WELCOME TO
LEHIGH ACRES!
We look forward to welcoming you as new neighbors and friends! As you settle-in, we hope that you'll enjoy all of the benefits that Lehigh Acres has to offer.
Lehigh has a great hometown spirit, an unbeatable climate and is close to the myriad of interesting sights and sounds throughout the state.
Here are some tidbits of information that should assist you in keeping your stress levels at a minimum. Just about all of us who have made Lehigh Acres our home have relocated from "somewhere else"- just like you.
The Chamber of Commerce is here to help!
Please feel free to stop by or give us a call if you have any questions about your new community.
We can provide you with information about things you may not have considered before your move…a good hairdresser - a family physician - where to find the best auto mechanic - and all the little things that will make you feel at home.
Welcome Home!
Oliver B. Conover
Executive Director
THE FLORIDA SUN WILL TOAST YOU AT ABOUT 3 TIMES THE RATE OF MORE NORTHERN CLIMATES!
Only legal residents of the State of Florida may benefit from its favorable tax system. Consult a Florida attorney to verify your residency status, especially if you have a second residence in another state. The following steps will help you establish your residency in Florida:
· Draw up a will, witnessed by Florida residents, indicating Florida as your legal residence.
· Register to vote in Florida.
· Cancel your previous voter's registration.
· Structure the ownership/legal title to your property to ensure its proper ultimate disposition.
· Transfer bank accounts to Florida.
· Acquire a Florida driver's license and auto license tags.
· Apply for Homestead Exemption if you own your home.
· File a Florida "Declaration of Domicile & Citizenry" at the county courthouse.
· File a state intangible personal property tax return (if applicable).
· Mail federal income tax returns to the IRS office in Atlanta from Florida, and note your change of address on the return.
Live shelling on our Florida beaches is prohibited.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Florida homeowners who live in their homes full time (six months and 1 day each year) qualify for a homestead exemption that deducts $25,000 from a home's taxable (assessed) value. Homeowners must take up residency before January 1 and apply no later than March 1 for the exemption. Contact the Lee Co. Property Appraisers Office at 239-339-6100.
DRIVERS LICENSE
Every new resident with a valid license from another state must obtain a Florida Driver's License within 30 days of becoming a resident. You will surrender your out-of-state license and submit to an eye exam at the licensing bureau. The best place to go is the licensing bureau satellite office in LaBelle-the lines are much shorter than in Ft. Myers! Neither office is open on Mondays.
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PROTECT YOUR PET
Your pet must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies each year and must wear both tags at all times. Just as importantly, protecting your pet from heartworm here in our subtropical climate is imperative since the disease is borne by mosquitoes. Give us a call for the names and numbers of local veterinarians who are Chamber of Commerce members.
SEAT BELTS /NO HELMETS
The driver, front seat passengers and children must buckle-up. Children under age 5 MUST be restrained in approved safety seats. This is the law.
You are not required to wear a helmet on a motorcycle/street bike but, you are required by law to wear a helmet on a bicycle.
TAXES
· The State of Florida has no Personal Income Tax and no Inheritance Tax.
· The state does impose an intangible tax of $2 per thousand on personal property such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.
· Food (non-prepared), medicine, medical supplies and professional services are exempt from the state's 6% Sales Tax.
LIGHTNING
Southwest Florida is the lightning capital of the world! Severe lightning occurs most often in our summer months, sometimes even when there is no thunderstorm in sight. When you see lightning strike, stay indoors. If you are outside, seek shelter quickly.
HURRICANES
The good news for Lehigh Acres residents is that we are the "safe spot" in Southwest Florida when it comes to hurricane threats. Our high school, middle school and several other locations are designated as official shelters during the threat of a major storm. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the most active storms occurring in September. Our local radio and TV stations hold seminars each year to provide newcomers with vital information regarding hurricane season.
AREA INFORMATION
Lehigh Acres is regarded as one of the last best home-buying opportunities.
Lehigh has been transformed from a retirement town to a hometown community with a recently updated median age of 38.
Lehigh is approximately 102 square miles in size-earmarked to be one of the key entry points from I-75 to the new Florida Gulf Coast University. Thanks to the recently extended Colonial Boulevard and Veteran's Memorial Midpoint Bridge, Lehigh has a straight-line access to all points including Ft Myers, Cape Coral and the beaches.
Our fresh water canals criss-cross the community providing recreational fishing and boating for residents. Six lakes, 5 championship golf courses and plans for a second Middle School round out our hometown theme.
These characteristics all signify Lehigh as the ideal community for young and old alike seeking quality housing at best-buy prices!
PHONE NUMBERS
· Motor Vehicle Registration:
You have 10 days to register vehicles and obtain Florida tags. Call: 339-6000 or stop by the Lee County Tax Collector's office located on Lee Boulevard - they'll be glad to help!
· Boat Titles: 458-7000
· Voter Registration: 339-6300
· Social Security Office: 800-772-1213
· Electric: LCEC: 656-2300 FPL: 334-7754
· Sprint Telephone: 800-800-7141
· Newspapers:
Ft Myers News Press: 335-0200
Lehigh Citizen: 368-3944
Lehigh News-Star: 369-2191
· Government Offices (see the "Blue Pages" in your telephone directory
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