Welcome to the neighborhood. We are so glad that you have made Hobe Sound your new home. The information provided here will help you become acclimated with local and state information and laws. If you have additional questions please don’t hesitate to e-mail or call us. One of our friendly volunteers is waiting to help you.

Establishing Residency/Register to Vote

Under Florida law, you automatically establish residency when being employed, enrolling children in school, or registering to vote. You may document your residency by obtaining a notarized Declaration of Domicile. The Hobe Sound Branch of the Circuit Court office also provides information and services for paying traffic tickets, obtaining marriage licenses and passports.

            *Clerk of the Circuit Court
            8775 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound
            546-1308
            http://clerk-web.martin.fl.us/ClerkWeb/

You may also establish residency by registering to vote at the Supervisor of Elections Office.

            *Supervisor of Elections Office
            8771 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound
            772-546-1307
            www.martinvotes.com

Driver’s License

You must obtain a Florida Driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You will be required to take the vision and written exams, even if you already have a license from another state. You must have two forms of identification to prove your date of birth. For your convenience and to avoid a long wait make an appointment.

Martin County Driver License Bureau, located at 8917 Bridge Road in Hobe Sound. For more information, call 772-564-6136. For appointments, call 772-546-7097.

Vehicle License Plates and Auto Tags

When you establish residency in Florida, you also must obtain Florida license plates or tags for your vehicle(s). A Florida license tag is required within ten days of establishing residency, employment, or a child's enrollment in school in Florida. Florida is a no-fault insurance state. Personal injury protection and liability coverage is required by law. Individuals registering vehicles must pay an initial registration fee of $100, a tag fee and a title charge. Bring your title, registration, and proof of insurance to the Tag Office at the Tax Collector's Office, at which time an odometer reading will also be taken. In addition to the standard tags, a number of specialty tags are available at an additional charge. Your tag expires on your birthday.  Tax Collector’s Office: 8771 SE Bridge Road in Hobe Sound.  For more information, call 772-288-5595.

Boat Registration

Motorboats and sailboats used in Florida waters, unless registered in another state and used less than 90 days must be registered. Tax Collector’s Office: 8771 SE Bridge Road in Hobe Sound.  For more information, call 772-288-5595.

Licensing of Pets

All dogs and cats must be licensed. To obtain a license, you must bring proof of rabies vaccination. For more information, contact Tax Collector's Office

Post Office

Hobe Sound Post Office
 9995 US Highway 1 Hobe Sound, FL
 772-546-5630

*Please note that these government agencies will be relocating to the Publix Island Crossing Shopping Center (Located at the intersection of Bridge Road and US Highway 1) in the Summer of 06

Taxes

As a newcomer to Florida, there may be differences in tax laws, e.g. there is not a State Inheritance Tax. There is also not a State Income Tax, but you should consult attorney, tax advisor or Trust Officer to take advantage of any tax savings. For additional information on any Florida tax, contact:

Florida Department of Revenue
900 Prima Vista Blvd. Suite 300, Port St. Lucie
(800) 352-3671

Sales Tax

The State Sales Tax is six percent (6%) of the total amount of any sale. However, medicines, medical services and most food items are exempt.

Tangible Tax

Business property is subject to Florida's Tangible Tax, which includes everything used in the performance of your business except real estate. All businesses, whether individuals, partnerships or corporations, which control, manage, lease or own any tangible personal property such as furniture, equipment, computers, machines, etc. must file a Tangible Tax Return prior to April 1st of each year. Failure to do so will result in a fine.

Intangible Tax

Florida taxes stocks, bonds and other securities with combined value of $100,000 or less at $1.00 per thousand: $200,000 for joint filing. The rate increases to $2.00 per thousand for individuals reporting over $100,000 and joint returns over $200,000.

Utilities

Electricity
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
772-287-5400
www.fpl.com

Gas
Ferrellgas
561-746-4534

Teco People’s Gas
877-832-6747

Water
South Martin Regional Utility (SMRU)
9000 SE Athena Street, Hobe Sound
772-546-2511

Trash / Recycling
Waste Management
7700 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound
772-546-7700
www.wm.com

Phone Service/Internet
Bell South
1-800-753-0710
772-780-2355
www.bellsouth.com

Dial-Up Internet Services
Bell South Dial-Up Internet Services
800-436-8638
www.bellsouth.com/consumer/inetsrvcs

FastAccess DSL Service
Bell South Fast Access DSL Service
888-321-2375 5
www.fastaccess.com

Cable

Adelphia
772-692-1400
www.adelphia.com

Local Newspapers

Stuart News
772-287-1550
www.tcpalm.com

Palm Beach Post, Martin County Edition
772-223-3550
www.pbpost.com

Hometown News
772-465-5656
www.hometownnewsol.com

Inside Hobe Sound
Come and enjoy an inside look at how unincorporated Hobe Sound works. This day begins with an introduction by Hobe Sound Chamber's Executive Director and a chance to hear from our constitutional officers and community leaders. Then Community Coach will transport you around town as you tour the behind the scenes of the water company, library, post office, elementary school and so much more. Don't miss out on this quarterly event. Sign up today as seating is limited.  There is no charge for the tour, but lunch is $6.

Inside Hobe Sound is scheduled four time each year. Watch the Chamber calendar and local newspapers for the next event.