Relocation Guide

Moving to Jacksonville? Start here.

The practical details for new residents: counties, utilities, licenses, schools, and the Florida-specific costs of owning a home. Still deciding? Start with why people are moving to Northeast Florida.

By Dawn Spencer · Last updated November 4, 2026

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The Region

Four counties, very different settings

The Southbank Riverwalk along the St. Johns River with the downtown skyline — Southbank Riverwalk, downtown Jacksonville Photo: PicoOrdinalo (opens in a new tab) · CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab)

Duval County

Jacksonville

The consolidated City of Jacksonville plus the beach cities of Atlantic, Neptune, and Jacksonville Beach. Downtown, historic neighborhoods, and the river.

St. Johns County

Ponte Vedra & St. Augustine

Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, and the World Golf Village area, plus historic St. Augustine (opens in a new tab).

Clay County

Orange Park & Fleming Island

Southwest of Jacksonville along the St. Johns River, near NAS Jacksonville (opens in a new tab) and Camp Blanding.

Nassau County

Amelia Island & Yulee

Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island (opens in a new tab), and fast-growing Yulee and Wildlight to the north.

Getting Set Up

New resident to-dos

Get a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency
Register and title your vehicle in Florida
Register to vote at your new address
Set up electric, water, and trash service (providers depend on your address)
File for homestead exemption if you buy a home you live in
Review homeowners and flood insurance before hurricane season

Full moving checklist

Official Links

Agencies and utilities

FLHSMV (opens in a new tab)Driver licenses and vehicles
JEA (opens in a new tab)Electric, water, and sewer in Duval County
FPL (opens in a new tab)Electric service in parts of the region
Clay Electric Cooperative (opens in a new tab)Electric service in parts of Clay and surrounding counties

Schools

School district information

School assignments can change, so always confirm the zoned schools for a specific address directly with the district. Your zoned school isn't your only option: see the Schools & Colleges guide for open enrollment, magnets, charters, scholarships, and colleges.

Duval County Public Schools (opens in a new tab)Jacksonville and the beach cities
St. Johns County School District (opens in a new tab)Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Augustine
Clay County District Schools (opens in a new tab)Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg
Nassau County School District (opens in a new tab)Fernandina Beach, Yulee

How soon do I need a Florida driver license after moving?

New Florida residents must get a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency. Visit FLHSMV for the documents you'll need.

Which counties make up the Jacksonville area?

The Jacksonville metro area includes Duval County (the consolidated City of Jacksonville), St. Johns County, Clay County, Nassau County, and Baker County.

Does Florida have a state income tax?

No. Florida does not have a personal state income tax. Property taxes vary by county and city, and homeowners who live in their home can apply for a homestead exemption.

Next Step

Neighborhood guides20 communities compared.True cost calculatorFlorida taxes and insurance in one number.Moving checklistPrintable, week by week.New-listing alertsStart watching before you arrive.

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