Help with Moving to Orlando Area.

[ThreeMusketeers]

Hi there, we are considering a move to the Orlando Area late this year, early next. And I had some ?'s for you all..wondering if you might know the awnser to any of them..so here I go..



We are looking for a Quiet/Safe/Residensial area with good schools near Orlando. Could you give me some direction??

What is the state tax in FL?

Is car insurance expensive/house insurance/property tax?

Should we worry about natural disasters in the Orlando area? Very concerned about Hurricanes, Tornados, things like this. Is it an occurance often, or one that is no worse than our threat of blizzards/white outs and such in the North.

Any other things that we should think about before moving to FL from NY?

Thanks so much!

 

[dolphinrescuegirl]

I'm moving to Miami the same time as you and could also use some info.

 

[kennancat]

We are looking for a Quiet/Safe/Residensial area with good schools near Orlando. Could you give me some direction??
Generally, the Seminole County area is considered to have the best schools.

What is the state tax in FL?
Do you mean sales tax? Around here, it ranges between 6.5 - 7%. There is no state income tax in Florida.


Is car insurance expensive/house insurance/property tax?
Really depends on where you're coming from and which area you choose. Homeowners insurance is starting to be a problem. Another potential issue with property tax is the "Save Our Homes" law. Once you are in a house, your rates will not grow beyond a certain rate each year. So guess who ends up paying the higher taxes?

Should we worry about natural disasters in the Orlando area? Very concerned about Hurricanes, Tornados, things like this. Is it an occurance often, or one that is no worse than our threat of blizzards/white outs and such in the North.
One of my dad's favorite sayings is "no one ever froze to death in a hurricane". I really don't mind them - you know they're coming and can evacuate if needed. Also, the storms do get weaker inland. The tornados that just went through last week are sort of a freak thing. We do get tornadoes, but they're generally not that strong and no where near as common as in Tornado Alley.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

We are looking for a Quiet/Safe/Residensial area with good schools near Orlando. Could you give me some direction??
Generally, the Seminole County area is considered to have the best schools.

What is the state tax in FL?
Do you mean sales tax? Around here, it ranges between 6.5 - 7%. There is no state income tax in Florida.


Is car insurance expensive/house insurance/property tax?
Really depends on where you're coming from and which area you choose. Homeowners insurance is starting to be a problem. Another potential issue with property tax is the "Save Our Homes" law. Once you are in a house, your rates will not grow beyond a certain rate each year. So guess who ends up paying the higher taxes?

Should we worry about natural disasters in the Orlando area? Very concerned about Hurricanes, Tornados, things like this. Is it an occurance often, or one that is no worse than our threat of blizzards/white outs and such in the North.
One of my dad's favorite sayings is "no one ever froze to death in a hurricane". I really don't mind them - you know they're coming and can evacuate if needed. Also, the storms do get weaker inland. The tornados that just went through last week are sort of a freak thing. We do get tornadoes, but they're generally not that strong and no where near as common as in Tornado Alley.

Good luck in your decision!

Thanks for your advice.
Could you explain the property tax issue to me? I am confused. Is it so outrageous that its not affordable to a mid income family?

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for your advice.
Could you explain the property tax issue to me? I am confused. Is it so outrageous that its not affordable to a mid income family?

The SOH law that kennancat is referring to is more commonly known as the Homestead Exemption of $25,000 off the home's tax value. Once you purchase a home and apply/receive the HE, it's yours while you own the home and can not go up more than 3% a year. HOWEVER...you will be taxed on the current market value and not what the former owner paid. For example, I bought my house in 2005 for $126,900 and the taxes went from $939 to $1500 in a single year because of the higher sales price. I have the Homestead Exemption until I decide to sell. Most people here are reeling from the rapid increase of property and their mortgage payments are taking a sizeable jump. Governor Crist is trying to do something about the taxes and insurance rates which have completely gone nuts over the past 1.5 years. Hope that helps.