Amid Property Tax Reform Discussions, Seminar Addresses Residency

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

As Florida lawmakers consider potential changes to the state’s property-tax system, it has become increasingly important for homeowners and prospective residents to understand the differences between residency, domicile and homestead status. Florida Trust Wealth Management’s Domicile Day seminar series will continue Thursday, April 23, highlighting these distinctions and their impact on estate and wealth planning.

The seminar will be held from 1-2 p.m. at Florida Trust’s Sanibel office, 2450 Periwinkle Way, and simulcast at the firm’s Bell Tower office, 13525 Bell Tower Drive, in Fort Myers.

“Florida residency, domicile and homestead are often used interchangeably, but they carry distinct legal meanings,” said Jeff Muddell, MBA, CFP®, Sanibel president of Florida Trust Wealth Management. “As property tax reform proposals are debated in Tallahassee, it’s essential for homeowners to understand how these clarifications work today – and how their significance may increase. Establishing domicile correctly can protect assets, enhance estate planning and help avoid costly mistakes.”

Each monthly session explains how to establish Florida residency and domicile properly, how those determinations differ from homestead status and how they affect estate planning. Attendees will also learn about the tax considerations, asset-protection features and creditor benefits associated with Florida domicile – topics receiving increased attention as legislators consider proposals that could modify or reduce homestead-related property taxes in the future.

The program includes a presentation and Q&A led by Florida Trust team members, along with guest attorney presenter Craig Hersch, Esq., CPA. Presenters will remain available following the session to answer individual questions.

Part-time and seasonal Florida residents are encouraged to attend to discuss residency status, asset-protection strategies and how to maintain domicile if displaced by a hurricane or other major event.

Seating is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Andrea McKiddie at amckiddie@floridatrust.com or 239-472-8300.

About Florida Trust Wealth Management
Florida Trust Wealth Management is an independent state-chartered trust company with more than $5.5 billion in assets under management that provides Family Office and Wealth Management Services, including investment management, trust administration and financial counsel to high-net-worth individuals, families, businesses, foundations and endowments. The firm is focused on wealth management services that are absolute-return oriented, and performance driven. Originally established in 2001, the company operated under its flagship name of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company for 25 years, including its divisions of The Naples Trust Company and The Tampa Bay Trust Company. Offices in Sanibel-Captiva, Fort Myers, Naples, Marco Island, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Belleair Bluffs and Tarpon Springs. http://www.floridatrust.com

LEGAL, INVESTMENT AND TAX NOTICE: This information is not intended to be and should not be treated as legal advice, investment advice or tax advice. Readers, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal or tax advice from their own counsel. Not FDIC Insured | No Guarantee | May Lose Value