The 90-Day Relocation Checklist for Moving to Florida's Jacksonville Beaches

Quick Summary

• A 90-day timeline keeps a Florida move organized across housing, insurance, movers, pets, and paperwork.
• The biggest early tasks are choosing your area, securing financing, and requesting insurance quotes.
• Coastal homes need extra attention to flood zones, wind mitigation, and hurricane preparedness.
• Update your documents and homestead filing soon after you arrive.

What Should You Do in the 90 Days Before Moving to Florida?

In the 90 days before moving to Florida, choose your area and budget, hire a local agent, secure financing and insurance, complete your home purchase or lease, book movers, prepare pets, set up utilities, and plan to update your license, registration, and homestead exemption after arrival. Starting early prevents last-minute stress.

The 90-Day Timeline at a Glance

Timeframe	Focus	Key Tasks
Days 90 to 61	Plan and search	Budget, area research, agent, financing, tours
Days 60 to 31	Contract and prepare	Offer, inspections, insurance, movers, pet planning
Days 30 to 8	Close and coordinate	Closing, utilities, address changes, packing
Final week	Move	Walkthrough, key handoff, travel, settling in
After arrival	Settle	License, registration, voter, homestead, local services

Days 90 to 61: Plan and Search

• Define your must-haves, budget, and preferred beach community
• Speak with a lender and get pre-approved, or prepare proof of funds
• Hire a local agent experienced with relocations
• Begin video tours and plan one in-person visit
• Research flood zones and request preliminary insurance estimates
• Talk with your CPA and attorney about taxes, residency, and title
• Decide on your timeline to sell or rent your current home

Days 60 to 31: Contract and Prepare

• Make an offer and go under contract
• Schedule inspections: general, roof, wind mitigation, termite, and specialty
• Finalize homeowners and flood insurance quotes
• Get moving quotes from at least three licensed movers and book early
• Create a plan for valuables, art, wine, and fragile items
• Begin decluttering and donating before you pack
• Research local doctors, dentists, and service providers

Days 30 to 8: Close and Coordinate

• Complete final loan documents and arrange your closing, in person or remote
• Wire funds only after verifying instructions by phone
• Set up electric, water, internet, trash, and security with your move-in date
• File mail forwarding and update addresses with banks, insurers, and employers
• Transfer prescriptions and medical records
• Plan for pets, as described below
• Pack an essentials box for the first few days

Final Week: Move

• Complete your final walkthrough of the new home
• Confirm movers, arrival times, and parking or elevator access
• Keep documents, jewelry, and medications with you
• Receive keys and confirm alarm and garage codes
• Photograph the home's condition on arrival

After Arrival: Settle In

• Update your Florida driver license and vehicle registration within the required timeframe
• Register to vote in your county
• Apply for homestead exemption if you own your primary residence, typically by March 1
• Review your hurricane preparedness plan and supplies
• Meet your neighbors and explore your new community

Moving to Florida With Pets

Pets need a plan, too. With a background in veterinary medicine, I always encourage clients to schedule a vet visit early.

1. Check entry requirements: Florida has rules for pets entering the state, which may include a health certificate and current vaccinations. Confirm current requirements with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
2. Ask about parasite prevention: Warm, humid climates affect heartworm, flea, and tick risk. Ask your veterinarian about year-round prevention.
3. Plan travel carefully: Heat is a concern, especially in summer. Never leave a pet in a parked car.
4. Update microchip and tags: Make sure contact information reflects your new address.
5. Include pets in your hurricane plan: Prepare food, medications, records, and a carrier or leash.

Coastal-Specific Items to Add to Your Plan

• Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, so build a preparedness kit and evacuation plan.
• Know your flood zone and evacuation zone.
• Document your home and belongings with photos for insurance.
• Learn whether your community has any shutter or storm-prep requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I plan a move to Florida?

A 90-day plan works well for most buyers, but start earlier if you need to sell a home, coordinate a school or job change, or move a large household.

When should I book movers?

Book movers 60 to 90 days ahead if possible, especially for summer moves, when demand is highest.

Do I need to get a Florida driver license right away?

Florida generally requires new residents to update their license and registration within a short period. Check with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for current rules.

What should I pack in my first-week box?

Include basic toiletries, medications, chargers, important documents, cleaning supplies, a few kitchen essentials, bedding, and pet supplies.

How do I prepare for hurricane season as a new resident?

Know your evacuation zone, assemble supplies, keep insurance documents accessible, and learn your community's shutter and storm protocols.

Your Move, Organized

A good plan makes a big move feel manageable. I'm Iva Zovko, a Realtor with Keller Williams Atlantic Partners Realty, and I help relocating buyers coordinate every step of the move to Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Atlantic Beach. [Schedule a relocation consultation.]