Purchase hurricane shutters or plywood for windows if not already installed

Insurance check: Standard homeowners policies do NOT cover flood damage. If you’re in a flood zone, purchase separate flood insurance immediately—there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.

Find Essential Services

Locate and save contact information for:

Primary care physician: Schedule a new patient appointment now—wait times can be 4-8 weeks
Dentist: Book a cleaning and establish as a patient
Veterinarian: If you have pets, transfer records and schedule a wellness visit
Pharmacy: Transfer prescriptions from your previous state
Auto/home insurance agent: Review coverage annually

Learn Local Resources

Lee County Property Appraiser: 239-533-6100 | leepa.org
Lee County Tax Collector: 239-533-6000 | leetc.com
Lee County Emergency Management: 239-477-3600 | leeeoc.com
Florida DMV (FLHSMV): flhsmv.gov
Lee Memorial Health System: 239-343-2000 (main)
Non-emergency police: Check your city (Fort Myers: 239-321-7700, Cape Coral: 239-574-3223)
311: Non-emergency county services
211: Community resource helpline

Adjust to Florida Life

Weather considerations:

Summer heat index regularly exceeds 100°F—plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening
Afternoon thunderstorms are common June-September; they’re usually brief but intense
UV index is extreme year-round—wear sunscreen daily
Humidity averages 70-75%; drink plenty of water

Wildlife awareness:

Alligators live in all freshwater bodies—never feed them and keep pets away from pond edges
Check shoes and gloves for spiders/scorpions before wearing
Fire ants are aggressive; avoid mounds and teach children to recognize them
Love bugs swarm in spring and fall—keep a bug deflector on your vehicle

30-Day Checklist Summary

Task	Deadline	Estimated Cost
Get Florida auto insurance	Within 10 days	$40-$90/month
Get Florida driver license	Within 30 days	$48
Register vehicle	Within 10 days	$225+ (initial)
Set up utilities	Immediately	$250-$350/month
Apply for homestead exemption	By March 1 (if you own)	FREE (saves $1,200+/year)
Register to vote	Optional, within 30 days	FREE
Build hurricane kit	Before June 1	$150-$300
Find healthcare providers	Within 30 days	Varies

Money-Saving Tips for Your First Year

Bundle insurance: Combine home and auto insurance for 10-25% discounts
Energy efficiency: Replace AC filters monthly, seal windows/doors, use ceiling fans to reduce cooling costs by 15-30%
No state income tax: Florida has no state income tax—adjust your payroll withholding if needed
Shop property tax appeals: If your assessment seems high, file an appeal with the Lee County Value Adjustment Board by the deadline shown on your TRIM notice (usually late July)
Use disaster preparedness tax holidays: Florida offers sales tax exemptions on hurricane supplies during designated periods
Take advantage of portability: If you had homestead exemption at another Florida property within the last 3 years, you may transfer some of your Save Our Homes benefit to your new Lee County home

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting until the last minute to get Florida insurance—you cannot register your vehicle without it
Missing the March 1 homestead exemption deadline—you’ll pay full taxes for an entire year
Keeping an out-of-state driver license past 30 days—you can be ticketed
Underestimating cooling costs—budget at least $180/month for electricity in summer
Skipping flood insurance if you’re in a flood zone—standard homeowners policies don’t cover flooding
Not preparing for hurricane season—waiting until a storm is named means empty shelves and long gas lines

Questions? Call Rick Harrison at 239-310-5478 or visit swflrelocationteam.com/contact-us