Welcome! As a new resident of the greater Venice area, there are a few things you need to know.

The following information will help make your transition to Gulf Coast living easier and more interesting.

Looking for employment in the Venice area is only a click away! Search for jobs by keyword, salary range, or job type. Or post your resume for potential area employers to see.

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) works to assist expansion of existing companies, attract and retain quality jobs, solicit new businesses compatible with the assets and values of Sarasota County, promote Sarasota County's business image, and enhance Sarasota County's overall quality of life.

The easiest way to become a Florida resident is to file a declaration of domicile with the County Clerk of the Court. The document is notarized by the clerk’s office and states you reside at a given address. The cost is $8 and may be filed at the Robert L. Anderson County Administration Center, 4000 Tamiami Trail South, Venice.

Whether you have moved from another county or from out of state, you must register in order to vote in Sarasota County. You are eligible to register if you are a U.S. Citizen, a legal county resident, and at least 18 by the next election. To register, visit the Supervisor of Elections office at the Robert L. Anderson County Administration Center in Venice.

Public transportation from the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport to Venice, Englewood and Northport. SCAT currently has 21 bus routes and two trolley routes. SCAT is in service Monday through Saturday from 7:00a.m. until 7:00p.m. (Regular bus fare is 50 cents per ride with discounts to seniors over age 65 as well as those persons with disabilities.

Newcomers must register their vehicles in Florida within 10 days of gaining employment or enrolling children in school. Proof of ownership, proof of Florida auto insurance, prior registration certificate, and a current driver’s license are needed.

In addition, Florida is a title law state, so newcomers must also apply for a Florida Title Certificate. For more information, contact the Tax Collector’s Office, (941) 362-9898, at the Robert L. Anderson County Administration Center, Venice.

New state residents have 30 days to apply for a driver’s license. State law requires that you first register your vehicle with the tax collector. Proof of this registration, your out-of-state license, and your social security card must be shown. The examination office is located at 1212 Jacaranda Boulevard at the Venice Pines Shopping Plaza, (941) 483-5995.

As a Florida resident, you are eligible to declare the first $25,000 of your home’s value as exempt for tax purposes, thereby reducing your ad valorem tax bill. To file for a homestead exemption, you must establish residency by December 31 prior to the year you will claim the exemption. Taxpayers must file between January 2 and March 1, with the County Property Appraiser at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, Venice.

All motorboats used in Florida must be registered at the Tax Collector’s Office. Boats with out-of-state registration need not register in Florida if they are here for 90 days or less. You may also purchase fishing licenses at the Tax Collector’s Office or at nearly any bait or sporting goods store. Fees vary, but if you are over age 65, hunting and fishing licenses are free.

SCOPE is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Sarasota County. Through its annual study of two important community issues and extensive research on quality of life indicators, SCOPE captures our past, addresses our present, and envisions our future. 

Florida does not tax personal income, salary, dividends, interest, or capital gains. Tangible personal business property is appraised on machinery, equipment, and certain rental units. An Intangible Personal Property Tax is levied on stocks, bonds, and other securities with the first $20,000 being exempt. Estate taxes for Florida residents are deducted from the amount claimed by the Federal Government. There is no state inheritance tax, so there are advantages to transferring securities and personal property to Florida. Contact an attorney to see if you need to change your will to comply with Florida law.

Real Estate (ad valorem) taxes are levied on 100% of assessed real estate valuation, minus the Homestead Exemption, if applicable. Residents living within the corporate limits of the City of Venice pay both city and county taxes on real estate; homeowners in unincorporated areas pay only the county tax. 2000 millage rates were 14.1198 for county residents, plus 3.406 if residing in the City of Venice.