Florida Questions - gun and non-gun

[Howard 538]

As many of you know in a little over a month I will become a NJ Escapee, the house is under contract and I will be making my way down to Northern Florida – Jacksonville area.  While I love our home, where we live, and friends here in the socialist people’s republic of New Jermany; the balance has been tipped by my hate for property taxes, income taxes, left wing social policies and of course gun laws here.

So a few questions for those of you familiar with the process of fleeing and laws in Florida:

What concerns if any do I have for transporting my gear to Florida.  Am planning on driving some and putting other stuff in a Pod.

What if any of my currently NJ Legal gear (as of this date) might not be legal in Florida?  Think this is a non-issue but just want to be sure.

Do I need to register any of my toys in Florida?

What issues do I need to be aware of if I don’t yet have a Florida Carry Permit ( transport or possession issues)

I plan to rent a house for some time till we figure exactly where we want to be and build a house.  Are there any stupid laws there like if I get a carry permit at the rental that I have to start from scratch when I move or is it a simple change of address form not the BS like for NJ FID when you move across the street you have to apply from scratch?

What other issues should I be thinking about for the move?  I have not moved in over 30 years so there probably are many issues I am not aware of and need to be thinking about.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

[EX Carnival man 223]

I'm in the same boat as you.  I've looked into it and from what I've learned is that NO registration is needed in Florida and NJ doesn't need to be informed either that the forearms leaving the state.  Transport in your trunk as you would to the range. I can't think of ANYTHING that you own in NJ wouldn't be legal in Florida.  Florida right now is a free state.  Also avoid Maryland and Washington. After you pass Washington your a free man.  Good Luck in Florida. I'm on my way to SW Florida. My house should be done in August.  Last trip down I visited a new gun range. They had some GREAT stuff for sale.  

[mjrfd99 88]

Anything legal in in NJ is legal in Fla.  Not sure about the recent bumpstock crap though. 

I renewed my CWP  permit w/address change in person downtown Tampa at the Agriculture office  in 19 minutes. They were great. 

We own a small place in Clearwater area- It's on the block as it's too crowded and the cancer is spreading. S,St Pete is a dangerous demonrat s***hole as bad as the NJ demonrat plantations. 

I've traveled up and down with items for 40+ yrs.  Always early morning 4-6:30 am. Speed limit adheared to- in the commie states.

I enjoyed NJ-mountains -beaches etc..  Demonrats murdered it. There really should be penalties for murder.

PS   If you do not have a Fl CWP.... Get one - they will send you an application.

https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Licensing/Concealed-Weapon-License/Applying-for-a-Concealed-Weapon-License

[Rob0115 1,105]

50 minutes ago, Howard said:

As many of you know in a little over a month I will become a NJ Escapee, the house is under contract and I will be making my way down to Northern Florida – Jacksonville area.  While I love our home, where we live, and friends here in the socialist people’s republic of New Jermany; the balance has been tipped by my hate for property taxes, income taxes, left wing social policies and of course gun laws here.

So a few questions for those of you familiar with the process of fleeing and laws in Florida:

What concerns if any do I have for transporting my gear to Florida.  Am planning on driving some and putting other stuff in a Pod.  If you plan on driving your collection down just follow the FOPA rules for transport.  Locked and stored away from drivers compartment.   I will tell  you avoid the Baltimore area when driving through Maryland they feign ignorance of federal law and will hassle you if you get stopped.  I would take the route 81 drive down to minimize Maryland exposure and avoid tons of traffic.  Some movers will move firearms if you are comfortable with that.  They will register every make, model and serial number.  You will approve this list.  At delivery they will ask you to tie out the list from origination to the list at destination.  Many movers will not move firearms.  I do not know how much expense that adds but if it isn't many it could be a consideration.   I had a lot of mine shipped because of the number of firearms and loaded up my car on some of the trips I took before my final move.  This was one advantage to moving into a house I had owned for 7 years.  

What if any of my currently NJ Legal gear (as of this date) might not be legal in Florida?  Think this is a non-issue but just want to be sure.  This one is pure Jersey.  I don't mean to give you a hard time but there is no issue with NJ compliant firearms in FL.  In fact on one of my last trips to GFH range I was giving away my 15 round magpul mags for my ARs and a bunch of 10 round G17/34 mags.  

Do I need to register any of my toys in Florida?  No.  

