How do I keep my FL residency, even tho I just moved to Mich? UPDATE PG 2

[jodifla]

I finally followed my husband up to Michigan, where he grew up, from Florida, where I grew up. But we still have a Florida home, even though most of the year will be spent up here (where it's allegedly spring, even though there is SNOW on the ground.) I recall there being a way to still have a FL driver's license if you have a Florida home. Can you DVC snowbirds assist me?

I posted this question a few months ago, but can't find the responses with the Search function.

Even though I'm in exile in Michigan, I remain...

jodifla

PS -- I do think that I will really enjoy Ausust and September in Michigan, away from Florida's hurricane season!

 

[CarolA]

You can go to the FL dept of transport and get a Florida Resident's ID. My dad had one when he was a snowbird. That way you can have a MI DL and the ID.

 

[JimMIA]

I would think you could just renew your D/L online using your Florida address. You'll need the D/L for Florida resident perks at WDW.

The online address is www.hsmv.state.fl.us and you'll see D/L renewal right in the middle of the home page.

 

[icydog]

You can go to the FL dept of transport and get a Florida Resident's ID. My dad had one when he was a snowbird. That way you can have a MI DL and the ID.

My husband and I are owners of a home in St Augustine. We are not snow birds, and in fact, we rarely go there. But we still can be considered Florida Residents and legally too.. We just went to FL Motor Vehicle in St Augustine and brought with us two bills with our address and name on them. For instance, we brought an electric and cable bill. Upon receipt of this info they take your picture and give you a Florida ID. Very fast, probably less than ten minutes from walking in to walking out with the ID. The ID looks exactly like a license and everyone looking at it assumes it is one. Even if the cast members review it carefully, it is enough to get you a Florida Seasonal pass.

My mother never drove and called her Ohio ID card her "drivers license" since she showed it for ID everywhere she went. Made her feel like everyone else.

 

[wtpclc]

jodifla - I'm sorry you picked this year to take the jump! We Michiganders know that Spring is a date on the calendar and does not necessarily coincide with the weather. However, this year is the worst March I can remember. Spring will come, though, and we are hurricane free. I also think you will like the fall colors. Welcome to Michigan, sorry that your welcome is not so warm, though!

 

[the kabuki]

My sympathies on having to move here

 

[CarolA]

I would think you could just renew your D/L online using your Florida address. You'll need the D/L for Florida resident perks at WDW.

The online address is www.hsmv.state.fl.us and you'll see D/L renewal right in the middle of the home page.

However, if you ever get stopped in MI and have lived there for a while with an out of state DL they can up the fines.... so I would go the ID route. Disney accepts them.

 

[wdw4us2]

I recall there being a way to still have a FL driver's license if you have a Florida home.

A friend of mine, who was from New York, kept his NY license and got a license that has a restriction. It's only good for in-state driving. He had to get that because he was a Letter Carrier for the Post Office and they wouldn't accept the NY license to work in Florida. This is not the same as as Florida state ID.

 

[Cruelladeville]

Did you actually WANT to move here??? This winter hasn't been so bad, at least at the lakeshore. We only had 40 inches this year, some years we have had nearly 200!(OK, that was in the 70's, but still) Today we actually have sunshine, and, when you live in Michigan you know that sunshine is never taken for granted. It's a gift.

 

[Dean]

Technically you cannot be a resident of 2 states but we're not truly talking residency but Disney's requirements for the discounts. If you still have a home or other real estate, you should be fine. From what I understand the FL ONLY DL will not work though some have gotten it and others not from what I understand. Michigan law likely requires you to change your DL and tags within a specified amount of time, I know FL law does.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Born in Green Bay, grew up in Metro Detroit (east sider). Just moved (last year) to The Valley of the Sun - Phoenix, Arizona! It's sunny and 75 today; I was in the hot tub (outdoors) on New Years Day; and yes, the heat is a dry heat! I have fond memories of Macomb County, but I certainly don't miss all those "Winter Storm Alerts" that either dumped 28 inches of snow, or were just a flurry!

 

[JimMIA]

As far as I know, there is no prohibition against having two regular driver's licenses in two states. I can't imagine what difference it would make to anybody.

