Dawn Spencer REALTOR® · Hi Real Estate

PCS to Jacksonville

Your PCS move to Northeast Florida, planned.

From the day your orders arrive to the day you unpack. A Navy veteran's guide to moving to NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, Kings Bay, or Camp Blanding.

By Dawn Spencer · Last updated

Timeline

From orders to keys

PCS timelines rarely leave room for a slow home search. Starting early, even from your current duty station, makes a big difference.

Plan My PCS Move VA Loans & Neighborhoods
A Navy frigate departing Naval Station Mayport
A ship departs Naval Station Mayport Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Paige Gnann · Public domain

  1. Orders in hand

    Contact your transportation office to schedule your move, and your installation's relocation assistance office.

  2. Decide: buy or rent

    Compare costs, how long you'll stay, and your next move.

  3. Get VA pre-approved

    Request your Certificate of Eligibility through your lender or VA.gov.

  4. Narrow neighborhoods remotely

    Commute times, schools, and lifestyle, reviewed together by video.

  5. House-hunting trip

    A focused 2 to 3 days of tours, or buy with video tours if you can't travel.

  6. Contract to close

    Inspections, VA appraisal, and closing, which can be timed to your report date.

  7. Move in

    Coordinate household goods delivery with your closing date, and file for homestead exemption.

Printable Checklist

PCS move checklist

As soon as orders arrive

  • Schedule your household goods shipment or personally procured move through your transportation office
  • Give written lease termination notice if renting (see SCRA)
  • Decide whether to sell, rent out, or keep your current home
  • Request your VA Certificate of Eligibility
  • Contact the gaining installation's relocation assistance office

Before you arrive

  • Get pre-approved and set a budget that includes insurance and taxes
  • Research commute routes to your duty station
  • Review school district information for school-age children
  • Book temporary lodging (see where to stay)
  • Gather medical, school, and pet records

After you arrive

  • Check in at your command and finance office
  • Get a Florida driver license and update vehicle registration (exemptions may apply to active duty)
  • Register to vote or update your voting address
  • File for Florida homestead exemption if you buy (deadline March 1)
  • Find your closest commissary and NEX: NAS Jacksonville, Mayport, and Kings Bay all have them (who can shop)

Official Resources

Should I buy or rent when I PCS to Jacksonville?

It depends on how long you expect to stay, your budget, and whether you might keep the home as a rental after your next move. We can compare the numbers for both before you decide.

Can I break a lease if I get PCS orders?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) lets service members terminate certain residential leases after receiving qualifying PCS orders, with proper written notice. Your installation's legal assistance office can confirm your situation.

Is temporary lodging covered during a PCS?

Service members may be eligible for a temporary lodging allowance during a PCS. Eligibility and the number of days depend on current travel regulations, so confirm with your transportation or finance office.

Free Packet

Want this as a PDF? Email me the va & pcs packet.

VA loans, exemptions, PCS timeline, commissary access: 5 guides from this site in one branded PDF, sent personally with a short note. No drip campaign, no spam.

Email me the va & pcs packet

Next Step

VA loans & neighborhoodsFunding fee, exemptions, duty-station commutes.Veteran benefits checkerFee or exemption, plus Florida tax breaks.Where to stayShort stays for the house-hunting trip.Moving checklistPrintable, week by week.

Let's talk about where you're headed.

Buying, selling, building, or just exploring your options, call or text me any time.

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Dawn Spencer, REALTOR® · Hi Real Estate