What issues do I need to be aware of if I don’t yet have a Florida Carry Permit ( transport or possession issues).  There are no issues related to long guns but pistols will be transported locking container out of reach.  There is no deviation issues as well.  

I plan to rent a house for some time till we figure exactly where we want to be and build a house.  Are there any stupid laws there like if I get a carry permit at the rental that I have to start from scratch when I move or is it a simple change of address form not the BS like for NJ FID when you move across the street you have to apply from scratch?  There is no address on your carry permit and no difference resident or non-resident on the permit.  Your residency is determined based on other forms of ID.   If you have a FL / DL, which I assume you will get, you can just that to prove residence for any purpose.  However, as initially said there is no address on the CWP.  Be mindful when transporting under CWP if you have other people in the car.  The gun can not be in reach of any other occupant that does not have a CWP.   For example, my wife did not, and I could not put the pistol in the center console when she was in the car.  In a traffic stop there would be no way to determine who was concealing the pistol.   While she doesn't carry, yet, I made her get a permit.

Go here:

https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Licensing/Concealed-Weapon-License/Applying-for-a-Concealed-Weapon-License

If you have proof of competence; NRA basic pistol, hunting license, the list is at the above website; you can get apply for a CWP while getting your getting your D/L.  In fact don't go to a DMV go one of the tax assessors office.  They will do your D/L, auto-registration, CWP and voter registration completely hassle free.  You get a number like at the deli counter and get someone to do everything for you in 5-15 minutes.  I went to the Nassau county tax office in Yulee, a town away from me, and legitimately waited 2-3 minutes and the woman did my D/L voter registration got another employee to take me to process my CWP and the original woman did my wife's D/L, voter reg, auto reg, title.  It was unlike anything I've ever experienced.  

What other issues should I be thinking about for the move?  I have not moved in over 30 years so there probably are many issues I am not aware of and need to be thinking about.  This last one is a broad question and if it is firearms related not much else.  On the other hand, it will be much more trying than most people think to pack up and move after 30 years, especially 1100 miles away.  There is no room for error, like I'll run back and grab that.  Really plan and pack efficiently and get a quality mover.  I used Simonek and they were great.  

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

See above, look forward to having you in the neighborhood.  

[Rob0115 1,105]

49 minutes ago, EX Carnival man said:

They had some GREAT stuff for sale.  

Be careful visiting gun stores!!!!!!  I say this from experience.  The lack of impedance in the gun purchasing process has caused me to purchase firearms repeatedly.   It's like the binge that comes after an extreme diet.  Between that suppressors and the cost of tax stamps for the aforementioned and SBRs may force me to have to get a job.......just to stay out of the damned gun stores. 

18 minutes ago, mjrfd99 said:

Anything legal in in NJ is legal in Fla.  Not sure about the recent bumpstock crap though. 

I renewed my CWP  permit w/address change in person downtown in Tampa at the Agriculture office  in 19 minutes. They were great. 

We own a small place in Clearwater area- It's on the block as it's too crowded and the cancer is spreading. S,St Pete is a dangerous demonrat plantation.  

I've traveled up and down with items for 40+ yrs.  Always early morning 4-6:30 am. Speed limit adheared to- in the commie states.

I enjoyed NJ-mountains -beaches etc..  Demonrats murdered it. There really should be penalties for murder.

Move permanently to FL and help us keep our repub majority.

[fishnut 2,358]

Congratulations on your soon-to-be freedom! Mine comes in 36 hours. Like others have said I'd highly recommend taking 81 instead of 95 I've taken both highways to Florida several times with firearms in vehicle 81 is definitely a nicer ride. Just follow a fopa rules and try not to speed too much and you will be good to go. Back when I was younger and dumber I made if from Clinton NJ to West Palm Beach FL in 16.5 hours! 

[Howard 538]

5 minutes ago, fishnut said:

Congratulations on your soon-to-be freedom! Mine comes in 36 hours. Like others have said I'd highly recommend taking 81 instead of 95 I've taken both highways to Florida several times with firearms in vehicle 81 is definitely a nicer ride. Just follow a fopa rules and try not to speed too much and you will be good to go. Back when I was younger and dumber I made if from Clinton NJ to West Palm Beach FL in 16.5 hours! 

