What we verified in “Moving to another state: the checklist with dates”

Statements and where we checked them

The statements with rules, figures or dates, with the exact place in the source and the date we checked them.

1. Under Florida law, unless the written rental agreement says otherwise, a tenant who leaves before the end of the agreement's term, or who rents week to week, month to month, quarter to quarter or year to year, must give the landlord at least 7 days' written notice before leaving, by certified mail or personal delivery, and the notice must include the address where the tenant can be reached; without that notice the landlord is relieved of sending the deposit claim notice, but the tenant does not give up any right to the deposit.

   Sources 1 · Fla. Stat. §83.49(5): 'must give at least 7 days'; 'written notice by certified mail or personal delivery to the landlord before vacating or abandoning the premises, which notice must include the address where the tenant may be reached'; 'Failure to give such notice relieves the landlord of the notice requirement of paragraph (3)(a) but does not waive any right the tenant may have to the security deposit' · Checked October 17, 2026

2. The same Florida law says that when the agreement ends, a landlord who will not claim any of the deposit must return it (with interest, if required) within 15 days; a landlord who will claim part of it must, within 30 days, send written notice by certified mail to the tenant's last known mailing address, or by email; and the tenant has 15 days after receiving that notice to object in writing.

   Sources 1 · Fla. Stat. §83.49(3)(a): 'the landlord must return the security deposit, together with interest if otherwise required, within 15 days after the termination of the rental agreement'; 'within 30 days after the termination of the rental agreement, provide the tenant written notice by certified mail to the tenant’s last known mailing address or by e-mail'; 'you must object in writing to this deduction from your security deposit within 15 days after the time you receive this notice' · Checked October 17, 2026

3. Under Texas law, the landlord is not obligated to return the deposit or give the written description of damages and charges until the tenant gives the landlord a written forwarding address for the refund; the tenant does not lose the right to the refund merely for failing to give it.

   Sources 2 · Tex. Prop. Code §92.107: 'The landlord is not obligated to return a tenant's security deposit or give the tenant a written description of damages and charges until the tenant gives the landlord a written statement of the tenant's forwarding address for the purpose of refunding the security deposit'; 'The tenant does not forfeit the right to a refund of the security deposit or the right to receive a description of damages and charges merely for failing to give a forwarding address to the landlord' · Checked October 17, 2026

4. Under Texas law, the landlord must refund the deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises (subject to the forwarding-address rule), and a lease clause requiring advance notice of moving out as a condition of the refund is effective only if it is underlined or printed in conspicuous bold print in the lease.

   Sources 2 · Tex. Prop. Code §92.103(a)-(b): 'the landlord shall refund a security deposit to the tenant on or before the 30th day after the date the tenant surrenders the premises'; 'A requirement that a tenant give advance notice of surrender as a condition for refunding the security deposit is effective only if the requirement is underlined or is printed in conspicuous bold print in the lease' · Checked October 17, 2026

5. The Postal Service (USPS) says that if you are moving you should submit a permanent change of address; that you must submit the request and verify your identity, and once it is approved it takes at least 7-10 business days to go into effect; that online you pay a $1.25 identity verification fee with a card whose billing address matches your old or new address; and that if you cannot verify your identity online, you go to a Post Office with acceptable ID and fill out PS Form 3575 from the free Mover's Guide packet.

   Sources 3 · Standard Forward Mail & Change of Address: 'submit a permanent change of address request'; 'allow at least 7-10 business days for it to go into effect'; 'Pay the $1.25 identity verification fee'; 'The billing address on your credit card must match either your old or new address'; 'If you can't verify your identity online, go to a Post Office location with acceptable ID'; 'Fill out the PS Form 3575 found inside the packet' · Checked October 17, 2026

6. According to USPS, standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months; for security, government agencies and financial institutions do not allow sensitive documents to be forwarded, including identity documents (especially driver's licenses and voter registration), credit cards, bank statements and insurance, financial or medical information; and the change of address only changes your mailing address with the Post Office: you are responsible for telling government agencies, companies and any other senders.

   Sources 3 · Standard Forward Mail & Change of Address: 'Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months'; 'do not allow forwarding of sensitive documents'; 'Identity documents, especially driver’s licenses and voter registration'; 'Credit cards, bank statements, insurance info, and other financial or medical information'; 'Your change of address order only changes your mailing address with the Post Office'; 'You are responsible for telling government agencies, companies, and any other senders that your address has changed' · Checked October 17, 2026

7. The IRS explains that if you move before filing, you enter the new address on your return; that you can also notify it with Form 8822, in writing or by phone, giving your name, old and new addresses and your Social Security number, ITIN or EIN; that not all post offices forward government checks, so you should notify the IRS directly; and that an address change generally takes 45 days to be fully processed.

