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Community Information
Schools
Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Taxes Florida has one of the lowest tax rates in the nation, with a low corporate tax rate, (5.5%), no state income tax, and no tangible personal property tax. Much of Florida's tax revenue comes from sales and tourist resort taxes. The statewide sales tax is 6% on retail goods, rentals and services, Lake, Osceola, and Seminole Counties have a 1% surcharge added to purchases in their respective counties. Exemptions to the sales tax include groceries, medicine, rental property, items purchased for resale and telephone services. Property taxes are based on mills, (a mill is $1 per $100 of assessed property value). Each municipality has its own millage rate, as do the counties, who take care of the collections. The taxes are due November 1st of each year, with taxpayers getting a 4% discount for early payment. Homestead Exemption - Residents of Florida are exempt from paying taxes on the first $25,000 of the assessed value of their property, provided they file for the exemption between Jan 1st and March 1st. Contact the Tax Collectors Office for the county in which you reside. Filing need be done only once so long as you continue to live on the property. Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Establishing Residency It's easier than you think. You simply need to either register to vote in the county where you reside or file a Declaration of Domicile with your local clerk of the courts. To receive a voter's registration card, new residents must show proof of their current residence (a lease or utility deposit receipt will do).
Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
History of Orlando The City of Orlando was first a campground for soldiers during the bloody Seminole Indian War of 1835 to 1842. There are several accounts explaining how the City got it's name. According to traditional accounts the locale became known as Orlando's Grave in memory of young Orlando Reaves, a night sentry killed by raiding Indians as he stood watch one night early in the war. A new theory suggests the name comes from Orlando Rees, a wealthy plantation owner who was plagued by Seminoles stealing his slaves. Which man named Orlando was actually killed by Indians is still undetermined, but Rees was a man of such stature that he met and apparently entertained John James Audubon when the famous naturalist visited this area. After calm was restored, frontier businessman Aaron Jernigan came to Orlando and set up a trading post. A post office bearing the name Jernigan was established in 1850 near Ft. Gatlin. It was in 1857 that Alabamian B.F. Caldwell deeded the land Orlando's Grave to the county for the establishment of a village called Orlando. The first courthouse, opened in 1863 under the confederate flag, served as a school and church. By the time Orlando was incorporated in 1875, the town possessed one square mile of land and 85 citizens, 29 of who were qualified electors. Their first vote was to approve expansion to two square miles. Recent history has been more exciting than ever. In 1968 the Naval Training Center at Orlando opened and graduated hundreds of recruits each week for many years. The University of Central Florida also opened in 1968 and quickly earned a reputation for academic excellence. Then, in 1971, the Orlando area moved into the big leagues of tourism and resorts with the opening of the mammoth Walt Disney World. The Magic Kingdom spawned a number of other excellent attractions and theme parks, namely Sea World, Epcot, Wet 'n mid, Splendid China and many others. Orlando has now earned the title "Hollywood East" with the presence of Universal and MGM Studios. The area's earlier inventory of 6,000 hotel and motel rooms now exceeds 100,000 rooms and is still growing! The world renowned Orange County Civic Center host hundreds of conventions, shows and special events each year and is increasing in size to 1 million square feet. Orlando International Airport boasts one of the most modern and beautiful airports in the world. The area is the top rental car market in the entire world! Orlando also hosts the Orlando Magic of the NBA, the Orlando Miracle of the WNBA, and the Orlando Solar Bears of the IHL. The Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, and Houston Astros baseball teams all have spring training facilities throughout the area. Long known as the "City Beautiful", the Orlando area has retained it's charm and scenic wonders while developing a diversified economy of industry, agriculture, finance, retail & wholesale trades, and tourism. It's phenomenally rapid growth has earned it the title, "Action Center of Florida." Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Your Driver's License If you are a Florida resident with a valid license from another state you must obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. You must also obtain a license if you: 1) enroll a child in public school, 2) Register to vote, 3) file for homestead exemption, 4) accept a job, or 5) reside in Florida for six consecutive months. If you have a valid license from another state you will only need to take a vision test and provide a Florida registration certificate. Applicants without a valid out-of-state license must take a vision, road sign, and driving test. In Florida, you must be at least 16 years old. Minors who are at least 15 may obtain a restricted learner's permit. It's a good idea to schedule an appointment at one of the examining offices, or plan on a long wait. Fees are $20 for a six-year term and are renewable during your birth month.. Bring a social security card and two forms of identification. Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Vehicle Registration Florida license plates (called "tags" here) should be obtained within 30 days of establishing residency, starting employment, or enrolling the kids in school. Proof of ownership and insurance is mandated (your vehicle must be covered by 'no-fault' or personal injury protection, PIP). The Tag Office will need to check the vehicle ID number, so don't forget to bring the vehicle with you. If there is a lien on the vehicle, you must provide this information, the lien holder's address and the account number. Fees should be around $190 depending on the type of vehicle. Florida enforces a seatbelt law and children, up to age 4, must be in an approved child's car seat. Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Area Attractions & Amusements BUSCH GARDENS, THE DARK CONTINENT Go on a safari and ride through the jungle where you'll see live zebras, antelope, and more than 3,000 other wild animals cavorting in their natural habitat. Here you'll also find rides such as Kumba, the largest and fastest steel roller coaster in the south eastern U.S., as well as the Tanganyika Tidal Wave. Scorpion and the Congo River Rapids. Her you will also see the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. 3000 Bush Blvd., Tampa 407-351-3931 CHURCH STREET STATION A large entertainment and dining complex featuring more than 50 shops. Live bands, weekly special events as well as such popular annual events as the New Year's Eve Street Party, the Halloween Street Party and the Italian Festival. 129 W. Church St. 407-422-2434 CYPRESS GARDENS One of Florida's oldest attractions, this park features a ski show, 8,000 plant varieties, animal trail with more than 700 animals, elaborate model railroad, and Island In the Sky, a 100 passenger ride that lifts guests skyward. New attractions include "Wings of Wonder," a butterfly aviary and the 50th anniversary water ski show of the Great American Ski Team. State Route 540, Winter Haven 800-282-2123 FLEA WORLD More than 1,000 dealers sell and bargain their wares each weekend, Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at the 104 acre site. Highway 17-92 15 minutes North of Orlando 407-646-1792, 407-321-1792 FLORIDA CITRUS TOWER An elevator enables visitors to view millions of citrus trees and more than 20 Spring fed lakes. A tram ride through a citrus grove allows visitors to see and smell Florida's renowned citrus when in season. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont 904-394-8585 FLORIDA'S SILVER SPRINGS Nature theme park featuring glass bottom boats, reptile institute, antique car museum, jungle cruise and deer park. Silver Springs 800-234-7458 FLORIDA'S SPLENDID CHINA This 76 acre outdoor theme park brings the Far East to Orlando. Live performances of Chinese customs, martial arts and folklore as well as a film presentation on China are featured. U.S. 192, 3 miles west of I-4 407-841-3559 FIGHTER PILOTS USA Here aviator wannabes can test their Top Gun skills in real airplanes 7,000 feet above ground. Kissimmee Municipal Airport 407-931-4333 GATORLAND Known as the alligator capital of the world(5,000 of them call this home), this attraction also features other reptiles, animals, and birds from throughout the world. Recent additions include the entertaining show "Snakes of Florida" and expansion plans include the addition of "Crocodiles of the World" and a "Cracker" village modeled after early 20th century Florida settlements. 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail 407-855-5496 KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACEPORT USA Home of America's space program, Spaceport USA features many of the craft from the nation's space exploration program. Cape Canaveral 407-452-2121 MALIBU GRAND PRIX & CASTLE Features Indy style race cars, go-carts, miniature golf, and games. 