WOW 36 hours that is great!  Definitely 81, even it was not for the guns.  Have done the trip that way down to Charlotte NC, you are right very nice way to go.  I am certain even though the trip is about 15 hours there is no way we will do it without stopping as my wife will drive one car and I'll drive the other plus we have the three huskies in the car.  So, we will have to find (ahead of time) a hotel that will accept us with the three dogs.  Well perhaps one of us registers with one dog and the other later brings the other two

 

[capt14k 2,052]

Hopefully with enough Pro Gun people moving to Florida you can reverse the trend but I fear for every Conservative moving to Florida there are two Liberals. Good Luck to you guys who have and are moving down there. Florida is too damn hot for me and not Free Enough to make my top 10 list. Tennessee is looking better and better.


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[Howard 538]

47 minutes ago, Rob0115 said:

See above, look forward to having you in the neighborhood.  

Thanks!  I will be sure to get in touch with you when we get down there, maybe even before if I make a trip down to find a rental.  That was great info about the Tax assessor rather than DMV - like any sane person that is one place I try to avoid at all cost.  Does that mean you don't have to take a written test to convert your license, or they also give one at the Tax office?  Does that everyone in the car must have a permit only apply if the gun is in the console or do only you need on if it is actually on your person?  I ask cause there is no way in hell my wife would even get a permit or even touch a gun

 

[Howard 538]

3 minutes ago, capt14k said:

Hopefully with enough Pro Gun people moving to Florida you can reverse the trend but I fear for every Conservative moving to Florida there are two Liberals. Good Luck to you guys who have and are moving down there. Florida is too damn hot for me and not Free Enough to make my top 10 list. Tennessee is looking better and better.


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Well northern FL is not hot hot hot like Miami, it is just hot   Tax laws are better there than Tennessee too.  But I guess bottom line is one should move to a place they will like as gun, tax and all other laws are always subject to change.  Rest assured we will always vote the correct way, I wonder if I can get my three Huskies to vote too

 

[capt14k 2,052]

Where exactly do you take I-81 to? I-81 goes way West from what I recall. That's how I get to Tennessee.

 

 

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[capt14k 2,052]

Well northern FL is not hot hot hot like Miami, it is just hot [emoji4]  Tax laws are better there than Tennessee too.  But I guess bottom line is one should move to a place they will like as gun, tax and all other laws are always subject to change.  Rest assured we will always vote the correct way, I wonder if I can get my three Huskies to vote too [emoji6]
 

Actually Tennesee has the best tax laws for the more wealthy, which there would mean most retiring from NJ. The sales tax sucks, but many luxury items are exempt from it. No state income tax. There is the Hall Tax of 6% on dividends but they are talking about doing away with it.


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[Howard 538]

29 minutes ago, capt14k said:

Where exactly do you take I-81 to? I-81 goes way West from what I recall. That's how I get to Tennessee.

 

 

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78 west to Harrisburg then 81 South, then 77 South Carolina then hook up with 95 I am assuming.

[capt14k 2,052]

78 west to Harrisburg then 81 South, then 77 South Carolina then hook up with 95 I am assuming.

That is what I thought. That is a far detour. I never had a problem going through Maryland but I know others have. I would think of all laws are followed then detour is not worth it.


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[Howard 538]

Not as much detour as you might think.  Right now Google shows it as 15:28 on 81 versus 14:43 on I95.  So we are talking about 45 minutes but it is a much nicer drive.

[capt14k 2,052]

Not as much detour as you might think.  Right now Google shows it as 15:28 on 81 versus 14:43 on I95.  So we are talking about 45 minutes but it is a much nicer drive.

What is the mileage difference? Looks way out of the way. From North Jersey it is less out of the way than for me to drive up to I78

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[Howard 538]

Well that is true, I am up in North Jersey.  I don't have the map open but I would guess 45 minutes would be able 45 miles or close enough for an estimate.

[capt14k 2,052]

Well that is true, I am up in North Jersey.  I don't have the map open but I would guess 45 minutes would be able 45 miles or close enough for an estimate.

Unless the time difference is due to Baltimore and DC traffic right now which Google maps factors in. It's amazing how accurate Google is with ETA.


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[Malice4you 627]

I'm quite sure it also saves on a massive amount of tolls. Went to DC a few years back via 95, quite sure ezpass ($25 auto refill) ended up hitting me twice from there & back. The $4-6 in extra gas is worth saving those tolls. Dunno if you would hit any of em if you go the "back" way thru PA, other than the $1 toll on 78.

My ezpass account may have been low before the trip, but I remember being annoyed having to go that route after finding just how much more it cost me (girlfriend at the time wanted to stop at her parents house in Salem). Even one-way, I think you are looking at $19+ in tolls from here (287, 80, 78 area) to DC via 95.

