Orders to NAS Jacksonville in hand and not sure where to start? You are juggling shipment dates, school decisions, and lodging while trying to report on time. This guide breaks down your move into clear steps, so you know what to handle and when. You will learn a practical PCS timeline, how to plan temporary lodging and TLA, and how to structure a home search across Duval and Clay counties. Let’s dive in.
PCS timeline at a glance
Stage A: Day you get orders
- Confirm your report date and any notes with your gaining command. Ask about a command sponsor.
- Make and store copies of orders and IDs. Share the packet with your spouse or a trusted contact.
- Review PCS entitlements with your local TMO and DFAS resources. Confirm BAH, DLA, and shipment options.
- If buying, start a VA loan pre-approval with a Jacksonville-based lender who knows military timelines.
Stage B: 6 to 9 months out
- Research Duval and Clay neighborhoods and typical commutes to your work area on base.
- Contact the NAS Jax housing office if you want on-base housing and ask about waitlists.
- Join childcare and school waitlists early. Magnet and choice windows fill quickly.
- Meet with TMO to plan HHG and POV shipment windows, especially if you will move during summer.
Stage C: 3 to 4 months out
- Set your housing plan: rent or buy, commute target, and preferred zones. Line up a local military-savvy agent.
- Reserve temporary lodging near NAS Jax if you expect a gap between arrival and housing. Ask about pet policies.
- Gather medical and school records, birth certificates, and immunizations so you can enroll quickly.
- If renting, review SCRA lease protections. If buying, start tours and lock in financing to meet your report date.
Stage D: 30 to 60 days out
- Confirm HHG pickup dates and weight allowances with TMO. Schedule POV shipment if needed.
- Ask finance about TLA eligibility and required receipts. Track your lodging reservations.
- Finalize temporary lodging for the first weeks. Confirm pet fees and deposit rules.
- If your future address is set, schedule utility start dates.
Stage E: 2 weeks out
- Create an essentials bin with orders, IDs, medications, chargers, basic kitchen items, and kids’ comfort items.
- Review base access, gate locations, and in-processing check-in procedures.
- Print or download all critical documents. Keep a hard copy and a digital backup.
Stage F: Arrival and in-processing week
- In-process with your command. Bring orders, IDs, and any required forms.
- Visit housing and TMO as needed to lock in HHG delivery.
- Update dependent IDs at the nearest ID card office and confirm base access requirements.
- Verify BAH and other pay items have started in your pay system.
Stage G: First 1 to 3 months
- Finalize your lease or closing. Build in time for inspections, appraisal, and any storm season delays.
- Enroll kids in school and confirm TRICARE East enrollment. Register for base resources.
- Handle local admin: Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration, voter registration, homestead exemption if buying, and utilities.
Plan temporary lodging and TLA
What TLA covers
- Temporary Lodging Allowance helps offset costs while you wait for permanent housing after a PCS. It is not automatic.
- Your eligibility and claim period depend on shipment status, dates on orders, and local housing availability. Finance and TMO will confirm your window and documentation.
How to prepare your claim
- Keep detailed receipts for lodging and any items finance requires. Save digital copies.
- Submit forms within the timelines set by TMO and your finance office. Ask early about caps and reimbursement timing.
Where to stay near NAS Jax
- On-base lodging is often the most convenient for in-processing. Book as early as possible.
- Commercial hotels and extended-stay options in areas like Ortega, Mandarin, San Marco, Jacksonville Beach, and Orange Park can work well. Choose based on your gate and commute.
- If you need a kitchen or pet-friendly option, compare extended-stay hotels or short-term rentals. Verify military rates and what documentation is required.
Pet planning
- Confirm pet rules for base lodging and hotels before you book. Plan for vaccination records and any health certificates needed for travel or boarding.
Structure your home search in Duval and Clay
Commute and area fit
- NAS Jacksonville sits in Duval County along the St. Johns River. Clay County is directly southwest and offers many suburban options like Orange Park and Middleburg.
- Typical commutes range from about 20 to 45 minutes depending on time of day and route. Test your route using live navigation at your report time.
- Think about which base gate you will use and parking location. Shift workers often benefit from being closer to specific gates.
Schools and enrollment
- Duval County Public Schools and the Clay County School District have their own zoning and enrollment rules. Choice and magnet programs often have separate application windows.
- To enroll, you will usually need proof of residency, immunization records, and prior school records. Start collecting documents early.
- For childcare and youth programs, contact the School Liaison or Fleet & Family for guidance. Waitlists can be common.
Florida insurance and inspections
- Plan for windstorm and hurricane coverage along with standard homeowners insurance. Flood insurance may be required if a home is in a mapped flood zone.
- Ask about roof age, wind mitigation features, and any available inspection reports. These items affect insurance availability and premiums.