5901 American Way 407-351-4132 MARY QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE SHRINE Open for daily visitation, this facility provides Catholic services for tourists. Exit 27 off I-4 407-239-6600 NICKELODEON STUDIOS The studio for the popular children's television programming, this new attraction is a perfect place for children to be part of a studio audience. Call for details. 1000 Universal Studios Plaza 407-363-3770 PARK AVENUE, WINTER PARK Park Avenue in Winter Park is lined with European style shops as well as art galleries and restaurants. Winter Park 407-740-5660 PIRATE'S COVE ADVENTURE GOLF Several 18 hole courses test your skills at mini-golf at 2 locations. 8601 International Drive 407-352-7378 Lake Buena Vista 407-352-7378 SEA WORLD This gigantic marine life park features such familiar stars as the killer whales Shamu, Namu, and Kandu as well as penguins and sea lions. Educational programs also focus on marine life, beaches, and marine breeding. 7007 Sea World Drive 407-351-3600 TURKEY LAKE PARK This 300 acre park is a haven for residents and visitors. Picnic tables, a three mile bicycle trail, hiking trails, two beaches, a swimming pool, a 200 foot wooden pier for fishermen, canoe rentals, a petting zoo, the "All Children's" playground, five cabins for organized groups and 32 campsites are the main features. 3401 Hiawassee Rd., Orlando 407-299-5594 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA The largest working motion picture and television studios outside of Hollywood, this 444 acre theme park is one of Orlando's newest major attractions. Here such favorites as King Kong, Jaws, E.T., Back To The Future, and Ghostbusters thrill visitors. Here also, the secrets of television and motion picture production are revealed as visitors see, learn and participate in set design, costuming, editing, mixing, dubbing, sound effects, special effects, and other aspects of production. Colorful costumed characters roam the complex offering one of a kind photo opportunities. 10 miles southwest of Orlando, near the intersection of I-4 and Fla. Turnpike 407-363-8000 WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT This 43 square mile resort is a wonderland of entertainment, accommodations, dining, shopping, and outdoor activities. Attractions include: Magic Kingdom Park Epcot Center Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park Typhoon Lagoon River Country Pleasure Island Discovery Island The resort is located south of Orlando at Lake Buena Vista. For more information about the resort, call 407-824-4321 Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
WATER AMUSEMENT PARKS RIVER COUNTRY AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT This "Old Fashioned Swimming Hole" features twisting water slides, swings, whitewater rapid ride, pool with slides, sandy beach, and winding nature tail. Lake Buena Vista 407-824-4321 TYPHOON LAGOON AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT This 50 acre theme water park with ocean size waves is the ultimate water adventure.Lake Buena Vista 407-824-4321 WATER MANIA This family water theme park offers a variety of wet and dry attractions. Visitors can enjoy the new "Abyss," which is an enclosed tube that sends guests through 300 feet of blue darkness into a splash pool. "Wipe Out" is a simulated surfing ride and "Cruisin' Creek" is an 850 foot special effect action river. Highway 192, Kissimmee 407-396-2626 WET 'N' WILD More than 25 acres of family water recreation fun, featuring such new additions as the Bomb Bay, which plunges guests down a 76 foot slide, and a Bubba Tub, a giant inner tube ride. Here you can also float down the Lazy River and flume the Mach 5, bump and bounce down Raging Rapids and speed through Der Stuka. 6200 International Drive 407-351-1800 WILD WATERS A 6-acre theme park next to Silver Springs and Featuring wave pool, eight flumes, play area for children and 9 hole miniature golf course. Silver Springs 800-234-7458 Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
CRUISES & BOAT TOURS CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES Offers three and four day cruises from Port Canaveral to Nassau/Freeport. Port Canaveral 800-325-1214 SCENIC BOAT TOUR OF WINTER PARK Cruise slowly along the lakes and canals of Winter Park where you'll see some of the communities magnificent mansions, gardens, and tropical birds. 