The Declaration of Domicile: Proving You Are a Permanent Florida Resident
- Olivia Sterling
- Dec 24, 2025
- 3 min read
Are you one of the thousands of people who recently traded snow for sunshine and moved to the Orlando area? Whether you've just settled into a new home in Winter Park or a condo downtown, there is one critical legal step you might have missed: the Declaration of Domicile. Simply having a local zip code isn't always enough to prove you're a true Floridian in the eyes of the law. To access tax breaks, in-state tuition, and permanent legal status, you need to make it official with a notarized statement filed with the Clerk of the Court.
💡 Key Takeaways
Legal Intent: The Declaration of Domicile is the primary legal tool to prove your intent to reside permanently in Florida under Statute 222.17.
Tax Savings: It is a key step for new residents seeking the Homestead Exemption to lower their property taxes.
Residency Benefits: Non-U.S. citizens often need this notarized document to establish residency for state-level benefits and licenses.
The Filing Process: The document must be signed and sworn before a notary public before being filed with the County Clerk.
Avoid Double Taxation: Filing this form helps protect you from being taxed as a resident by your previous home state.
What is a Declaration of Domicile?
Under Florida Statute 222.17, a Declaration of Domicile is a sworn legal document that officially states your intent to make Florida your permanent home. While many believe that getting a Florida driver’s license or buying a house in Winter Park is enough, the Declaration of Domicile is the "gold standard" proof used by courts and state agencies.
As Florida continues to grow, the state has become more rigorous in verifying residency. This document serves as your shield against being taxed by your former state and your key to unlocking Florida-specific benefits.
1. Unlocking the Homestead Exemption
One of the biggest perks of living in the Sunshine State is the Homestead Exemption, which can save you thousands of dollars in property taxes on your home in Lake Nona or Dr. Phillips. To qualify, you must prove that you are a permanent resident. Filing a notarized Declaration of Domicile provides the Orange County Property Appraiser with undeniable proof of your residency status.
2. Qualify for In-State Tuition
Are you or your children planning to attend UCF (University of Central Florida) or Valencia College? The difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition is significant. To qualify for lower rates, you must demonstrate a year of residency. A Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk of Court is one of the strongest pieces of evidence you can provide to prove your "intent" to stay in Florida.
3. Vital for Non-U.S. Citizens
If you are a non-U.S. citizen living in Orlando on a visa or as a permanent resident, the Declaration of Domicile is especially critical. Federal immigration status and state residency are distinct legal categories. To access certain state benefits or professional licenses, you must demonstrate that Florida is your legal domicile.
How to Make it Official in Orlando
To file your Declaration of Domicile, you must follow these steps:
✔️ Download the Form: Obtain the form specific to your county (usually the Orange County Clerk of Courts).
✔️ Sign in Front of a Notary: You must sign the document in the presence of a Notary Public and swear under oath that the information is true.
✔️ File with the Clerk: Submit the notarized document to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for recording.
Note on Notarization: Florida law is very specific about the "sworn" nature of this document. It requires a Jurat (where you swear or affirm the truth of the document) rather than a simple acknowledgment. Ensure your notary uses the current statutory certificate wording that indicates whether you appeared via physical presence or remote online notarization.
Why Use a Local Orlando Notary?
Navigating the recording office can be intimidating. By having your document notarized correctly by a local expert before you arrive, you ensure your filing won't be rejected for technical errors, saving you a wasted trip to downtown Orlando.
Welcome to the Sunshine State! We are thrilled to have you as part of our growing Central Florida community. Don't let the legalities of moving overwhelm you. Make your residency official—contact us to notarize your Declaration of Domicile today and start enjoying the full benefits of being a Floridian!
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