[zcaveman]

Things to think about when moving to the Villages

Part 2

Last Updated 7/28/2008

I have broken this post into two pieces as the original exceeded the 20000 character limit

Update: This is my occasional post of my things to think about when moving to the Villages. It is mostly for the new TOTV subscribers that might have missed the original post.

After I first posted this list, I received input from many TOTV members. I have added their input to my original list. My thanks to them for their input. After reading some of the posts in other areas, I sensed some confusion so I have added info about amenity fees, bonds and property taxes. If you saved or printed the list, I would suggest that you do the same for the revised list. I have also dated the additions so you can decide if you want to save the new copy. New input or rebuttal is appreciated.

Since I have moved here I have compiled a list of things to keep in mind when moving to the Villages. I hope these help and I am sure that others that have moved can add and/or rebut my entries. Most of these are strictly my thoughts and experiences and can be considered, rejected, or talked over with others that moved to the Villages. Please check with the sales reps, neighbors, insurance reps, financial advisors, etc before making any decisions based on these items.

These are just to help you when you move. They are in no special order and have been helpful to friends that have moved to the Villages. I do not personally endorse any companies that I mention in this documentation. How is that for taking the fifth!

1. Pet Records. Also, when you get your medical records don't forget to stop by the vet and get the records for your pets - especially if they are on some kind of medication. (added 9/15/07)

2. Doctor Appointments. Be sure to make doctor appointments with area doctors ASAP so things will go smoother should health issues arise during your first months in the Villages. There are lots of doctors right here on Village property but some only see patients one day a week as their main office is in Leesburg or Ocala. (added 9/15/07)

3. Golf Cart Insurance. Research whether or not you want an additional insurance policy (uninsured motorist policy) on your golf cart. The golf cart insurance carried under the homeowner’s policy usually only covers property damage and not personal injury. There have been many, many accidents with golf carts where people were seriously injured and the little H.O. policy didn't cover squat. (added 9/15/07)

4. Other Licenses: Various other licenses (pilot, amateur radio, etc.) may require change-of-address with the agency within a defined time frame or they may be forgotten at renewal time or invalid upon the move. (added 9/15/07)

5. Immigration: For those with green cards, a change of address must be filed within ten days to USCIS or you are deportable. (added 9/15/07)

6. Organizations: Many clubs/organizations have their own change-of-address procedure to keep current. Many of these can be done on-line. If you decide to transfer your membership, make sure that any paid up for life memberships can be transferred. (added 9/15/07)

7. Firearms: This is a tricky one. For those with a concealed carry permit, if issued in several states (check yours carefully) it may be valid also in Florida due to reciprocal-recognition agreements between the states. However, that license may become invalid the instant you have moved to FL and became a Florida resident. (added 9/15/07)

8. Water Softeners. You will probably get calls about water testing. Typically they offer a free dinner for two at a local restaurant. That fact is that it is purely a sales pitch. You'll find the quality of the water in the Villages is really quite good compared to many locales in the U.S. If you do not currently have a water softener, tell the prospective testers "thanks, but no thanks". Personally after 30 years with one, I prefer the softened water over the regular water. This would be up to you. (added 9/15/07)

9. Executive Trail Fees. If you want to use a golf cart as a driver OR a passenger when you play the executive courses, you can pay $3.50 a round or you can pay an Executive Trail Fee. The annual Executive Trail Fee costs $141.24 as of this writing and covers one to four residents living in the same household playing golf for one year. There is a six month version available for the seasonal residents for $105.93. If you are a priority member, the Executive Trail Fee for you is included as part of your priority membership. If your spouse is NOT a priority member, the Executive Trail Fee will cost him/her $105.93. There is also a six month version available for $79.45. Please go to www.thevillages.net to see the Executive Trail Fee Rates and Application. (added 9/15/07)

10. Voter Registration. Once you make TheVillages your permanent residence, don’t forget to register to vote in the state of Florida. (added 9/24/2007)

11. Florida Drivers licenses and Automobile Registration. As mentioned in #3, be sure to bring your birth certificates and other ID with you. You will need them to get a Florida driver's licenses. You should also bring your car titles. If you are still buying your car, bring the name and address of the car loan place and the account number. You will have to have proof of Florida car insurance before you can change titles and get tags. I stayed with my original company but they had to write me a new policy and cancel the New Jersey one. You do need a valid driver’s license from another state (or country). You WILL get a vision test when you transfer your driver’s license to Florida. You will not be able to keep your old driver’s license. This site has all you need to know about getting a Florida Driver’s license and registering your automobiles in Florida. http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ Look under Tags and Titles and New to Florida. (added 10/25/07)

12. Florida Drivers licenses and Automobile Registration (cont). You can keep your out of state driver’s license if you request a "Florida Only" driver's license.