 

[223lover 9]

Just moved to the free state after 70 years in New Jermany. Ahhh, I can breathe again. What everyone else said above is orrect. Went to my first flea market and was dazzled. Cartridge prices are wonderful. Gas is higher than NJ, Liquor sales have buy one, get one free and dinner for 4 is about $60. BUT, car insurance is expensive, and house insurance can be too, if you're not hurricane protected. Be wary of the Georgia Super Speeder Ticket, stay away from D.C. at all cost. Only had two days of rain in 2 weeks. 80+ and sunny every day. You'll love it, 

[Rob0115 1,105]

3 hours ago, Howard said:

Thanks!  I will be sure to get in touch with you when we get down there, maybe even before if I make a trip down to find a rental.  That was great info about the Tax assessor rather than DMV - like any sane person that is one place I try to avoid at all cost.  Does that mean you don't have to take a written test to convert your license, or they also give one at the Tax office?  Does that everyone in the car must have a permit only apply if the gun is in the console or do only you need on if it is actually on your person?  I ask cause there is no way in hell my wife would even get a permit or even touch a gun

 

No written test.  Just your NJ D/L and proof of residence, lease, utility bill, bank statement, etc.  

[Rob0115 1,105]

59 minutes ago, 223lover said:

Just moved to the free state after 70 years in New Jermany. Ahhh, I can breathe again. What everyone else said above is orrect. Went to my first flea market and was dazzled. Cartridge prices are wonderful. Gas is higher than NJ, Liquor sales have buy one, get one free and dinner for 4 is about $60. BUT, car insurance is expensive, and house insurance can be too, if you're not hurricane protected. Be wary of the Georgia Super Speeder Ticket, stay away from D.C. at all cost. Only had two days of rain in 2 weeks. 80+ and sunny every day. You'll love it, 

I didn't see insurance for car or home as more money.  The addition is I have hurricane insurance on my home but all in it's reasonable.  Car insurance I found to be less than NJ.  Gas is a bit more but NJ has closed the gap with the additional gas tax, which isn't fixed in NJ it's a formula and with rising gas prices you have a rising gas tax.  A sneaky kick in the balls that no one thinks about anymore.   

[capt14k 2,052]

 

Just moved to the free state after 70 years in New Jermany. Ahhh, I can breathe again. What everyone else said above is orrect. Went to my first flea market and was dazzled. Cartridge prices are wonderful. Gas is higher than NJ, Liquor sales have buy one, get one free and dinner for 4 is about $60. BUT, car insurance is expensive, and house insurance can be too, if you're not hurricane protected. Be wary of the Georgia Super Speeder Ticket, stay away from D.C. at all cost. Only had two days of rain in 2 weeks. 80+ and sunny every day. You'll love it, 

Expensive car insurance sounds like SC. Main reason is half the drivers on the road are uninsured. I was under 25 living there single male with new Trans Am Ram Air. Between yearly car tax and car insurance it was almost $5,000 a year.

 

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[HBecwithFn7 296]

6 hours ago, Howard said:

As many of you know in a little over a month I will become a NJ Escapee, the house is under contract and I will be making my way down to Northern Florida – Jacksonville area.  While I love our home, where we live, and friends here in the socialist people’s republic of New Jermany; the balance has been tipped by my hate for property taxes, income taxes, left wing social policies and of course gun laws here.

So a few questions for those of you familiar with the process of fleeing and laws in Florida:

What concerns if any do I have for transporting my gear to Florida.  Am planning on driving some and putting other stuff in a Pod.

What if any of my currently NJ Legal gear (as of this date) might not be legal in Florida?  Think this is a non-issue but just want to be sure.

Do I need to register any of my toys in Florida?

What issues do I need to be aware of if I don’t yet have a Florida Carry Permit ( transport or possession issues)

I plan to rent a house for some time till we figure exactly where we want to be and build a house.  Are there any stupid laws there like if I get a carry permit at the rental that I have to start from scratch when I move or is it a simple change of address form not the BS like for NJ FID when you move across the street you have to apply from scratch?

What other issues should I be thinking about for the move?  I have not moved in over 30 years so there probably are many issues I am not aware of and need to be thinking about.

 

Howard - Congrats on the move... the same one I made over 3 years ago! 

