ESTABLISHING RESIDENCY
    This can be accomplished by either Declaration of Domicile or Voter's Registration. To obtain a Declaration of Domicile, go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court Office. Register to vote at the Supervisor of Elections Office, located in the courthouse.


HOUSING
    Whatever your income, there's a place for you to call home in Okeechobee. Properties here may be less expensive than in the metropolitan areas of the state. Choices range from waterfront, country ranches, townhouses, condominiums, apartments, mobile homes, retirement communities, golf communities, and single family housing.


UTILITIES
    Electricity is provided by Florida Power and Light (FP&L) Company and Glades Electric Cooperative. Telephone service is provided by Embarq. Waste Management provides sanitation service. Okeechobee Utility Authority provides water and sewage service.


TAXES
    Florida does not have a state income tax or inheritance tax. There is an Intangible Assets Tax on stocks, bonds, and other securities. There is also a tax on Tangible Property used in business. The state revenues come primarily from the sales tax, exempting groceries and medicine, and corporate income tax. Property taxes pay for county services and public schools.


HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
    The first $25,000 value of an assessed home is eliminated from taxation. Residents of Florida may file for a Homestead Exemption through the Okeechobee County Property Appraiser's Office. The initial application must be made in person. Apply January 1 to March 1 and bring along a deed or tax bill for the property, Florida voter's registration card or Declaration of Domicile, a valid Florida driver's license, and an automobile registration.


POST OFFICE
    Located at 1000 Hwy. 70 East, there is a 24-hour lobby with stamp machines. Postal clerks are available 9 am - 5 pm, Monday thru Friday and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays. For information call 763-3616.


HEALTH CARE
    Okeechobee County is served by Raulerson Hospital at 1796 Hwy 441 North and provides fully staffed emergency services 24-hours a day and a variety of specialty services. Health care clinics, Dentists and a Dematology Center are listed in the membership directory, and available for health care maintenance.


DRIVER'S LICENSE
    New residents are given thirty days, once they declare residency, to change their out-of-state license. If you reside in Florida and are employed, your vehicle must display a Florida license tag and you must pass the written and driving tests, which are administered at the Driver's License Office, 1857 Hwy. 441 S.E. Okeechobee.


VEHICLE REGISTRATION
    New residents are given ten days to register. New residents may apply for license plates, titles, and registration at the Tax Collector's Office at N.W. 5th Avenue. There will be an initial registration fee when you are purchasing a new plate. Sales tax is 7% of the purchase price minus a Florida registered trade in.


FLORIDA TRAFFIC LAWS
    Florida has a mandatory seat belt law. When your windshield wipers are on, you must turn on your headlights. Headlights must be on when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. You may turn right on red, unless otherwise posted. It is against the law to have an open container of an alcoholic beverage in your vehicle. Infants under six years of age must be in an approved car seat. Trailers must have their own tag and have operating brake and turn signal lights. If you have moved from another state and become employed in Florida, you must register your vehicle within ten days and possess a Florida Driver's License within 30 days.


FISHING LICENSES
    A separate license is required for fishing in saltwater and freshwater for residents between the ages of 15 and 65. To qualify for a resident's license, the applicant must have resided in the county for a full year. For those who have lived here a full year and are over 65, licenses are free. Licenses are statewide. Fishing Licenses are available for visitors.


TRANSPORTATION
Highways: Okeechobee County is served by 1-95 and the Florida Turnpike.
Major Highways: US 441, US 98, SR 70, SR 710
Major Commercial Airport: Palm Beach International Airport
Local Airport: Okeechobee Airport
Nearest Port with Docking Facilities: Fort Pierce and Palm Beach
Rail Service: Amtrak (two stops daily)
Bus Service: Greyhound Bus Lines



COMMUNICATIONS
Newspapers: Local: Okeechobee News and Okeechobee Times
Largest Regional: Palm Beach Post
Radio: Largest Local: WOKC 1570 AM
Telephone: Embarq
Mail: Parcel, Air, Overnight Parcel Services Available
Cable Television: Comcast


Welcome to Okeechobee!