- For condos or townhomes, review the association’s master insurance and any special assessment history.
Renting vs. buying timeline
- Renting: allow 30 to 60 days to align your lease with your report date. Consider a short initial term if you expect household goods delays.
- Buying: most closings take 30 to 60 days from contract. Inspections, appraisal, and possible hurricane season delays can add time. Aim to close at least a week before your HHG delivery.
Work with local professionals
- Choose a realtor experienced with military PCS timelines, VA loans, and local market rhythms.
- Ask lenders for VA loan experience and clarity on BAH and closing timelines.
- Request recent comparable sales and inventory trends so your offer strategy fits current conditions.
In-processing and post-arrival admin
Documents you will likely need
- Orders, military IDs, and dependent IDs.
- Birth certificates, Social Security cards, and marriage certificate.
- School records, immunization forms, and any Individualized Education Plans if applicable.
- Vehicle title and registration, proof of insurance, and banking details for pay setup.
Medical, dental, and TRICARE
- Enroll with TRICARE East and the appropriate medical and dental clinics. Transfer prescriptions and referrals to avoid care gaps.
- If a family member has ongoing care needs, carry referral info and provider contacts in your essentials bin.
Schools, childcare, and youth programs
- Contact district enrollment offices as soon as you have your address. Keep an eye on magnet or choice deadlines.
- DoD Child & Youth Programs often have waitlists. Register early and use the School Liaison for support.
Local to-dos in Florida
- Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration according to Florida timelines for new residents.
- If you buy a home, file for the county homestead exemption by the deadline to reduce property taxes.
- Set up utilities, trash, and recycling. Providers can vary by neighborhood, so check availability as you house hunt.
Hurricane and flood readiness
- Hurricane season runs June through November. Assemble a basic kit, know your evacuation zone, and review local emergency guidance.
- If you are buying, confirm flood zone status and insurance needs before you go under contract.
Avoid common PCS pitfalls
- Waiting too long to schedule HHG pickup in summer, which can limit dates and cause delivery delays.
- Assuming TLA or on-base lodging is automatic. You must reserve lodging and apply for TLA with documentation.
- Overlooking flood risk and wind insurance details, which can affect both safety and cost.
- Misaligning your lease or closing date with your report date and HHG delivery.
- Delaying medical, dental, or prescription transfers, which can cause care gaps.
Quick grab-and-go checklist
- Orders and 3 or more copies
- Military and dependent IDs
- Powers of attorney
- Birth, marriage, and Social Security documentation
- School and medical records, immunizations, and prescriptions
- Pet vaccination records and travel documents
- Vehicle title, registration, and proof of insurance
- Lease or purchase agreements and utility account confirmations
- Contact list for NAS Jax housing, TMO, Fleet & Family, school enrollment offices, TRICARE, and county property appraisers
Local context and resources to verify
- NAS Jacksonville official pages for housing, lodging, Fleet & Family, gate info, and in-processing
- Military OneSource for PCS planning and entitlement guidance
- DFAS and your service’s TMO pages for BAH, DLA, TLA, and HHG shipping rules
- TRICARE East for enrollment and provider information
- Duval County Public Schools and the Clay County School District for enrollment and zoning
- Duval and Clay County Property Appraisers and FEMA flood maps for property research
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for license and registration rules
- Florida Division of Emergency Management and county emergency management for hurricane planning
Your next step
You do not have to figure this out alone. If you want a clear plan for your timeline, neighborhoods that match your commute, and help aligning your lease or closing with your report date, we are ready to guide you. Reach out to the Kingsley Group of Jax for a free relocation consultation and a step-by-step path from orders to move-in.
FAQs
How early should I start my NAS Jax home search?
- Start 3 to 4 months out for rentals and 3 to 6 months out if you plan to buy, especially if you will move during peak summer season.
What temporary lodging options are near NAS Jacksonville?
- On-base lodging is often the first stop. Off-base, consider hotels or extended-stay options in Ortega, Mandarin, San Marco, Jacksonville Beach, or Orange Park based on your gate and commute.
How long does command in-processing usually take at NAS Jax?
- It varies by command and season, but plan for 1 to 3 days for command and base steps, plus extra time for housing and vehicle tasks.
Will I qualify for TLA when moving to NAS Jax?
- TLA depends on your situation, shipment timing, and available housing. You must request it, keep receipts, and submit documents to finance within required timelines.
What commute times should I expect from Duval or Clay County?
- Many areas in Southside, Arlington, and along I-295 offer faster access to gates. Suburban Clay County options like Orange Park often average 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
What documents do I need to enroll kids in school in Duval or Clay?
- Expect to show proof of residency, immunization records, and prior school records. Choice or magnet programs can have separate application windows.