Living in state A and driving on state B's driver's license might be a no-no, but that's just a revenue thing. In Florida, we have a law that you have to have a Florida D/L if you are employed here, or have kids in school, or if you have lived here for X Days (I think it is 10, but I'm not sure of that). From that, you can clearly see that the concern is revenue, not driving ability.

Long story short, it might be a LOT easier to renew an existing license online than to go get an ID card.

 

[Dean]

I think you could have problems keeping both as full unrestricted licenses. I'm pretty sure that FL will require not only your current legal address but require you to attest you are a legal resident of the state. You can get a FL only license and keep your out of state. I suspect most states would require the same and for a new registrant to surrender their old license. I'm not saying one couldn't do it as I suspect it's not difficult to keep both. But I think it's illegal and there's a risk. But there are other ways of meeting the Disney discount requirements for FL residents that are at least legal even if shady but it depends on the specific situation.

 

[JimMIA]

You can get a FL only license and keep your out of state.

I stand corrected on this one. I was wrong and Dean is right. You can keep your frost-bitten Yankee D/L and get a Florida only license. [Florida Statute 322.03 (b)] But you can't have both.

If you're after Florida resident Disney goodies, I think I'd use an ID Card (as suggested) and maybe a property tax bill, FPL bill, etc.

Sorry 'bout that; Pobody's nerfect!

BTW, it was ugly in South Florida today. Some light clouds pretty much obscured the sun all day, and the temps barely got above 78...sigh...

 

[dreamflight99]

I would think you could just renew your D/L online using your Florida address. You'll need the D/L for Florida resident perks at WDW.

Contrary to this belief...
The FLORIDA STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD is considered an official representation of state residency, and is all you need to obtain any/all perks associated with FLA RES discounts and promos offered by WDW. I confirmed this information when my friends used theirs at a resort, by thoroughly running the "spanish inquisition" past the reps at guest services.

 

[Poohs Pal]

I can't help you with your question but WELCOME TO MICHIGAN. Make sure you visit the detroit zoo, Henry ford Museum and Greenfeild Village. If you love to shop you must go to the Somerset Mall in troy on Big Beaver Road. Up North where do I start, Mackinaw city and Island, Petosky(shopping downtown),Traverse City(july cherry festival) Just about anywhere along the water up north. DTE music theatre for concerts in the summer. Frankenmuth for the great chicken dinners and the huge christmas store Bronners. Greek town(never been but heard its great) and the farmers market in the detroit area. A RED WINGS game if they ever play again. The Fox Theatre for the Roxette's Christmas show. We have a HUGE Cabela's and Bass Pro shop. I know there's more but this will get you started so the winters won't seem so bad. Susan

 

[CarolAnnC]

When I moved to Illinois this summer, they required us to surrender our NH driver's licenses in order to obtain the Illinois ones.

 

[Terry S]

Just wanted to send my sympathies to you on moving to Michigan from Florida.

 

[IsAreWasWereAm]

Spring? What's that? In Michigan, there's only winter and construction season. There's a short period when we have to rake up the leaves, but winter takes over pretty quickly.
I'd take Cruella's comment about the amount of snow we get here as an indication that there really is global warming!

 

[MDonley]

I can't help but reiterate what Poohs Pal said. Michigan is a Great (Lake) State that has a lot to offer. With a little time, you'll get to know it like the back of your hand I'd guess that Italy is the only other place where they can say that they're never lacking for a map. (Some folks have referred to the Upper Peninsula as a rabbit ... it takes a bit more imagination though)

I can add that you should make an effort to try out the West Coast (of Michigan) with a ride on the sand dunes. We also rode one of two car ferries that go from the West Coast over to Wisconsin (gotta love the smell of that dairy air).

DW and I make it a point to visit the Cascades in Jackson (a romantic set of manmade waterfalls that have colored lights and music) once each summer. The UP has some awesome waterfalls too.

With so much shoreline, lighthouses are quite popular with my DSis. She and her hubby spent their honeymoon in one that had been converted into a Bed and Breakfast.