Central Florida Relocation Checklist

Congratulations on your move to Central Florida and the University of Central Florida.

Relocating to a new city can be exciting, but it also involves dozens of decisions and administrative tasks. To help make your transition as smooth as possible, I've created this relocation checklist covering many of the most important items new residents should consider before and after their move.

Not every item will apply to every family, but this guide should provide a helpful starting point.

Before Your Move

 

Determine Your Housing Goals

Before beginning your home search, consider:

• Desired commute time to UCF
• School requirements
• Housing budget
• Preferred home style
• New construction versus established neighborhoods
• Walkability and amenities
• Future resale considerations

Obtain Mortgage Pre-Approval

If you plan to purchase a home, obtaining pre-approval before your search begins can save valuable time and help define your budget.

A pre-approval will:

• Establish your purchasing power
• Strengthen purchase offers
• Help identify financing options
• Reduce surprises during the buying process

Research Neighborhoods

Popular communities for UCF employees include:

• Oviedo
• Winter Springs
• Winter Park
• Baldwin Park
• Avalon Park
• Waterford Lakes
• Lake Nona
• Maitland

Review our neighborhood guides to determine which communities best fit your lifestyle and goals.

Immediately After Arriving

Obtain a Florida Driver License

New Florida residents generally must obtain a Florida driver license within the timeframe required by state law after establishing residency.

Visit your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office for current requirements.

Register Your Vehicle

Florida requires new residents to register vehicles and obtain Florida license plates.

Be prepared to provide:

• Proof of ownership
• Proof of insurance
• Identification documents

Requirements can vary, so verify current regulations before visiting.

Register to Vote

New residents should update voter registration information after establishing Florida residency.

Establish Florida Residency

Many new UCF employees relocate from states with higher income taxes.

Florida offers several advantages, including:

• No state income tax
• No state inheritance tax
• Favorable residency rules

Consult legal and tax professionals if residency planning is important to your situation.

Apply for Homestead Exemption

One of the most important benefits available to Florida homeowners is Homestead Exemption.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduction in taxable value
• Annual Save Our Homes assessment limitations
• Additional property tax protections

Applications are typically filed through the county property appraiser's office.

Depending on where you purchase:

• Orange County Property Appraiser
• Seminole County Property Appraiser
• Lake County Property Appraiser

Always verify eligibility requirements and filing deadlines.

Establish Utilities

Utility providers vary by community.

Depending on your location, services may include:

Electric

• Duke Energy
• Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)
• Seminole County providers

Water and Sewer

Typically provided by local municipalities or county agencies.

Natural Gas

Available in selected communities.

Internet and Television

Popular providers include:

• Spectrum
• AT&T Fiber
• Quantum Fiber
• Comcast/Xfinity (certain areas)

Availability varies by neighborhood.

Review Homeowners Insurance

Florida insurance differs significantly from many other states.

New homeowners should understand:

• Wind coverage
• Hurricane deductibles
• Flood insurance requirements
• Roof age considerations
• 4-Point Inspections
• Wind Mitigation Inspections

Insurance availability and pricing can vary significantly depending on property characteristics and location.

Understand Flood Zones

Many newcomers assume every Florida property requires flood insurance.

In reality, flood insurance requirements vary based on:

• Flood zone designation
• Mortgage lender requirements
• Property location

Always review flood maps and insurance requirements before purchasing a home.

Healthcare Resources

Establish relationships with healthcare providers soon after relocating.

Major healthcare systems include:

• AdventHealth
• Orlando Health
• UCF Health
• Nemours Children's Health

Lake Nona Medical City is one of the nation's leading healthcare and medical research centers.

School Enrollment

Families with children should contact local school districts early to understand:

• Enrollment requirements
• Attendance zones
• School choice opportunities
• Magnet programs
• Required documentation

School assignments should always be verified directly with the district.

Explore Your New Community

One of the best ways to feel at home is to begin exploring your surroundings.

Popular activities include:

• Visiting Winter Park and Park Avenue
• Exploring Oviedo on the Park
• Walking Baldwin Park
• Visiting local farmers markets
• Exploring area parks and trails
• Visiting nearby beaches
• Attending UCF events and athletic competitions

Your First Year in Florida

During your first year, consider:

• Reviewing Homestead Exemption eligibility
• Evaluating insurance coverage annually
• Exploring new communities
• Building local professional networks
• Taking advantage of Florida's outdoor lifestyle

Most new residents quickly discover that Central Florida offers far more than they expected.

Welcome to Central Florida

Relocating can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning the transition can be both exciting and rewarding.

As a Central Florida REALTOR® who has assisted numerous University of Central Florida faculty members, administrators, researchers, and staff members with their relocation, I understand the challenges involved in moving to a new city.

Whether you are still planning your move or have already arrived, I would be happy to answer questions and help make your transition as smooth as possible.

Welcome to UCF.

Welcome to Central Florida.

Welcome home.

Additional UCF Relocation Resources

• Best Neighborhoods for UCF Faculty & Staff
• Oviedo vs. Winter Park
• Housing Near UCF
• Commute Times to UCF
• Seminole County vs. Orange County Schools
• Living in Central Florida
• University of Central Florida Relocation Guide

Page 8

Why UCF Employees Choose Oviedo

If you ask University of Central Florida faculty members, administrators, researchers, and staff where they recommend living, one community is mentioned more often than any other: Oviedo.