You should have no problems with the transport of your "inventory...."  at least, once you leave NJ.  Living in Morris County (IIIRC Randolph where I used to live).  You should be able to come right down I-287 and then turn right onto I-78 W.  Or, perhaps, find a better route to I-78 W (perhaps County Rd. 513 (Dover Chester Rd) to US-206 and then south to I-78W).  And from there, once you cross the border into PA, you are home free. You can then follow this route:

1)  I-78W all the way to I-81 South.

2) I-81 South through PA, MD, WVa, Va.  You'll only be in MD a quick 10-12 minutes and 13 miles via this route. And you won't be anywhere near the MTAP with their ALPR cameras.

3) I-81 South to I-77 South near Roanoke, Va, then I-77 all the way through VA, NC and SC. 

4) I-77 South to I-26 E near Columbia, SC.   Then I-26 E to pick up I-95 again near Charlestown, well south of all the bad traffic. 

As long as you pack/store everything "FOPA" style, you should not have any difficulty. 

 

NO, you do not register any weapons in FL.  Not necessary at all.  There are no "transport/posession" issues if you don't have a FL CWFL, other than you can't carry concealed.  To apply, go to the FL DOACS Website. It's easy.  No such stupid laws that I know of, at present. You might want to stay out of Duval County (which is the City of Jacksonville itself), as it is the only real bastion of anti-gun sentiment in the area. Everywhere around it is, pretty much, all pro-2A.  And in Northern FL, the only other place to avoid would be Tallahassee itself. Otherwise, feel free to run free, here.

The only other thing I'd think of is that you should get a FL Driver's License ASAP.  Shed that NJ Identity!  Frame your NJ FPID and hang it up on the wall as a memento (assuming you still don't need it in NJ...).  The sooner you identify as a Floridian, and not as a NJ, the sooner you become a "non-resident" for NJ Tax purposes, etc.

Looking forward to your arrival! If you ever make it down Tampa way, we could have a drink and discuss olden times in Randolph. 

Regards,
Arnold.

 

[Howard 538]

2 hours ago, Rob0115 said:

No written test.  Just your NJ D/L and proof of residence, lease, utility bill, bank statement, etc.  

My wife will love no written test, she was dreading that.  Just last night we went into NYC and parked about 18 feet from a fire hydrant and of course neither one of us could remember what the required distance was for that.  So, out came the phone to check on Google - BTW it is 15 feet

 

[Howard 538]

47 minutes ago, HBecwithFn7 said:

Howard - Congrats on the move... the same one I made over 3 years ago! 

You should have no problems with the transport of your "inventory...."  at least, once you leave NJ.  Living in Morris County (IIIRC Randolph where I used to live).  You should be able to come right down I-287 and then turn right onto I-78 W.  Or, perhaps, find a better route to I-78 W (perhaps County Rd. 513 (Dover Chester Rd) to US-206 and then south to I-78W).  And from there, once you cross the border into PA, you are home free. You can then follow this route:

1)  I-78W all the way to I-81 South.

2) I-81 South through PA, MD, WVa, Va.  You'll only be in MD a quick 10-12 minutes and 13 miles via this route. And you won't be anywhere near the MTAP with their ALPR cameras.

3) I-81 South to I-77 South near Roanoke, Va, then I-77 all the way through VA, NC and SC. 

4) I-77 South to I-26 E near Columbia, SC.   Then I-26 E to pick up I-95 again near Charlestown, well south of all the bad traffic. 

As long as you pack/store everything "FOPA" style, you should not have any difficulty. 

 

NO, you do not register any weapons in FL.  Not necessary at all.  There are no "transport/posession" issues if you don't have a FL CWFL, other than you can't carry concealed.  To apply, go to the FL DOACS Website. It's easy.  No such stupid laws that I know of, at present. You might want to stay out of Duval County (which is the City of Jacksonville itself), as it is the only real bastion of anti-gun sentiment in the area. Everywhere around it is, pretty much, all pro-2A.  And in Northern FL, the only other place to avoid would be Tallahassee itself. Otherwise, feel free to run free, here.

The only other thing I'd think of is that you should get a FL Driver's License ASAP.  Shed that NJ Identity!  Frame your NJ FPID and hang it up on the wall as a memento (assuming you still don't need it in NJ...).  The sooner you identify as a Floridian, and not as a NJ, the sooner you become a "non-resident" for NJ Tax purposes, etc.

Looking forward to your arrival! If you ever make it down Tampa way, we could have a drink and discuss olden times in Randolph. 

