus Lines Sarasota 941.955.5735
Greyhound Bus Lines Bradenton 941.747.2984
Airports
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport 941.359.2770
www.srq-airport.com
Tampa International Airport 813-870-8700
800.767.8882
www.tampaairport.com
Sarasota - Tampa Express (shuttle) 800-326-2800
941-355-8400
Southwest Florida International Airport
Ft. Myers 239.768.1000
www.flycpa.com |