   Sources 4 · Topic no. 157, Change your address – How to notify the IRS: 'enter your new address on your return when you file'; 'Form 8822, Change of Address'; 'Social Security number, individual taxpayer identification number, or employer identification number'; 'not all post offices forward government checks, you should also directly notify the IRS'; 'Generally, it takes 45-days for a change of address request to be fully processed' · Checked October 17, 2026

8. USAGov says that if you move outside your state, you must register in the state you moved to; that on vote.gov you select your state and see the deadline and the ways it accepts registration (online, by mail, by phone or in person); that all states except New Hampshire, Wyoming and North Dakota accept the National Mail Voter Registration Form; and that most counties and states do not require you to cancel your old registration after you move.

   Sources 5 · How to update or change your voter registration: 'If you move outside your state, you must register with the state you moved to'; 'Go to vote.gov and select your state or territory'; 'Note the registration deadline'; 'All states except New Hampshire, Wyoming, and North Dakota accept it'; 'Most counties and states do not require you to cancel your voter registration after you move' · Checked October 17, 2026

9. According to USAGov, every state has its own registration deadline, which can be as much as a month before an election, and every state except North Dakota requires people to register to vote.

   Sources 6 · Voter registration deadlines: 'Every state has its own voter registration deadline'; 'Every state except North Dakota requires people to register'; 'the deadline to register to vote could be as much as a month before an election' · Checked October 17, 2026

10. USAGov explains that to vote in federal, state and local elections you must be a U.S. citizen (some areas allow non-citizens to vote in local elections only), meet your state's residency requirements and be 18 on or before Election Day; and that non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state and most local elections.

    Sources 7 · Who can and cannot vote: 'Are a U.S. citizen (some areas allow non-citizens to vote in local elections only)'; 'Meet your state’s residency requirements'; 'Are 18 years old on or before Election Day'; 'Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections' · Checked October 17, 2026

11. HealthCare.gov says that outside Open Enrollment (November 1 to January 15) you can only enroll in or change a Marketplace plan if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period; that you may qualify if you move to a home in a new ZIP code or county, or to the U.S. from a foreign country or a territory; and that moving only for medical treatment or staying somewhere on vacation does not qualify.

    Sources 8 · Getting health coverage outside Open Enrollment: 'November 1 - January 15 each year'; 'you can only enroll in or change Marketplace plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period'; 'A new home in a new ZIP code or county'; 'The U.S. from a foreign country or United States territory'; 'Moving only for medical treatment or staying somewhere for vacation doesn’t qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period' · Checked October 17, 2026

12. According to the HealthCare.gov glossary, in a Special Enrollment Period you usually have 60 days before or 60 days after the event to enroll in a plan, and you can enroll in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time.

    Sources 9 · Special Enrollment Period (SEP) - Glossary: 'you usually have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan'; 'You can enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time' · Checked October 17, 2026

13. Under the federal Marketplace rule, you generally have 60 days from the event to pick a plan; a permanent move that gives you access to new plans opens a Special Enrollment Period if you had minimum essential coverage for at least one day in the 60 days before the move, and that requirement is also met if you lived in a foreign country or a U.S. territory for at least one day in those 60 days.

    Sources 10 · 45 CFR §155.420(c)(1), (d)(7) and (a)(5): 'has 60 days from the date of a triggering event to select a QHP'; 'gains access to new QHPs as a result of a permanent move'; 'for one or more days during the 60 days preceding the date of the permanent move'; 'lived in a foreign country or in a United States territory for 1 or more days during the 60 days preceding the date of the qualifying event' · Checked October 17, 2026

14. HealthCare.gov says that U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawfully present immigrants can get Marketplace coverage if they are eligible, and that undocumented immigrants cannot get Marketplace coverage but may apply on behalf of documented individuals.

    Sources 11 · Health coverage for immigrants: 'People in these groups can get coverage through the Marketplace if they're eligible'; 'Lawfully present immigrants'; 'Undocumented immigrants can't get Marketplace health coverage'; 'They may apply for coverage on behalf of documented individuals' · Checked October 17, 2026

15. Under the federal school records privacy rule (FERPA), a school may disclose a student's records without consent to officials of another school or school system where the student seeks or intends to enroll, when the disclosure is for purposes of the student's enrollment or transfer.

    Sources 12 · 34 CFR §99.31(a)(2): 'to officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll'; 'so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student's enrollment or transfer' · Checked October 17, 2026

16. Under the same rule, the school that sends those records must make a reasonable attempt to notify the parents at their last known address (unless the parents initiated the request or the school's annual notice says it forwards records to other schools) and give them, on request, a copy of what was sent.

    Sources 13 · 34 CFR §99.34(a): 'Make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or eligible student at the last known address'; 'The disclosure is initiated by the parent or eligible student'; 'Give the parent or eligible student, upon request, a copy of the record that was disclosed' · Checked October 17, 2026

17. Florida's motor vehicle department says that as a new resident you must get a valid Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency to drive on Florida roads, and that to title and register your vehicles within 10 days of establishing residency you must get insurance from an agent licensed to sell insurance in Florida.

