provided to The Santiva Chronicle

As Florida lawmakers debate potential changes to the state’s property-tax system, understanding the distinctions between Florida residency, domicile and homestead status has taken on renewed importance for homeowners and those considering a permanent move to the state. Florida Trust Wealth Management’s monthly Domicile Day seminar series continues Thursday, Feb. 26, focusing on these issues and their implications for 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.

Each monthly session explains how to properly establish Florida residency and domicile, 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 presenter David M. Platt, P.A., an estate planning attorney with SanCap Law. 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.

“Florida residency, domicile and homestead are often misunderstood as interchangeable concepts, when they are legally distinct,” said Jeff Muddell, MBA, CFP®, Sanibel president of Florida Trust Wealth Management. “With reform proposals actively being discussed in Tallahassee, homeowners need to understand how these classifications work today – and how they could matter even more in the future. Establishing domicile correctly can help protect assets, support effective estate planning and avoid costly mistakes.”

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

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