Auto Registration - If you are a snowbird and leave a car in Florida, that car needs Florida registration which needs Florida auto insurance which needs Florida Driver's Licenses (the insurance carrier will issue a policy with the proviso that you send them a copy of your Florida Driver's License within 90 days or they cancel the policy - you need proof of insurance to get registration but you don't need a Florida Driver's License to get registration). Get the "Florida Only" driver's licenses to meet these requirements.

You need either your Original Sealed copy of your birth certificate or Passport to get a Florida Drivers license and show your out of State License. If you have the correct documents the process is quick at the DMV office and you walk out with the driver's license. The Florida Only driver’s license has "For Florida Use Only" is in small print on the back of the license. (added 6/26/08)

13. Wind Inspection. The state of Florida offers a free wind inspection program. When I called my homeowner's insurance company to see what this meant to me, they said that if you qualify, you can get up a rebate on your hurricane coverage that is in your homeowner's policy. Go to www.mysafefloridahome.com and click on Wind Inspections on the left hand side and go to the Q&A to see if you qualify. Most of us do. Read the information at the site to see what you need to do to arrange for a free wind inspection for your home. Then click on the Application for Wind Inspection to fill out a wind inspection form. (added 1/22/08)

14. Ambulance Service. Some members have complained that they had to pay for the ambulance service on emergency calls. I have not found this to be the case. You might want to check your insurance policies to make sure this is covered. . (added 4/26/08)

15. Whole House Surge Protection. Central Florida is the lightning capital of the United States. There are many ways that lightning can enter your home. One is through a lightning strike that hits close to the house and comes in via the electrical wiring (aka the meter). When I bought here, you had to rent the surge protector. Now you can purchase one. It is probably a good idea to call SECO and arrange to have a surge protector installed at the electric meter. (added 4/26/08)

16. Internal Surge Protectors. It is not a bad idea to go out and buy surge protectors to insulate all of your electronic products from a power surge. This is in addition to the whole house surge protector. (added 4/26/08)

17. Lightening Arresters. I have never pursued these but I have read that they are protection from lightening strikes that actually hit the house. I am putting this in as an informational item. Please check it out before you pursue this option. (added 4/26/08)

18. Living Costs. There are a number of posts out in TOTV requesting the monthly costs for living in TV. The numbers vary between full time residents and part time residents. I am a full time resident with a 3 bedroom ranch on a base lot. Some of the numbers are close to mine. Some are from some of the other posts. This is an attempt to try and put them in one place. Remember, as with many of the other items in this post, this is just an estimate. Actual numbers will depend on your life style and size of residence. The numbers are monthly except where noted.

(I have to work on the spacing)

Water/Sewer (depends on size of yard) $40-80
Garbage $16.92
Electric $80-130 *
Gas $30 *
Telephone (Embarq – landline/full service) $46
Telephone (AT&T – Cell phone) $35 **
Cable (Premium/Digital – No HBO, etc) $82.40 (Comcast)
Internet (broadband) $45.95 (Comcast)
Amenity Fee $135 (as of this writing)
Property Taxes $200-400 ***
Homeowners Insurance $600 and up per year ****
Automobile Insurance $500 and up per year ****
Golf Cart Trail Fees $142 per year
Lawn Care (mow and edge) $45-80 (depends on size of yard)
Weeding/shrub trimming $50 (depends on # of shrubs)
Daily Sun $48 per year
Orlando Sentinel (optional) $28 (13 weeks)
Dining out (for 2 – no liquor):
Lunch $25-35
Dinner $25-$$$

* This is an average. Electric will be higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Gas will be higher in the winter and lower in the summer.
** Cell phone costs should be about the same as you are paying now. It depends on the plan.
*** Florida resident with Homestead Exemption. No bond. This depends on the appraised value of your home. You can get the millage rate from the county appraiser. This includes the non-Ad Valorem (CDD4 ($371) / fire ($120) / water/waste ($68) charges. If you have a bond, it will be included in your taxes. It is a 30 year bond at 6 or 7%. You will have to calculate that number yourself.
**** Some insurance companies have monthly payment options.
(added 7/28/08)

Remember that these are strictly my thoughts and should only be considered or rejected in light of what you want or need and can do on your own. Check with the sales reps, neighbors, insurance reps, financial advisors, etc before making any decisions based on these items.

I hope some of this helps or at least gives you something to think about.

[Blondie]

Thank you Zcaveman, that was very helpful to me. I hope to move to TV within the next year, and I will surely be using this forum. Thanks again for your efforts, I really appreciate it.

MD Blondie

[Sidney Lanier]

Fantastically useful and comprehensive! Just printing it now and will replace the earlier version of it that we'd been using. Thanks for taking the time to do this!!! (And BTW, how're you feeling?)

[angel222]

Thanks so much for this useful info....I am hoping to be a Villiager within a year -- this info is great!!

[efrahin]

Great information zcaveman. Thanks.