Important Info about Relocating from the UK to the Florida Keys

ISLAMORADA, Fla. - April 30, 2015 - PRLog -- Per Jan Keller Top Producing agent of The Keller Porter Team in Islamorada, "Moving from the dull and dreary climate of the United Kingdom to the Florida Keys is an exciting prospect, but one that’s not without several questions.

Your removables are just one thing to consider, which is why you ought to lighten your load as much as possible. Escaping those dreadful English summers and emigrating to the Sunshine State requires more than just a trip across the pond.

You’ll need to arrange for work, or open your own business, and have other things lined-up or ready-to-go when you arrive. For instance, you’ll probably be better off leaving behind many household goods, not only to cut down on removal costs, but also because these items are cheaper in the States. Here are some more things you should do when moving from the U.K. to the Florida Keys:

● Work with a migration expert. There’s no more crucial factor to deal with than where you’ll live and what type of property you’ll buy. You should find an experienced and professional migration expert to help you with not only finding a home, but finding one that best fits your new lifestyle and your budget.

● Obtain a visa. Look carefully into available visas. You might consider a B1 visa or another type, depending on your employment situation. If you have an American spouse or your child was born in the States, this will be one available avenue.

● Accept an offer of employment. If you’re not opening or buying a business in the Keys, you’ll need a legitimate offer of employment. You’ll find that Americans work longer hours and weeks, and have shorter holidays. However, there are more advantageous tax benefits in the States and, the state of Florida has no income tax.

● Get health insurance. Currently, it’s a mandate that everyone in America have health insurance, as there is no government provided healthcare system like NICE. You’ll have to purchase health insurance, which is based on your income, your state of health, and even where you live and what you do for work.

● Buy a car and get licensed and insured. You’ll find that if you have an auto in the U.K. taking it across the pond is very expensive. Autos in America are less expensive and last longer because there’s no damage from snow and ice. You’ll also have to get a driver’s license, register your vehicle, and get auto insurance.

● Make arrangements for pets. While you might not want to part with your pet, here again, you’ll find it a big expense. If you do take your pets with you, understand that Americans keep pets inside.

Last but not least, you should file for homestead exemption when you buy your house in the Keys. This keeps your property taxes low and makes them quite affordable.

About Jan Keller. Jan is a Top producing Real Estate agent and the owner of the Florida website www.kellerporterteam.com designed specifically to help people relocating to Islamorada and the upper Florida Keys.