Getting Started

What is Florida Residency?

4 min read
Updated January 6, 2026
1 verified source

Learn what Florida residency means for tax purposes and how it can save you thousands in state income taxes.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida has 0% state income tax, making it ideal for tax savings
  • No minimum residency days required - you can travel full-time
  • Establishing domicile requires a residential address and official documentation
  • Travel nurses, digital nomads, expats, and retirees all qualify
This is completely legal. Establishing Florida residency is a legitimate tax strategy used by hundreds of thousands of Americans. It's recognized by courts and tax authorities nationwide as a valid way to reduce your state tax burden.

Overview

Florida residency, also known as Florida domicile, is the legal designation that makes Florida your permanent home for tax purposes. Since Florida has no state income tax, establishing Florida as your legal domicile can result in significant tax savings.

$0 State Income Tax Florida charges zero state income tax on wages, investments, and retirement income

Why Choose Florida?

Florida is one of nine states with no state income tax. For high-income earners, this can mean savings of thousands of dollars annually. Travel nurses, digital nomads, and remote workers often choose Florida because:

  • 0% state income tax on wages, investments, and retirement income
  • No minimum residency requirement - you can travel full-time
  • Strong legal framework for establishing domicile
  • Year-round mail forwarding services available
Tip: Unlike other no-income-tax states, Florida has a well-established legal framework for domicile, making it easier to defend your residency if audited by your former state.

Who Can Establish Florida Residency?

Anyone can establish Florida residency if they genuinely intend to make Florida their permanent home. This includes:

  • Travel nurses and healthcare professionals
  • Digital nomads and remote workers
  • US expats living abroad
  • RVers and full-time travelers
  • Retirees looking to reduce taxes
  • Anyone leaving a high-tax state
Good to Know: You don't need to physically live in Florida to be a resident. What matters is your intent to make Florida your permanent home and taking the proper legal steps to establish domicile.

What's Required?

Establishing Florida residency involves several key steps:

  1. Obtain a Florida residential address (not a PO Box)
  2. File a Declaration of Domicile with the county clerk
  3. Get a Florida driver's license within 30 days
  4. Register to vote in Florida
  5. Register your vehicle in Florida
Important: A PO Box or commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA) address is not sufficient for establishing domicile. You need a physical residential address that the DMV and IRS will accept.

Next Steps

Ready to get started? Here's what to do next:

  1. Check if you're eligible
  2. Learn how Your Tax Base helps
  3. Start your application

Official Sources & Citations

Verified references for accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions

Florida residency, or domicile, is the legal designation that makes Florida your permanent home for tax purposes. Since Florida has no state income tax, this can result in significant tax savings.
florida residencydomicilepermanent home
No, Florida has no state income tax. This applies to wages, investment income, and retirement income. This is why many people establish Florida residency to reduce their tax burden.
state income taxflorida taxno income tax
Anyone who genuinely intends to make Florida their permanent home can establish residency. This includes travel nurses, digital nomads, expats, RVers, and retirees.
qualifyeligibilitywho can
You don't need to spend a specific number of days in Florida. What matters is your intent to make Florida your permanent home. Travel nurses and digital nomads can maintain Florida residency while traveling.
live in floridadaysphysical presence

Was this article helpful?

Need more help? Contact our support team

Continue Reading

Eligibility Requirements for Florida Residency

Find out if you qualify for Florida residency and what requirements you need to meet to establish your tax home.

5 min read
Continue Reading