Regards,
Arnold.

 

Thanks!  I know FL only requires rear plates on cars.  If I put black tape over the state name do you think I can keep my two plates in my sig below on each car.

[HBecwithFn7 296]

2 hours ago, Howard said:

Thanks!  I know FL only requires rear plates on cars.  If I put black tape over the state name do you think I can keep my two plates in my sig below on each car.

Perhaps, but why bother?  I'd just add the FL plate (yes, FL is a one plate state) and get rid of the NJ plates. I  sure did!

Oh yeah. There may be a little "sticker shock" when it comes to getting your cars registered in FL.  You'll have to pay the tax collector some taxes/fees to do so. I recall paying roughtly $318.00 to get a new FL based title for my vehicle and registering it. You'll find that such govt. fees are a little more expensive in FL than NJ. But remember, FL has no income tax, and property taxes are way lower.  BTW, you can get all that registration stuff done at the tax collector's office of your county (or any branch office therein).

 

Let me know if you need anything else.

Regards,
Arnold.

 

[bdhszy1 18]

I use to drive to FL twice a year with my dog. Stop at the welcome center of the state you plan on stopping at for the night. Most have a list of pet friendly motel, pick one where you want to stop and have them make the reservation for you. Most motels only have a few rooms dedicated for pets so make the reservation at the welcome center so if plan "A" fails you can go to plan "B". I use to take 81 to 77 and usually stayed in Cornelius NC, but I don't remember the name of the place.

[HBecwithFn7 296]

29 minutes ago, bdhszy1 said:

I use to drive to FL twice a year with my dog. Stop at the welcome center of the state you plan on stopping at for the night. Most have a list of pet friendly motel, pick one where you want to stop and have them make the reservation for you. Most motels only have a few rooms dedicated for pets so make the reservation at the welcome center so if plan "A" fails you can go to plan "B". I use to take 81 to 77 and usually stayed in Cornelius NC, but I don't remember the name of the place.

I would go all he way to SC before stopping. Most likely Richburg. That said, if you want a palce to visit, Right on the SC State Line is the Cabela's they built in 2015. Nice Store!  Perhaps bigger than the Christina, Del. store. That would be near Fort Mill, SC.   

Also, as you cross into North Carolina from VA (going South), You'll be at the top of a mountain range, headling down the back of that range. It has some really gorgeous views from above. So much so, that they are a distraction from your driving in a place where you need absolute focus on getting down those hills. If possible, I'd have a driving partner take the pictures while you drive (or vice versa). Of course, depending on the time of day, it might be foggy and cause further driving issues.   Be careful!

 

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot 358]

My humble $0.02...

1. Think about your stopover on your way to FL.  Some (or most) of the waypoint towns along I-95 can be kinda shady (i.e. Lumberton, Florence, etc.).  If you have huskies and your firearms collection with you, think about how you're going to unload and load your car and get that stuff into your hotel room for the night (discreetly or not).  Pack your ride accordingly.  If you have CC reciprocity, then not a bad idea to strap up.
2. There's a difference between Duval and St. John's County (kinda like between Sussex and Essex or Hudson).  Know and appreciate it.
3. St. John's FOP is my favorite range in the area.  Find a way to join if you can.  I think it's the best value.  I've heard good things about Gateway as well.
4. Get rid of your pinned mags, pinned stocks, or anything else NJ neutered.  You won't need them or want them.
5. Hold back the urge to go on a NFA buying binge.  Do your homework on what your ideal collection would be and how much money you want to spend.  Be judicious.  I see guys spend a ton of money on SBR's and suppressors (which don't have any resale value) while they could buy a full auto M11/9 with Lage upper for the same amount of money and have an investment that appreciates over time and is uber fun that sets you apart at the range.
6. Be cool.  Don't try to live up to the Yankee transplant stereotype droning on about how things are different between here and up Nawth.  Everyone knows gun laws are bad in NJ...they just don't need to keep hearing about it.
7. Purge and declutter now.  With no basements here and zero lot construction, you might not have as much space as you would think.  On the plus side, renting a commercial warehouse bay can be quite reasonable if you need a hobby space.
8. Get your CCW at the local government-run office.  I believe it's run by the Dept. of Agriculture.  I had a completion certificate from an NRA Basic Pistol course in the application process so have something like that handy to avoid taking any courses.
9. Krystal is a reasonable substitute for White Castle.  Zaxby's is a chain I wish they had in NJ.

Best of luck!