First purchase Claiborne S. Young's Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida http://sailing.info-access.com/Watermark-Publishing/ This will give you all of the information that you need. Claiborne is very personable; there are a few errors, but recently he has had a web site to correct those and is receptive to comments. His series of books cover from New Orleans to N. Carolina (and beyond). There is also a book on Marinas--basically avoid this--since the marinas pay to be in this book and tend to be more expensive. Be prepared to encounter the resident sport fishers, large yachts and jet skiis. Boat U S also has a list of "reciprocity" marinas where there is a discount. Some marinas may be very pricey in this part of the world--and in my opinion there are many better cruising areas--but this is a personal opinion. As for "Residency" you have to have a permant mailing address in Florida. You can get an I D card, if you are not giving up your prior states drivers licsence--however in order to register to vote, you probably will have to transfer your drivers licsence. Look at the tax implications: there is no state income tax. The boat will have to be "registered" in Florida--even if documented--there is a fee of about $88 yearly. There is no personal property tax on boats. However there is an "intangiable assets tax" on certain types of investments which is one mil. There is legislation to decrease the impact of this tax--and I am not certain if it has passed and been signed into law. If you have not owned the boat for more than 6 months/and not paid sales tax you may be liable for Florida sales tax. You may also have insurance implications--personal property, boat and health. If you establish residency you might want to consult an attorney ref. wills and other documents. Regards, Bob Austin Pensacola--living for half of what would be possiable in S. Calif.--Florida.