My husband and I have a home and have been living and working in Florida. Our permanent place of abode is Florida. We file a joint return. However because of the economy, in Feb 2008, I got a live in job as an Home Health Aide in Brooklyn, NY and worked there for the remainder of 2008. He is still working and living in Florida. Because I wanted to have a place where I can get away from work once or twice a month, in December 2008, I rented a room in Brooklyn away from my live in job and still maintains this room. Since I've paid rent for December, does New York State consider me a New York State Resident for CY 2008? Or can I file as a New York state nonresident since my permanent place of abode is Florida? I plan to work in New York for as long as possible (2 to 3 years). Thanks for any help.

Check at NY state web site for the residency requirements.
For most of the states, you will be considered resident if you are present there for about 10 months in the year. In that case you will report your worldwide income for the year.

You are a part-year resident of both NY state and NY city.