To change your domicile to Florida using SavvyNomad, you'll participate in a guided process with plenty of hand-holding as we help you complete every step to make Florida your new legal residence.
Here a high-level overview of the procedure, from initial steps to ongoing maintenance of your new domicile:
Sign up and complete your profile: When changing your domicile, there are many forms involved — and many as the same questions over and over. We simplify the process by pre-populating most forms (and filing for you what we can). To enable us to pre-fill forms on your behalf, we will ask you a number of questions about yourself and various addresses.
Complete your USPS 1583 Form: If you’ve selected a plan with mail forwarding, you will need to complete a 1583 form from the US Postal Office. This allows SavvyNomad to legally receive mail that you send us, even if it has your name on it.
We integrate with an online notary (proof.com) to make this process as easy as possible. To complete your 1583, you will need to show photo ID (e.g., a passport) and address ID (a document that shows a recent permanent address on it). Please make sure:
For your address ID, you choose one of the options listed on the form in section 9g.
If you select a vehicle or home insurance policy, make sure your photo clearly shows your policy number and effective dates (and that it is not expired).
Obtain a Florida address: SavvyNomad provides you with a real, physical address in Florida, important for the domicile change process.
This address will be used for your driver’s license, legal identification, and optional vehicle registration and can also be leveraged for health insurance and other formal purposes. You will also make use of this address when registering to vote.
Proof of residential address: You'll need to present two proofs of address when applying for a Florida state ID or driver’s license. SavvyNomad will provide you with a formal "Letter to the Tax Collector" that you can use for one of your two proofs. Additionally, SavvyNomad will provide instruction on how to secure your second proof of address.
Get a Florida ID: With your residential address proofs ready, visit the Tax collector's office in Florida to get a Florida state ID or driver’s license. This step requires a photo ID (e.g., passport), proof of Social Security (social security card or recent 1099/W-2), and your two proofs of address.
Vehicle Registration (if you have one): If applicable, complete your vehicle’s profile within the SavvyNomad portal. There are six sub-steps for registering a vehicle in Florida, and SavvyNomad guides you through every step of the process. They include completing a VIN verification form (if the vehicle will not be within the state of Florida when you register it), making sure the vehicle’s title is on-site at the tax collector’s office when you register your vehicle, and providing proof of Florida vehicle insurance.
Declaration of Domicile (optional, but often recommended): Filing a Declaration of Domicile often helps remove any ambiguity from where your official domicile is. Completing and notarizing this document formally declares your intent to make Florida your permanent residence, reinforcing your domicile claim. SavvyNomad helps you complete this document and can file it on your behalf.
Voter registration (optional but often recommended): Registering to vote in Florida is another step that, while optional, can further establish your ties to the state and solidify your residency, although it’s not a requirement for changing your domicile.
While we can not register to vote for you, we do provide a video tutorial on how to do it in under 10 minutes.
Notify IRS and Employer: Update your employer with your new address to ensure proper tax withholdings and documentation.
SavvyNomad can help you inform the IRS of your change of address by filing Form 8822.
Cut ties with your old state: Finalize your domicile change by severing ties with your previous state of residence. This might involve switching healthcare providers and updating your address for all personal accounts to ensure there are no legal ties that could complicate your domicile status or link you back to your former state of residence.
Maintain your domicile: To uphold your Florida domicile, it's important to not spend more than 183 days in any other single state within a calendar year. This helps to avoid creating a taxable presence or implying residency in another state, ensuring your legal residence remains firmly in Florida.