    Sources 14 · New Resident - Welcome to Florida!: 'you must obtain a valid Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency to drive on Florida roads'; 'you must obtain insurance from a Florida insurance agent that is licensed to sell insurance in Florida in order to title and register your vehicle(s), vessel(s), and mobile home(s) within 10 days of establishing residency' · Checked October 17, 2026

18. The Texas Department of Public Safety says you can legally drive with a valid license from another U.S. state, a U.S. territory, a Canadian province or a qualifying country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas, and that before applying for a Texas license all your vehicles must be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

    Sources 15 · Moving to Texas: A Guide to Driver Licenses and IDs: 'You can legally drive with a valid, unexpired driver license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, Canadian province, or qualifying country for up to 90-days after moving to Texas'; 'Before applying for a Texas driver license, ensure all your vehicles are registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles' · Checked October 17, 2026

19. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles says you have 30 days from the time you move to register your vehicle; that at the county tax office you need your insurance card and proof you own the vehicle, such as the registration or title from your previous state; and that in Texas you must show insurance of at least $30,000 per injured person, up to $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

    Sources 16 · New to Texas: 'You have 30 days from the time you move here to register your vehicle in the state'; 'You will need your insurance card and proof you own the vehicle, such as the registration or title from your previous state'; 'In Texas, you must show you have insurance coverage for a minimum of $30,000 per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage' · Checked October 17, 2026

20. The New York DMV says that if you move to New York and become a resident, you must get a New York license within 30 days; that a vehicle registered in New York must have New York insurance; and that if you leave the state, you must surrender the registration and plates to the DMV before your New York liability insurance is canceled, because a lapse leads to a suspended registration and may lead to a suspended license, even after you move out of New York.

    Sources 17 · Moving To Or From New York State: 'If you move to New York State and become a resident, you must get a New York State driver license within 30 days'; 'If your vehicle is registered in New York State, you must have New York insurance coverage'; 'You must surrender your vehicle registration and plates to the DMV before the New York State liability insurance is canceled'; 'We will suspend your registration and may suspend your driver license'; 'We will take action against your New York State registration and driver license even if you move out of New York' · Checked October 17, 2026

21. The North Carolina DMV says that within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in the state, if you will drive, you must get a North Carolina license and title and register your vehicles; that the license or ID comes first and the vehicle registration after; that registration requires North Carolina insurance information, since out-of-state policies are not accepted; and that you register when you accept employment or when the reciprocity period with your previous state ends (usually 30 days), whichever comes first.

    Sources 18 · Moving to N.C.: 'Within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina, if you plan to operate a motor vehicle, you must get a North Carolina driver license, as well as title and register your vehicles'; 'You must get a license or ID first before titling and registering your vehicle in North Carolina'; 'North Carolina vehicle insurance'; 'policies are not accepted'; 'when you accept gainful employment or at the expiration of the time granted by the reciprocity agreement between North Carolina and your prior state of residence (usually 30 days), whichever occurs first' · Checked October 17, 2026

22. The California DMV driver's handbook says you have 20 days to register your vehicle after you become a resident or get a job in California.

    Sources 19 · California Driver's Handbook, Section 11: Vehicle Registration Requirements, 'Out-of-State Vehicles': 'You have 20 days to register your vehicle after you become a resident or get a job in California' · Checked October 17, 2026

23. The California Franchise Tax Board explains that if you lived inside and outside California during the tax year you may be a part-year resident, and that a part-year resident pays tax on all income received while a California resident and on California-source income while a nonresident.

    Sources 20 · Part-year resident and nonresident: 'If you lived inside or outside of California during the tax year, you may be a part-year resident'; 'All worldwide income received while a California resident'; 'Income from California sources while you were a nonresident' · Checked October 17, 2026

24. The New York tax department explains that you may have to file a New York return if you were a part-year resident or a nonresident with New York-source income, and that if you were a resident for only part of the year your income is split, with part taxed under resident rules and the rest under nonresident rules.

    Sources 21 · Nonresidents and part-year residents (FAQ): 'have to file a New York State return if you're a part-year resident of New York or a nonresident with income from New York State sources'; 'If you were a resident for only a portion of the year, your income subject to tax will be split' · Checked October 17, 2026

25. The Florida Department of Revenue says Florida does not impose a personal income tax.

    Sources 22 · Tax Information for New Residents (GT-800025): 'Florida does not impose personal income tax' · Checked October 17, 2026

26. According to the IRS, the VITA and TCE programs offer free basic tax return preparation to people who qualify, including limited English-speaking taxpayers; you find a site with the VITA Locator Tool or by calling 800-906-9887.

    Sources 23 · Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers: 'offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals'; 'Limited English-speaking taxpayers'; 'use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887' · Checked October 17, 2026

27. The CFPB explains that housing counselors give advice on buying a home, renting, defaults and credit; that the agencies on its list are approved by HUD and offer independent advice, often at little or no cost; and that you search for them by ZIP code.

    Sources 24 · Find a housing counselor: 'Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, and credit issues'; 'often at little or no cost to you'; 'Search by ZIP code' · Checked October 17, 2026

28. The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), established by Congress in 1974, funds civil legal aid for low-income Americans; on its page you search by address or city for an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you.

    Sources 25 · I Need Legal Help: 'established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans'; 'enter an address or city below to find an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you' · Checked October 17, 2026