Living in Miami

Taxes

Local residents pay a 7% sales tax (6% state and 1% county) on purchases with few exceptions (fresh food is one). Services are generally not taxed. Florida has no state or local income tax.

Healthcare

Healthcare services in Florida are privately administered and you must have health insurance or pay out of pocket for services.

The largest local hospitals:

• South Miami Hospital

• Baptist Hospital of Miami

• Mercy Hospital

• Coral Gables Hospital

• U. of Miami Hospitals and Clinics

Newspapers

• Miami Herald

• NewTimes (alternative press)

• Sun-Sentinel

• El Nuevo Herald

Banking

The following is a list of the most popular banks with multiple ATM locations throughout south Florida:

• Bank of America

• Wachovia

• Washington Mutual

• SunTrust

• Regions Bank

• Citibank

• BankAtlantic

Shopping

South Florida has extensive shopping to fit every taste and budget. The most popular shopping areas are the malls although most main thoroughfares throughout the metropolitan area will have some shopping.

The largest shopping malls in south Florida:

• Aventura Mall

• Dadeland Mall (east Kendall)

• International Mall (southwest of Doral)

• Bal Harbour Shops

• The Falls (south of Kendall)

• Village of Merrick Park (Coral Gables)

• Dolphin Mall (west of Doral)

• Sawgrass Mills

Airports

South Florida is served by Miami International Airport (MIA), one of the world's largest. With more than 90 airlines and flights to 5 continents, local residents have passenger and cargo access to cities throughout the world.

Ft. Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport also serves South Florida. It has fewer flights than MIA and is less crowded and easier to navigate.

Colleges and Universities

• Florida International University

• University of Miami

• Barry University

• Saint Thomas of Villanova University

• Florida Memorial University

• Johnson & Wales University

• Carlos Albizu University

• Trinity International University

• Miami Dade College