Located immediately north of the University of Central Florida, Oviedo has become one of the most popular communities for UCF employees because of its combination of excellent schools, convenient commute, family-friendly neighborhoods, strong property values, and exceptional quality of life.

While there are many excellent communities throughout Central Florida, Oviedo consistently remains one of the top choices for those seeking a balance between career, family, lifestyle, and long-term investment potential.

Location, Location, Location

For many UCF employees, proximity to campus is the primary reason they choose Oviedo.

Depending on the neighborhood, most residents can reach campus in approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

Compared to many other Orlando-area communities, this shorter commute offers several advantages:

• Less time spent in traffic
• More flexibility for meetings and events
• Easier access to campus activities
• Improved work-life balance

For faculty members and administrators who spend significant time on campus, this convenience can be a major benefit.

Highly Rated Seminole County Schools

One of Oviedo's greatest strengths is its location within Seminole County Public Schools.

Many families relocating to UCF specifically target Seminole County because of the district's reputation for strong academic performance, parental involvement, and community support.

Popular schools serving Oviedo include:

Hagerty High School

Frequently regarded as one of Central Florida's top public high schools, Hagerty attracts many relocating families seeking strong academics and extracurricular opportunities.

Oviedo High School

A highly respected school known for academics, athletics, and student involvement.

Lawton Chiles Middle School

A popular middle school serving many neighborhoods near UCF.

Carillon Elementary School

One of the most sought-after elementary schools in the area.

School assignments should always be verified directly with Seminole County Public Schools, as attendance boundaries may change.

Family-Friendly Communities

Oviedo offers a wide variety of neighborhoods designed to appeal to families, professionals, and retirees.

Popular communities include:

• Live Oak Reserve
• Tuska Ridge
• Riverside
• Sanctuary
• Carillon
• Kingsbridge
• Chapman Lakes
• Bentley Woods
• Little Creek
• Alafaya Woods

Many neighborhoods feature:

• Community pools
• Walking trails
• Parks
• Playgrounds
• Recreational facilities

The overall atmosphere is welcoming, safe, and community-oriented.

Strong Property Values

Oviedo has historically maintained strong demand because of its:

• School system
• Proximity to UCF
• Limited land availability
• Family appeal
• Quality of life

These factors have helped support property values over time and contribute to Oviedo's popularity among both homeowners and investors.

While no real estate market is guaranteed to appreciate, Oviedo has consistently remained one of Central Florida's most desirable residential markets.

Oviedo on the Park

One of Oviedo's most successful developments is Oviedo on the Park.

This community gathering space features:

• Restaurants
• Outdoor events
• Walking paths
• Community festivals
• Playground areas
• Seasonal activities

Many residents enjoy the ability to gather with neighbors and participate in community events throughout the year.

Oviedo on the Park has helped create a stronger sense of community and has become one of the city's most recognizable destinations.

Outdoor Recreation

Oviedo residents enjoy access to numerous outdoor activities.

Popular options include:

• Seminole Trail System
• Cross Seminole Trail
• Oviedo Aquatic Facility
• Numerous community parks
• Nearby kayaking and paddleboarding
• Sports leagues and recreation programs

For active families and outdoor enthusiasts, Oviedo offers an abundance of recreational opportunities.

Housing Options

Oviedo offers housing options across a wide range of price points.

Buyers can find:

• Condominiums
• Townhomes
• Single-family homes
• Executive residences
• Gated communities

Many homes were built more recently than those found in some established Orlando communities, resulting in:

• Modern floor plans
• Open living spaces
• Energy-efficient construction
• Updated features and amenities

This appeals to many relocating buyers seeking move-in-ready homes.

Dining and Shopping

Oviedo continues to expand its dining and shopping options.

Residents enjoy convenient access to:

• Oviedo on the Park
• Oviedo Mall area
• Local restaurants
• National retailers
• Grocery stores
• Healthcare facilities

In addition, Winter Park, Downtown Orlando, and Lake Nona are all within reasonable driving distance.

Is Oviedo Right for You?

Oviedo may be an excellent fit if you value:

• A short commute to UCF
• Highly rated schools
• Family-oriented neighborhoods
• Strong property values
• Parks and recreation
• Modern housing options
• Community atmosphere

While every buyer's priorities are different, it is easy to understand why so many UCF employees choose to call Oviedo home.

Final Thoughts

There is no single "best" community for every University of Central Florida employee. However, Oviedo consistently ranks among the most popular choices because it offers an exceptional combination of convenience, schools, housing options, and quality of life.

For many faculty members, administrators, researchers, and staff, Oviedo provides exactly what they are looking for when relocating to Central Florida.

As a Central Florida REALTOR® who has assisted numerous UCF employees with their relocation and home search, I would be happy to help you determine whether Oviedo is the right fit for your lifestyle, family, and housing goals.

Additional UCF Relocation Resources:

• University of Central Florida Relocation Guide
• Best Neighborhoods for UCF Faculty & Staff
• Oviedo vs. Winter Park
• Housing Near UCF
• Commute Times to UCF
• Seminole County vs. Orange County Schools
• Living in Central Florida
• Central Florida Relocation Checklist