Congratulations on your move to beautiful St. Augustine, Florida! You’ve unpacked the boxes, maybe hit the beach once or twice, but now you’re thinking… What’s next? How do you really settle in and start living like a local?
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to do after moving to St. Augustine—from paperwork to perks—so you can feel at home faster and start enjoying this amazing town like a true local.
1. Make It Official—Paperwork First!
Let’s start with the basics—getting all your legal and residential stuff squared away.
First stop: St. Johns County Complex off US-1. Bring your:
- Driver’s license
- Car registration
- Proof of residency (like your settlement statement or deed)
Your first goal here is the DMV—I know, I know… DMV dread is real. But good news: the one here in St. Augustine is surprisingly fast. I’ve had clients in and out in under an hour. Crazy, right?
Pro Tip: If you’re moving from out of state, don’t forget to update your driver’s license with your new Florida address and get your Florida plates. It’s one of those “do it early and forget about it” things.
2. Register to Vote & Apply for Homestead Exemption
While you’re still at the county offices, swing by the Tax Collector’s Office. Here’s what you can do:
- Register to vote in St. Johns County
- Apply for your Homestead Exemption—this saves you money on property taxes if your new home is your primary residence.
Just remember: you need to have owned and lived in the home as of January 1st of the year you’re applying to qualify. So if you moved in after that, mark your calendar to apply next year.
3. Florida Perks—Licenses, Passes & More
The Tax Collector’s office also handles a bunch of Florida resident perks:
- Fishing and hunting licenses
- Boat registration
- Concealed carry permits
Whether you’re an outdoorsy type or just planning weekend adventures, these are worth looking into early.
4. Discounted Beach Access—Local-Only Passes
This one’s a gem: The Drive-On Beach Pass. St. Augustine is famous for its drive-on beaches, but locals get discounted rates.
You’ll want to go to the A Street beach ramp off Beach Boulevard to get your pass. Just a heads-up—it’s 4×4 vehicles only. And trust me, once you have that pass, beach days get a whole lot easier.
5. Don’t Pay Full Price for Parking Downtown
If you’re going to be spending time downtown—and you will—you need a ParkNow Card or the St. Augustine Resident Parking Pass. These give you:
- Deep discounts on metered parking
- Access to resident-only rates in parking garages
You can grab yours online at citystaug.com or in person. It’s a game changer, especially during busy weekends and events.
6. Get a Library Card—Yes, It’s Still Worth It
Even in the digital age, St. Johns County Libraries are incredible. You can:
- Borrow books, movies, and audiobooks
- Use the library’s free Libby app for eBooks and audiobooks
- Attend community events and kids’ story times
Just visit any local branch or sign up online. It’s free, and it’s a great way to feel connected fast.
7. Grab Your Florida State Parks Pass
On your first visit to Anastasia State Park, you’ll already be planning your second. But here’s a hack: grab a Florida State Parks Annual Pass at the ranger station.
Florida residents get a major discount, and it works statewide—perfect if you’re planning day trips or road trips around Florida.
Bonus: It covers places like Fort Mose, Ravine Gardens, and even spots near Gainesville and Orlando.
8. Meet Your People—Get Plugged In
Now that logistics are out of the way, let’s talk about lifestyle.
St. Augustine is a small town with a huge heart, and there are so many ways to meet people:
- Join a garden club
- Volunteer with animal rescues
- Take up paddle boarding or kayaking
- Hit the courts with a tennis club
- Check out car shows if you’re into classics
- Try a painting or pottery class at local studios
- Get involved with First Friday Art Walks downtown
Whatever your interest, there’s a group or event waiting for you. If you’re not sure where to start, leave a comment below or message me—I’d be happy to connect you with some great local groups.
9. Make Time to Explore Locally
Now that you’re settled, start exploring intentionally:
- Try brunch at The Blue Hen Café or Maple Street Biscuit Co.
- Take a sunset stroll along the Vilano Pier
- Visit the Saturday Farmers Market at the Amphitheatre
- Take a walking tour—yes, even as a local!
- Discover hidden gems like the Mission Nombre de Dios or Washington Oaks Gardens
Final Thoughts: You’re Home Now
Moving is overwhelming—but you’ve landed in one of the most welcoming places in Florida. From the beaches to the historic district, the parks, the people—St. Augustine is all about community, charm, and a laid-back lifestyle.
So whether you need help settling in, finding a local go-to, or getting your real estate questions answered, I’m here to help. You’ll find my contact info in the description below.
The easiest way to stay in the know is to sign up for our newsletter with weekly local events and hot spots!
If you want to know what living like a local really looks like, check out my next blog post right here—I share insider tips only longtime locals know.
And don’t forget to download our Relocation Guide to St. Augustine HERE—it’s packed with resources to make your transition smooth.
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you around town!
For more information or to start your real estate journey, Contact me here: