Basic Facts for Indian River County
Indian River County: 543 square miles
Atlantic Beaches: 23 miles
Climate - Average Yearly Temperature 73.4° F Summer 80.7° F Winter 65.8° F
Rainiest Months - June, August, September, October
Least Rainfall - November - April
Approximately 327,000 acres of Indian River County is devoted to agriculture, with the largest percentage in pastures and ranges, followed by citrus groves, woodlands, row crops, and a variety of other uses. The county is at the center of the world-famous Indian River Citrus District
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment in Indian River County
Indian River County has no shortage of shopping areas. The Vero Mall, the new Indian River Mall, and the Horizon Outlet Center offer a wide selection to suit every taste. Casual specialty shops abound in downtown and beachside areas in Vero Beach. You will also find a wealth of shopping alternatives along Route 60, Miracle Mile and US 1 south. In Sebastian, you may choose from retail areas and centers. Further expansion of the retail sector is anticipated, with no less than 16 projects in the works for the Route 60 corridor alone. The Horizon Outlet Center plans to double in size by the end of the year 2002 with the addition of a 200,000 square-foot retail outlet, 105,000 retail space, six restaurants, a 200 room resort hotel, an 80 room economy hotel, a second-run cinema, and a nine-hole golf course and clubhouse. And plenty of downtown redevelopment is planned or underway in Sebastian, including several new riverfront restaurants.
From haute cuisine and ethnic dishes to down home and fast food, dining is a never-ending pleasure in Indian River County. Many Treasure Coast night spots offer good food along with entertainment to suit any mood.
What Newcomers to Vero Beach Need to Know
Electricity
Electricity is supplied by Florida Power and Light Co. and city of Vero Beach.
Water
Private wells, Indian River County and city of Vero Beach supply water to our area.
Tax Collector, Property Appraiser
Tax Collector Charles Sembler has two offices: Indian River County Administration Building, 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, 772-567-8000; Sebastian Square, 11610 U.S. 1, Sebastian, 772-589-2163.
Property Appraiser David Nolte has two offices: both located as indicated for Charles Sembler.
Post Offices
There are three post offices in Vero Beach.
- 2050 13th Avenue, 772-567-5206
- 3320 Cardinal Drive, 772-231-4070
- 600 Sixth Avenue, 772-569-2924
Auto License Plates
Plates are issued annually, expiring on your birthday. Florida will honor plates on your car from another state until the expiration date in that state. However, if you are employed, have children in school or are in business, you must secure Florida plates immediately. You must show proof of insurance to purchase plates. The identification number must be verified on all out-of-state vehicles coming into Florida before registration. Contact the Tax Collector's Office at either of two locations: Indian River County Administration Building, 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, 772-567-8000; Sebastian Square, 11610 US 1 Sebastian, 772-589-2163.
Driver's License
Tourists may continue to use out-of-state licenses. If you become a resident, take employment or place children in school, you have 30 days to secure a Florida license.
Auto Titles
Florida is a title law state. All vehicles registered in Florida required to have a Florida title. Application can be made at the time of registration. Liens are recorded on the title certificate.
Automobile Insurance
The 1972 Florida Legislature instituted a compulsory "no-fault" insurance law for all motor vehicles of private passenger type registered and licensed in Florida, and for autos of nonresidents that have been physically in Florida for more than 90 days, it is mandatory to carry property damage liability and personal injury protection insurance on all vehicles.
Income Tax
The state of Florida has no personal state income tax, but it does have a corporate tax.
Real Estate Tax
The real estate tax is a combination of city, county and school taxes, and is based on 100 percent of the appraised value of property, either business or residential. The tax year runs with the calendar year. Real state taxes are due and payable November 1 of the current year.
Taxable Tangibles
The intangible tax is levied on stocks, bonds, accounts receivable, mortgages outside the state, etc., at $1 per $1,000 up to $200,000 value and $1.50 per $1,000 over $200,000.
Sales Tax
State sales tax is 6 percent on the dollar with food, medicine and professional services exempt. Indian River County has added a 1 percent sales tax for a total sales tax of 7 percent in the county.
Personal Property Tax
A personal property tax is levied against business furnishings, merchandise and equipment and is based on the same rates for real estate.
Hospitals
This county is served by three hospitals -- two large general and one rehabilitation hospital. Indian River Memorial Hospital, just north of Vero Beach, is the largest with 347 beds. Sebastian River Medical Center in northern Indian River County has 133 beds. HealthSouth Treasure Coast Rehabilitation Hospital, just north of Vero Beach near Indian River Memorial, has 70 beds. IRMH offers many lectures free of charge to the local community. These lectures are given by area physicians and cover topics which are relevant to everyone's health and well being. Lecture topics and dates are listed in the Vero Beach Press Journal - Calendar of Events or you may call 772-567-4311, ext. 1605 for more information.
Fire Protection
In March 1991, the voters of Indian River County approved a unified fire district, bringing together the North, South and West County Fire Districts. There are nine paid fire stations in Indian River County. There are about 123 full0time employees, along with approximately 100 volunteer firefighters.
Newspapers
Florida Today 772-388-9050
Press Journal 772-562-2315
Television
TCI Cablevision (South County) 772-567-3444
AT&T Broadband (North County) 772-589-3846
Sources: 1998 IRC Chamber of Commerce; The Little Real Estate Magazine
