Relocating to a new state is always a major life transition—and when your destination is vibrant, sun-soaked Orlando, Florida, there’s even more to plan for. Moving to the Sunshine State brings excitement, but if you’re not prepared, small oversights can quickly turn into logistical nightmares. Whether you’re moving for work, lifestyle, or retirement, this guide walks you through the essentials you can’t afford to miss.
Update Your License and Registration ASAP
Once you’ve moved to Orlando, you’ll need to get your Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration updated quickly. Florida law requires new residents to complete this within 30 days of establishing residency. This includes enrolling your children in a Florida school, starting a new job, or filing for a homestead exemption.
Visit your local Orange County Tax Collector’s office, where you can complete everything from license issuance to vehicle plate transfers. Make sure you bring documents like proof of address, your Social Security number, and your old license. It’s also smart to make an appointment ahead of time to avoid long wait times—especially during the busy spring and summer moving months.
Don’t Wait to Plan Travel Logistics
If you’re not driving directly to Orlando, start booking your travel arrangements early. Flights into Orlando International Airport (MCO) can get expensive, especially around holidays and school vacations. Booking early saves money and ensures you arrive on time, especially if your movers are scheduled to arrive at a specific window.
If you’re using auto shipping services, know that most deliveries can take one to two weeks, depending on where you’re coming from. During that time, consider renting a car or planning your initial days around access to public transit or ride-share apps like Lyft and Uber, which are widely available across Orlando.
Moving With Pets? Florida Has Rules
Bringing pets across state lines into Florida means more than just packing their toys and bowls. The Florida Department of Agriculture requires proof of a current rabies vaccination and often a health certificate issued within 30 days of entry for dogs and cats. If you’re traveling with a more exotic pet—think snakes, reptiles, or birds—you’ll want to double-check regulations with local animal control or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
In Orange County, pet licenses aren’t mandatory, but rabies vaccinations are. If you’re relocating to Osceola County, licensing your pet is required within 30 days. Regardless of the rules, it’s smart to update your microchip registration with your new address and vet contact information.
Voter Registration and Utilities: Don’t Let These Fall Through the Cracks
Once you’ve settled in, make sure to register to vote in Florida so you can participate in local and national elections. You can usually do this online or while updating your license at the Tax Collector’s office. Orlando’s voter participation is strong, especially in local school board and city council races, which can impact your day-to-day life more than you think.
You’ll also want to transfer or set up new accounts for utilities like OUC (Orlando Utilities Commission), internet, waste pickup, and even toll passes for Central Florida’s extensive toll road system. Failing to get your E-PASS or SunPass account set up early can lead to missed tolls and fees.
A Smooth Orlando Move Starts With Preparation
Moving to Orlando from out of state is more than just a physical shift—it’s a full lifestyle transition. With beautiful weather, world-class attractions, and thriving suburban communities like Lake Nona, Winter Garden, and Horizon West, there’s no shortage of places to settle down. But the move itself? That requires planning, checklists, and a little local know-how.
From updating your license to planning for pet laws and transportation, each step you take before the move will pay off the moment you arrive in Central Florida. Don’t leave these tasks to chance—check them off early and make your first weeks in Orlando smooth, legal, and stress-free.