To establish legal Florida residency in 2026—particularly for tax purposes or "In-State" tuition—you must provide a "preponderance of evidence" that you have made Florida your permanent home for at least 12 consecutive months. The most critical document is the Florida Declaration of Domicile, which is filed with the Clerk of the Courts in your county. In addition, you must provide at least two of the following: a valid Florida Driver’s License or ID card, a Florida Vehicle Registration, or a Florida Voter Registration Card. All of these must show an "Issue Date" that is at least one year old. Other supporting documents that strengthen your claim include proof of a permanent home (a deed or a 12-month lease with proof of payments), a Florida professional or occupational license, or proof of full-time employment in the state (W-2s or pay stubs). For 2026 residents, "intent" is key; the state looks for proof that you have severed ties with your previous state, such as closing out-of-state bank accounts and utility bills, to ensure you are not a "seasonal" resident attempting to claim full residency benefits.