312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park 407-644-4056 Star Dancer Casino Tampa Bay 800-688-PLAY Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Arts CIVIC THEATER OF CENTRAL FLORIDA Presenting live theatrical performances and classroom instruction are the two key missions of this group, which was organized originally in 1926 at the Little Theatre of Orlando. Performances are held at the Civic Theatre Complex in Loch Haven Park. 1001 E. Princeton Street 407-896-7365 CORNELL FINE ARTS MUSEUM Featuring collections of Old Master European paintings as well as 19th and 20th century American Paintings. Also featured are prints and modern graphics, 19th century French bronzes, American decorative arts, Southwest Indian artifacts, and the Smith Watch Key Collection -- more than 1200 watch key used prior to the coming of stem winding. Rollins College, Winter Park 407-646-2526 ENZIAN THEATRE The state's only full-time non-profit alternative cinema dedicated to film as art. 1300 S. Orlando Ave. 407-629-1088 MAITLAND ART CENTER On the National Register of Historic Places, the Maitland Art Center is a retreat that once housed avant-garde artists. The 22 stucco buildings house artists and craft persons at work, and its walled compound are enriched by more than 200 ornamental carvings. The wall carvings in the garden chapel portray the life of Jesus Christ. The main building houses permanent and rotating art exhibits. 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland 407-644-3686 CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ARTS Features a large collection of Tiffany art nouveau from the estate of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Paintings, stained glass windows, jewelry, lamps, and other objects d'art are on display. 133 Welbourne Ave., Winter Park 407-644-3686 MARK TWO DINNER THEATRE Quality productions and dining service provided on a continuing basis. 3376 Edgewater Drive 407-843-6275 ORLANDO CELEBRITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION This organization brings top musical artists from around the world for the enjoyment of Central Florida residents. The performances are held at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. 1900 N. Mills Ave., Suite 6 407-896-2451 ORLANDO BROADWAY SERIES Brings a series of Broadway plays to Orlando each year with performances usually at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. 201 S. Orange Ave. 407-423-9999 ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART AT LOCH HAVEN The permanent collections here include a Pre-Colombian Gallery in which there are more than 250 pieces representing styles from several Latin American countries dating from 1200 B.C. to 1500 A.D. Also, there is a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American and African art. Visiting exhibits are also featured. Closed on Monday. 2416 N. Mills Ave., Loch Haven Park 407-896-4231 ORLANDO OPERA COMPANY A major regional opera company representing 19 Central Florida communities, this organization presents several performances of major productions annually. The "Artist-In-Residence" program allows the Opera to reach an additional 60,000 residents through free programs in schools, community centers, hospitals, shopping malls, businesses, and retirement communities. 1111 N. Orange Ave. 407-426-1700 ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Presents selected Shakespeare plays during the spring at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The company of professional directors, performers, designers, and technicians are drawn from throughout the U.S. and England. Pre-season events for the community and educational programs for students begin in the Fall. 30 S. Magnolia, Suite 250 407-841-9787 OSCEOLA CENTER FOR THE ARTS The center is a multi-disciplinary facility that promotes all forms of art. In addition to a 249 seat theater, the center also includes an art gallery. 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee 407-846-6257 PINE CASTLE FOLK ARTS CENTER Located on approximately six acres, this center consists of historic, fully restored "cracker" house log cabins, accessory buildings and an art administration building housing a pottery studio, art gallery and special purpose areas that serve children and adults. 6015 Randolph Street 407-855-7461 POLASEK FOUNDATION The home of Albin Polasek, internationally-known realistic sculptor and painter who spent the last 16 years of his life here, the museum studio now features a collection of the artist's most prized pieces. Open October through June. 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park 407-647-6294 THEATRE DOWNTOWN A cozy 120 seat theatre that specializes in American and contemporary plays that have run successfully on and off Broadway. A special touch is the occasional performance of plays written by local artists. Talent is professional, drawing from the increased pool in the Orlando area. 2113 N. Orange Ave. 407-841-0083 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ART GALLERY Serves the University and Central Florida community by exhibiting fine art. University of Central Florida campus 407-823-8676 Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Museums, Science & Nature AUDUBON HOUSE Operated by the Florida Audubon Society, the Audubon House and the Center for Birds of Prey are a fine educational experience. An art gallery and special aviary where the public may view many of Florida's most magnificent native raptors are two of the key features. 