First things for a newbie to do
 

We will be moving into The Villages around October 1. We already have our resident cards and gate passes and have taken care of house stuff (homeowners insurance, lawn and pool service etc.). What do you recommend doing the first week or so after we arrive to get “paperwork” done (like auto insurance, car registrations, register to vote etc.) so that we can become Florida residents and avoid Michigan income taxes. Any other tips (other than taking golf lessons).

First thing to do is to go to the Sumter County (or whatever county you are in) office to register to vote, transfer your driver's license, and license your car. You can do all that in Sumter County at the office at Powell Road and 466A, the building with the copper dome. One stop shop.

For 2023 you will need to file a part-year return for Michigan. Then you are done with them.

For auto insurance, first check with whoever has your house insurance. Bundling can save you money. Don't forget to add your golf cart to the policy. Don't put the golf cart on your house insurance, that only covers theft. You need liability, just like the car insurance.

Research the local churches. Within 10-15 minutes there are all denominations with some fine people. As you make friends there you may begin to learn about some of the over 2,000 clubs in TV as well as church groups. In perpective, we recently had guests for a few days. I took them to Spanish Springs town square to see the entertainment attendance. They were amazed at how busy it was on a Tuesday night. THEN, I took them to Lake Sumpter Landing and Brownwood where both town squares were just as busy. Sometimes, it's hard to explain just how big and how much there is to do in TV with most of it available via golf car depending upon where your home is located. TV is about 20 miles north to south and 5-7 miles east to west. Do what you want the first week, month and year. What you find 3 months in might mean more to you than the first week. Be open minded and enjoy TV.

The response above covers pretty much everything. You might want to look into Michigan tax rules to make sure you have done everything there to officially leave the state.

If you will be a full time resident (sounds like it) then be sure to file for the Homestead Exemption before the March deadline.

Not as important but still worthwhile:
- sign up for the resident academy to learn how your local government works
- sign up for district announcements on districtgov.org (CDD meetings, pool closings, job openings)
- sign up for County Alerts (usually weather alerts). Sumter County has these and I assume Lake and Marion do too

Not that this is an official list or anything, but here’s what I did my first week or so (if purchasing a new home) -

1) Schedule free irrigation tutorial
2) Schedule free AC controls tutorial
3) Within first seven days, write down and submit any imperfections/issues with the home and give to the warranty dept.

Items I jumped on quickly thereafter:
1) Gutters
2) Purchase Washer/Dryer
3) NOVA Water filters


What I wished I had done prior to moving in for convenience sake (stuff I managed after I had already moved in):
1) Epoxy of garage
2) Staining of driveway
3) Replacing the rolled vinyl and carpet with luxury vinyl planking (I have a patio villa so this may not apply to you).

In my opinion, everything else can wait.

And most important - get out right away and meet and socialize with your neighbors! ������

No one told you to read the deed restrictions. I would suggest you do so. for example: the type of landscaping your district permits, what improvements are allowed, pet/leash rules, minors in your home, and of course, no lawn ornaments. Don't even think about placing a lawn ornament in your yard!

Put up a sign "NO SOLICITORS!"

Unless you live in certain older areas of The Villages (the Historic side, and possibly DelMar?). You can have lawn ornaments here.

Talk to a tax lawyer about income payments you will receive after you move. Laws regarding state of residence may be ambiguous. For example, if you get a lump sum bonus from your employer the month after you move that gets reported by your employer to the state of Michigan could be subject to contention, especially if Michigan state income taxes are deducted.

Some good advice here with a couple of tweaks.

The vast majority of us have survived quite well without a whole house water filter. I would delay any of the work you "wish you done prior to move in" till after move in. That is because 1) you don't have a good feel for if you actually want it till you move in and 2) you should be on site to ensure the work is to your satisfaction.

Good call - yes, it was best that I was around to “supervise” the flooring project and the epoxy and staining - i just felt like my home was in “upheaval” the week of floor replacement, and then not being able to drive on epoxy and then then stain for several days was inconvenient- but I guess all necessary “evils” - as I am very happy with finished products.

Meet your neighbors, go take a swim and enjoy golf! Take a deep breath and enjoy.

Get a subscription to the Daily Sun. Not for the news but for all the activities, restaurants, etc. One thing I did was every Friday I would look at the garage sales in TV. I would pick an area using a TV map and one week take my golf cart and the next week take my car to the various garage sales. This helped me learn the different areas and how to get around. We would stop for lunch and check out the various restaurants and rec centers. And you can chat up the homeowners for information about the area.

To validated your move you had the correct items for the first week. However you will need an insurance policy for your car with your Florida address.

:duck:Do not buy a Palm Tree. Yes, I know you are coming from Michigan. Palm trees are best when viewed from afar. If they are in your yard, you can't see them, but you will be stuck with the cost of maintenance.

While you’re changing over your drivers license, registration, etc. it would be best to file a “declaration of domicile “ form also. It’s only $10 to have it filed and will make you a past resident of Michigan.

Just recently had my drivers license renewed. You need to take three forms of identification with you. Most important is your house deed to prove you are a resident of Florida. Hate to see you wait in line then have to go home and back.

I would advise you to take your time deciding what you want to do to
your house. Live here for a while and see how you feel.

Definitely would add a Nova Filter system to the house.

You were given lots of good advice by the above posters.

Welcome.

The very first thing we did was sign our golf cart paperwork and drive it home. The second thing we did was have our new furniture delivered day 2. After that it was to have fun and drive around in the golf cart.

Legal
 

I would have your will and trust reviewed and updated by a FL attorney.
Also, I was advised that the Advanced Health directive in Michigan was not valid in FL.

Do some research about golf carts before you get here.
DO NOT buy one right away. See what your needs are. Talk with people and compare. Decide gas or electric - there will be plenty of opinions on that. If you pick electric, only consider lithium batteries, and larger capacity ones.

The Village Golf Cars is owned by the developer. Convenient locations inside the bubble. Many people are happy with them, many are not. When you drop off for service they offer free loaners. Will not service anything not bought from them.

There are several other dealers just outside of the bubble. They offer more brands, and a different price structure. Might not get a service loaner, but that's a trade off for a much lower price.

Used carts (private seller) will cost a lot less than a new cart (and maybe no sales tax).

There are several golf cart service people that will come to your driveway.

There are a few rescue services. Think they cost around $30 to $60 per year. Will come out when you are stranded. Might fix something minor, or flatbed your cart to where you want. Good piece of mind.

Firs thing to do is apply for the Homestead Exemption for your real estate taxes. Then read how to navigate the roundabouts. All down hill after this....

Here's a list that someone posted for me when I asked your same question:

get homeowner's insurance
forward mail or hold mail at old location
make extra key's
change garage door code
Pick up a copy of the Thursday Rec center schedule; free at all Rec centers.
determine hot water heater temp is good for you
run ice machine and pitch new ice
determine residency??
local banking??
check sprinkler timer times (may be running long for new growth)
florida car insurance??
determine if you want cameras or alarm or nothing
homestead exemption??
Buy a shop vac
get a light post sign
get a grill
get a hose real
get an umbrella