[Hyacinth Bucket]

Have been told that, regarding a potential snowbird couple already owning a home NOT in FL, one member of a couple buying a FL house can become an official FL resident/homesteader, requiring a FL driver's license, eligible for $25K homestead exemption, filing separate tax returns, voting in FL; while the other member of the couple can remain a legal resident of the home state. Does anyone know more about the technicalities of doing this? Can a FL home be purchased by both members of a couple, while only one becomes a legal FL resident? We were told that it's legal, but there must be other ramifications beyond legality.... Would appreciate any thoughts/information/suggestions--thanks!

[Happy Villager]

This isn't in answer to your question but when I lived in upstate New York I listened every Saturday to a radio talk show given by an elder law attorney. One day he mentioned (with a chuckle) how he put his Florida home in his wife's name and his New York home in his name for just the reasons you are speaking. Is it legal or just a big loophole in the law????????

[JohnN]

I imagine it's legal. What is the benefit to do that?

We're planning to move to FL and both become FL residents and get out of state taxes , that's the benefit to both moving.

[Barefoot]

We were told that if we put our house in only one name, then only the owner is permitted to use amenities. And the second person living in the house would have to pay an additional amenities fee of $130 a month.

[villages07]

Barefoot...someone gave you bad information; the amenity fee is for the household.

However, only persons on the title (regardless of which state they claim as residency) or permanent (Florida) Villages residents can get a Villages Resident ID and enjoy full resident rates and privileges. They make the 2nd person show Fla drivers license, voter regis, and/or checking account (3 forms of ID to prove Florida residency) to get a resident ID if they are not on the deed title.

So, if say the husband is on the title in TV and the wife remains a resident of another state....the husband will have a TV resident ID but the wife will have to get by with guest IDs (higher golf rates, movie rates, can't use Sports pools, etc).

Just something else to factor into your analysis of "multiplel state citizenship" options.

[villages07]

osh...I have never heard of paying a second amenity fee for a "non resident" resident; Maybe someone else can confirm. News to me....

[chuckinca]

I would think that having your name on the house title doesn't automatically make you a resident of the state but wonder if the resident property tax exemption requires all owners on the title be residents?

[zcaveman]

IA friend of mine has a residence in TV. His son has a Village ID. However because he is the only one listed on the deed, he can only get two gate passes. Same goes for another friend who wants 5 gate passes for his sons who live in Orlando. He an only get four (2 X the number of people on the deed).

Makes sense.