Thinking about trading winter for year‑round sunshine and a quieter coastal pace? If you are relocating across the border to Spring Hill, Florida, you likely have questions about visas, customs, cars, pets, and how to get set up locally fast. You want a clear, step‑by‑step plan so your first weeks feel smooth instead of stressful. This guide gives you practical timelines, required documents, and key local contacts so you can land, settle, and start enjoying your new home. Let’s dive in.
Why Spring Hill works
Location and lifestyle
Spring Hill sits on Florida’s Nature Coast in Hernando County, about 35 to 45 miles north of Tampa. As an unincorporated community, it offers suburban neighborhoods, nearby springs and nature preserves, and access to the wider Tampa–St. Petersburg metro. For a quick area primer, see the overview of Spring Hill on Florida’s Nature Coast.
Housing snapshot
In recent years, median home prices in Spring Hill have generally hovered in the low to mid 300s. Market conditions shift with inventory and mortgage rates, so plan your budget with current MLS data at the time you shop. A local advisor can help you compare neighborhoods, lot sizes, and association rules by address.
Getting around and flights
The Suncoast Parkway (SR‑589) connects Spring Hill to the Tampa area with toll access. Hernando County Transit operates local routes branded as TheBus. For air travel, most residents use Tampa International Airport for domestic and international flights.
Pre‑move planning
Status, SSN or ITIN
Confirm your immigration status and work authorization before you move. If you are eligible to work, apply for a Social Security Number after arrival. If you are not eligible for an SSN but need to file U.S. taxes, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS. Start early, since processing times can affect banking, payroll, and mortgage timelines.
Shipping household goods
If your belongings arrive separately, you or your mover will declare them to U.S. Customs using documents such as CBP Form 3299. Accurate inventories and serial numbers help avoid delays. Ask your mover for a clear plan and review this CBP Form 3299 overview.
Bringing your car
Importing a vehicle permanently requires meeting U.S. DOT safety and EPA emissions standards. Some models are not economical to modify. Review CBP vehicle import rules and confirm forms, eligibility, and duties before you ship.
Moving with pets
Rules for dogs changed recently. Depending on your dog’s origin and travel history, microchipping, rabies documents, and a CDC Dog Import Form may be required. Check the latest CDC dog import rules and your airline’s policies well ahead of your flight.
First 30 days in Spring Hill
Driver license and registration
Florida treats you as a resident when you take actions like starting a job, enrolling children in school, or living in the state for more than six consecutive months. Once you establish residency, you must obtain a Florida driver license within 30 days, and complete vehicle title, registration, and Florida insurance within 10 days. See the state’s Florida new resident guidance for documents and steps.
Utilities and internet
Water, sewer, and solid waste for many Spring Hill addresses are handled by Hernando County Utilities. Start or transfer service and review payment options on the Hernando County Utilities customer page. Electricity and internet providers vary by street, so check availability by exact address and book install dates early.
Healthcare access
TGH Spring Hill, part of Tampa General Hospital’s North division, offers emergency care, women’s health, surgery, and specialty referrals. Confirm network participation with your insurer and select a primary care provider once you arrive. Learn more about services at TGH Spring Hill.
Schools and enrollment
Public schools are managed by the Hernando County School District. Attendance zones are address‑specific, and there are public, charter, and private options. Contact the district to confirm your assigned schools and required documents for enrollment.
Weeks 4–12: protect your investment
Homestead and assessment caps
If your Spring Hill home is your primary residence, apply for the Florida homestead exemption as soon as you are eligible. The exemption can reduce your assessed value, and the Save Our Homes cap limits annual assessment increases on homesteaded properties. Check your county property appraiser’s deadlines and documents, often with a March 1 filing date.
Flood risk and insurance
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood. If your property sits in a FEMA high‑risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. Many owners choose flood coverage regardless of zone. Review county guidance and FEMA tools, then get quotes for NFIP and private options. Start with the county’s flood insurance guidance.
Banking and mortgages for foreign nationals
Non‑U.S. citizens can buy property. Some lenders offer loans to foreign nationals with larger down payments and added documentation. If you will finance, speak with a lender who specializes in international borrowers and review cross‑border tax considerations. The NAR field guide for international clients outlines common requirements.
Cross‑border checklist
6–12 weeks before arrival
- Confirm immigration status and work authorization. If needed, plan for SSN or ITIN.
- Choose an international mover that handles customs. Ask about CBP Form 3299 and clearance timing.
- If importing a vehicle, confirm DOT, EPA, and CBP requirements and costs.
- If traveling with a dog, complete CDC forms and vaccinations per origin country.
Day 0–30
- Secure your U.S. address and keep identity and status documents handy.
- Get your Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency.
- Title and register your vehicle and switch to Florida insurance within 10 days.
- Start water, sewer, and solid‑waste service with Hernando County Utilities. Confirm electricity and internet providers by exact address and schedule installs.
- If you use a mortgage or have cross‑border tax factors, coordinate with your tax advisor.
Weeks 4–12
- Apply for the Florida homestead exemption if the home is your primary residence.
- Set up your family’s healthcare providers and confirm insurance networks.
- Review FEMA flood maps and obtain flood insurance quotes before storm season.
Make your move with confidence
If you are relocating from Richmond Hill or another international market, having a clear roadmap and a trusted local advisor makes all the difference. With cross‑border experience and a data‑driven approach, we help you compare neighborhoods, evaluate risk, and navigate contracts with confidence. When you are ready to explore Spring Hill, reach out to Leaf and Palm Realty Corp. for tailored guidance and a seamless search.
FAQs
Can a non‑U.S. citizen buy a home in Spring Hill?
- Yes. Many lenders will work with foreign nationals, often with larger down payments and added documentation. Review lender requirements and cross‑border tax considerations, and see the NAR field guide for international clients for an overview.
How long do unaccompanied household goods take to clear U.S. customs?
- Timing depends on your port, volume, and paperwork. Accurate inventories and CBP Form 3299 help prevent delays. Ask your mover about expected clearance and see this CBP Form 3299 overview.
When do I need a Florida driver license after moving?
- Within 30 days of establishing residency. Vehicle title, registration, and Florida insurance are due within 10 days. Review the Florida new resident guidance for required documents.
Do I need flood insurance in Spring Hill?
- It is required if your property is in a FEMA high‑risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage. Many owners choose coverage regardless of zone. Begin with county flood insurance guidance and obtain quotes.
What is public transit like in Spring Hill?
- Hernando County Transit, known as TheBus, provides local routes and connections to neighboring systems. See a brief overview on TheBus.
How do I set up water and trash service in Spring Hill?
- Many addresses use Hernando County Utilities for water, sewer, and solid waste. You can start or transfer service using the Hernando County Utilities customer page.
