Financial Assistance

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges to moving is the cost. Even though the military provides reimbursement for some expenses, many individuals/families also have expenses that are not reimbursable. There are four certified financial counselors at the Military and Family Readiness Center who can assist you in developing a spending plan for your upcoming move. Proper preparation is the best course of action for your impending move. Stop by the M&FRC at 220 Lukasik Avenue, Bldg. 90213 or call 850-884-5441/5442; Mon-Fri 0730-1600.  It's easy to obtain your FICO (credit) score before making any major purchases. Any of our financial counselors have the ability to obtain a free copy for your convenience. It is also recommended that you adjust your tax withholding if you received an excessive amount ($600+) in your tax refund.

Whenever you have a change in your financial situation (change in spouse employment, pay increase, housing costs or housing allowances, marriage, birth/adoption, receive bonus, etc.), it is recommended that you review and revise your finances. If married, this should be done together, if possible. We can also assist with "How Much Home Can I Afford" through a financial assessment. We also have reference materials on buying a home, selling a home, and the Power Pay program (a debt consolidation program).

Fort Walton Beach and its surrounding areas are high tourist destinations and therefore cost of living is high, and traffic congestion is very severe during the peak summer months.  

Housing

Average rental prices, depending on closeness to the base, range from $1650-$1912 a month.  Median price for a single-family home is $365K (May 2024). 

Insurance

Renter - Whether renting community housing or living on-base, it is highly recommended that all personnel who are not purchasing their home obtain a renters insurance policy to protect their personal property. 

Auto - Every Florida resident operating a motor vehicle in Florida must have insurance that complies with the Florida "No Fault" Law. This requirement also applies to nonresident owners or registrants of motor vehicles physically present within the state for more than 90 of the preceding 365 days. The minimum required insurance coverage is $10,000 Personal Injury Protection per person plus property damage/liability coverage in the minimum amount of $10,000. For more information regarding Florida's insurance laws, call 800-342-2762. 

Vehicle Registration

All motor vehicles in Florida must be registered and/or titled within 10 days of moving to Florida. The county tax collector, as agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, processes registrations and titles, and collects the fees. Members of the U.S. armed forces stationed in Florida, but who maintain their legal residence outside of Florida, are classified as nonresident military and are eligible for lower registration fees. To qualify for the lower military nonresident rates, the owner must submit a copy of military orders & proof of FL insurance.  For additional questions or concerns, please call the Department of Motor Vehicles below:

Okaloosa County - 1250 N Eglin Parkway, Ste #101, Shalimar FL 32579, 850-651-7300, Mon-Fri 0830-1530

Santa Rosa County - 5841 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, 850-983-1800, Mon-Fri 0830-1530

CLOSED - Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

Military members who file for nonresident status on a vehicle will not be eligible to file for a $25,000 homestead exemption in Florida. Call the property appraiser’s office, 850-651-7240, for information.

Utilities

It is strongly recommended that you obtain a letter of credit from your current utility companies prior to your move to avoid paying a deposit when connecting your utilities at the new location. If not, you can accomplish a Gulf Power deposit waiver at the housing office before signing up for their service. Monthly utility bills are high, as this is a high temperature and very high humidity area- averaging $180-250 per month for a typical home.

Advance Pay

Managing your financial affairs during a PCS move can be challenging. You may be tempted to take Advance Pay to tackle this challenge. Remember, Advances are loans, and you must pay them back. Personnel that are relocating, with some exceptions may apply for advance pay of up to 2+ months base pay to help with expenses.  Be warned! This is not "free money", as this will be taken out of your pay by finance. Check with the local A&FRC office to get a budget analysis before you apply for advance pay-to see if you can afford this additional allotment. Additional inquiries, please call Finance Office at 850-884-4119.

If you have a financial emergency while en route to Hurlburt Field, contact the nearest military base or the American Red Cross toll free at 877-272-7337.

Family members who do not live in the service members' household, members of the National Guard and reserves, retirees and civilians can call your local Red Cross Chapter.

Active-duty service members and Department of Defense civilians stationed overseas and family members residing with them can call base or installation operators or the Red Cross office at the overseas location.

You are authorized to use the Government Credit Card to pay for PCS related expenses such as lodging and food. Keep in mind that charges on the card may be monitored for misuse/overuse. Do not overuse the travel card if you stay beyond your authorized time in billeting. Any further questions; please call Finance at 850-884-4119.