Hello Florida section! I am in the very early stages of considering a work-related move from Philadelphia to the Jacksonville area. The move logistics themselves are enough to not even want to get past the intital phases of thought given I am a diy'er with a large amount of tools, two lifts, compressors, etc...Not to mention a lot of other heavy items like old gravely tractors that take up considerable space. I have about ten cars and a few motorcycles that would need to move as well, not all needing to be garaged but would need a property/driveway large enough to accomodate without looking like a used car lot. I have yet to make it down for a look, however I am under the impression that most professional folks live in gated, scrubbed communities that would not welcome someone like myself and my stuff moving in next door - which is fine by me. I would probably look beyond those types of places for something more rural or with enough property to build a large garage if not there already. I do have two small kids so good schools would be important so cannot go to far into the sticks. All said, how car-friendly is FL for things like state inspections and car taxes? Some states tax cars like property and also make it very difficult to pass older cars for inspection (ie my beater Toyota Pickup). I don't have a 250 GTO, but the sum of all the vehicles could amount to a large tax bill in some states, that I do not currently have to pay nor wish to. I figured other gearheads like me would be able to help fill in the blanks on how easy it is to live in FL from a collector/DIY'er perspective that the average relo agent would be clueless about. Thanks in advance!
No state vehicle inspection and no property taxes. Vehicle registration fees are determined by weight. You're looking at anywhere between $45-145 per vehicle. Bolles is an excellent private school in Jacksonville. Nease is another good public school. School grades can be found here: http://fcat.fldoe.org/mediapacket/2012/default.asp
We do have property taxes, but no state income taxes. I don't know anything about Jax, as I am down south, but you will not be killed by taxes and fees here. As far as living arrangements, I am sure you can find a nice place that is not gated and appreciates your hobby.
I believe the comment referred to no property taxes on vehicles. I would say Florida is definitely a 'car friendly' state both in terms of finances, and ability to drive year round. (Provided your A/C is up to the summer months.) Jacksonville itself I have heard mixed reviews about, and admittedly have not spent much time there, but the Jacksonvoille Beach area is very nice indeed.
Also on the plus side, Jax is not too far from several car venues. Daytona, Roebling Road in Savannah. The Hutchinson island historic races in Savannah. The Amelia Island Concours as well as the Hilton Head Concours. Many newer homes have to built on pilings because of hurricane regulations, which means they may have extensive garage space underneath, as mine does down here in Southwest FL. I am sure you can also find some nice older properties outside of gated communities that meet your needs. Jax is a much older city than most places in Florida, so there are more older neighborhoods. It is also much more "Old South" than the rest of Florida, so it has southern charm. Much more in common with Savannah and Charleston than Orlando or Ft Lauderdale. That may be a plus or a minus for you, but I am not a big city person. You could also ask the Brumos guys about "car-guy-friendly" neighbrhoods. Good luck.
Check out the Julington Creek area; newer, nicer and a short drive to downtown or the beaches. Plus the river is great for boating and fishing. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thank you, all! It sounds like it would not be the same as say, moving to CT, CA or VA which I have heard is a whole different level of misery for the unaware. I like the no state inspection bit. My cars are all mechanically sound and I don't need someone taking my car off the road for something like a stone chip in a headlight lens. I finally found a great inspection station near me who knows I keep my cars in good shape and pretty much just puts on the new stickers. I will probably go to Jacksonville and see things in person in the next month should the discussions with the company continue, rent a car and look at some properties to get a good feel for things. It would be a big move and one I don't relish having to do again. That said, if i can buy into a situation that gives me a lot more "man" space than I currently have, it might just make sense to buy somewhere else rather than build it on my own. I have also heard good things about the schools there as well, so appreciate the confirmation in an earlier post.