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland 407-260-8300 BOK TOWER GARDENS Named after Dutch born editor and author Edward William Bok, the tower overlooks the 128 acre gardens of his former estate. The historic bell tower, made of marble and stone, houses one of the nation's finest carillons. The 53 bells range in weight from 17 pounds to nearly 12 tones. The gardens feature thousands of azaleas, camellias, magnolias, and other flowering plants. Tower Blvd. and Burns Ave., Lake Wales 813-676-1408 CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOOLOGICAL PARK Features more than 400 exotic and native reptiles, mammals, and birds in a natural Florida setting. 3755 NW Highway 17-92, Lake Monroe 407-843-2341 INTERNATIONAL TOY TRAIN MUSEUM Toy trains and a ride on "The Orange Blossom Express," a vintage steam locomotive are the major attractions. 5253 International Drive 407-363-9002 LAKERIDGE WINERY & VINEYARDS Sample premium Florida wines as well as tour the winery. 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont 800-476-8463 LEU BOTANICAL GARDENS & LEU HOUSE MUSEUM Orchids, roses, flowering trees, palms, desert plants and large camellia collection grace this award winning 56 acre landscape. Here also is the Leu House, an authentic example of a turn of the century Florida farmhouse. 1730 North Forest Ave. 407-246-2620 ORANGE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Preserving Orange County's heritage, this museum traces the community's history from the time the county was called Mesquito County, through the Seminole Wars to the coming of the citrus bonanza, the big freeze of 1894, the land boom of 1902 to the present. Also located here is an old fire fighting equipment -- an 1885 hose cart, a 1908 horse drawn steamer, and a 1915 American La France Fire Engine. 812 E. Rollins St., Loch Haven Park 407-898-8320 ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER & JOHN YOUNG PLANETARIUM There's a hands on approach to experiencing science here. Also, there are a variety of sky shows in the planetarium. 810 E. rollins St. 407-896-7151 RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! Global oddities and unbelievable but authentic artifacts (such as 10 square foot section of the Berlin Wall) are on display here. 8201 International Drive 407-872-3081 UNITED STATES ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME A Full scale replica of the space shuttle orbiter called "Shuttle to Tomorrow" serves as the 72 seat theater where visitors take a 12 minute space trip through a multi-sensory video presentation. Also feature here are America's first astronauts and historic missions. State Road 405, Titusville 407-269-6100 Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Sporting Events With the selection of Orlando as one of the host cities for the 1994 World Cup Soccer Games, Orlando has expanded its already outstanding sports orientation. The city is also the home of the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association and the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League. DOG RACING Sanford Orlando Kennel ClubThe lightning fast greyhounds run here in season in November through early May. 301 Dog Track Road, Longwood 407-831-1600 During the summer months (May-October) the greyhounds run here. 2000 Seminole Blvd., Casselberry 407-699-4510 JAI-ALAI Orlando Seminole Jai-AlaiThis fast paced action takes place year round on Wednesday-Saturday nights and Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees. State Road 436 at 17-92 407-339-6221 PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL Orlando PredatorsCompeting in The Arena Football League, the Orlando Predators play May through mid-August indoors in the Orlando Arena. 800 N. Magnolia Ave., Suite 900 407-648-4444 PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL The Class AA Orlando Cubs, a farm team of the Chicago Cubs of the National League, play in Orlando's Tinker Field, April through early September. Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee hosts the Class A Osceola Astros and the Rookie League Florida Marlins. Winter Haven is the home of the Cleveland Indians Spring training facilities. Orlando Cubs 407-872-7597 Osceola Astros & Florida Marlins Rookie League 407-933-2520 Cleveland Indians 813-293-3900 PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL ORLANDO MAGIC P.O. Box 76, Orlando 32802 407-649-3200 Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
Florida Mileage Chart
Home / About the Buyer's Agent / Services / Site Map
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