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Relocating to Destin

Relocating to Destin, located in Okaloosa County, puts you in the center of one of the Gulf Coast’s most vibrant and exciting regions. Not only do Destin residents and visitors have direct access to intoxicating beaches along the Gulf of Mexico’s emerald waters and the vast inland freshwater of Choctawhatchee Bay, they’re also minutes from the city’s famous array of activities, food and nightlife.

First-time coastal property owners should be aware that homes near the water, particularly gulf-side residences, typically require vigorous maintenance. Salt damage from the humidity and gulf breezes can do long-term damage to metal surfaces, particularly doors, windows, hinges and even automobiles. Outdoor heating and cooling units, particularly those close to the water, should be serviced regularly and usually need to be replaced every 5-10 years. Check carefully for existing sea and salt damage on the exterior of the home or condominium when considering a purchase.

Things to Know

Schools

Destin lies within the Okaloosa County School District, one of the top performing public school districts in the state. Local students attend Destin Elementary School, Destin Middle School and Fort Walton Beach High School, as well as several alternative education programs. For more information on Destin-area schools, click here.

Utilities

Getting connected and setting up accounts for gas, electricity, telephone and cable, water and sewer, and trash collection is always a first orders of business. For a list of companies that provide utility services to Destin residents, click here.

Taxes, Motor Vehicle Registration, Drivers License & More

Most questions regarding taxes, licenses and vehicle registration can be answered by visiting the Office of the Tax Collector website.

The Okaloosa County Tax Collector Destin office is located in the Henderson Beach Business Complex at:
4012 Commons Drive W, Suite 122, Destin, FL 32541
(850) 651-7300

To find out about a particular home’s assessment and property taxes, search the tax records.

City Government

Information about the local government, boards and committees, history, beach information and City of Destin departments can be found at cityofdestin.com. The City of Destin main office number is (850) 837-4242.

Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce provides a good overview of area events and businesses, as well as information on activities such as boating and water sports, charter services, in-town attractions, shopping, spas and salons. Visit their website.

Hospital

The Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is the area’s only full service hospital offering a complete range of treatments and specialties. It’s also the location of Destin’s only full-service 24-hour emergency care center.

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
1000 Mar Walt Drive
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 862-1111

Arts & Events

Destin is home to a wide variety of concerts, fundraisers and festivals such as the popular Destin Seafood Festival at Destin Harbor. It’s also convenient to nationally renowned regional events such as the 30A Songwriters Festival in Santa Rosa Beach, Art in the Park at WaterColor and Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach.

Click the following links to find out more about arts, festivals and other events:

Recreation

The Destin Community Center offers a basketball court, full size gymnasium, meeting rooms and playground as well as programs and camps. The city also oversees several community parks, the Destin Sports Complex, Morgan Sports Center, and 13 beach access points.

Henderson Beach State Park in southeast Destin is a unique natural attraction that covers over a mile of Gulf of Mexico beachfront with an assortment of beautiful nature trails and campsites.

Destin Tennis Club is a nationally acclaimed tennis facility with numerous courts, instructional programs for all levels, clinics, court rentals and memberships.

The city also offers a 3-acre Dog Park (4100 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin, FL 32541) with parking, benches and separate areas for large and small pets.

Some of Northwest Florida’s most adventurous golf is located in and near Destin. Kelly Plantation Golf Club, a semi-private club designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, has evocative, beautifully maintained holes that run through natural forest corridors and along Choctawhatchee Bay. The 27-hole Indian Bayou Golf Club features three distinct nines that explore a variety of environments including old growth hardwoods, narrow forests of pine and magnolia and a marshy preserve near the Destin Executive Airport.

Just outside of Destin is the newly renovated Emerald Bay Golf Club, designed by Bob Cupp, featuring small, fast greens and dangerous holes that slink up to lagoons, marshes and bayous near the Bay. Next door, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is one of Northwest Florida’s most challenging, demanding shots across marshes, lakes and evocatively-shaped bunkers.

Whatever may be your lifestyle or passion, we’re confident you’ll find it in Destin. Welcome!