Setting Up Utilities in Florida: A Complete New Resident Guide

One of the final steps before settling into your new Florida home is turning on your utilities. Whether you're buying a home, renting an apartment, or relocating from another state, having your electricity, water, internet, and other essential services ready before move-in day can make your transition much smoother.

When Should You Set Up Utilities?

Ideally, you should contact utility providers 2–3 weeks before your move.

Scheduling service early helps ensure:

  • Electricity is on before move-in.

  • Water service begins on time.

  • Internet is installed as soon as possible.

  • Trash and recycling services are active.

Some providers may have limited appointment availability during busy moving seasons.

What Information Will You Need?

Most utility companies will ask for:

  • Your new service address

  • Move-in date

  • Government-issued identification

  • Social Security number (or other identification)

  • Phone number and email address

  • Payment information for deposits or activation fees

Some providers may perform a credit check before activating service.

Electricity

Florida's electric provider depends on where you live.

Common electric companies include:

  • Florida Power & Light (FPL)

  • Duke Energy Florida

  • Tampa Electric (TECO)

  • Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)

  • JEA (Jacksonville)

If your home is served by a municipal utility or electric cooperative, you'll need to contact that provider directly.

Water and Sewer

Water and sewer services are usually provided by your city, county, or local utility authority.

If you're renting, these services may already be included in your monthly rent.

Before moving in, ask your landlord or closing agent:

  • Who provides water service?

  • Is sewer billed separately?

  • Are there activation fees?

  • Is irrigation water metered separately?

Natural Gas

Not every Florida home uses natural gas.

If your home has:

  • Gas water heaters

  • Gas ranges

  • Gas fireplaces

  • Pool heaters

  • Outdoor kitchens

You'll likely need to establish service with your area's natural gas provider.

Internet and Cable

Internet installation appointments can book several weeks in advance.

Popular providers throughout Florida include:

  • Xfinity

  • Spectrum

  • AT&T Fiber

  • Frontier

  • Quantum Fiber (select areas)

  • Local fiber providers

Compare:

  • Download speeds

  • Upload speeds

  • Equipment fees

  • Contract requirements

  • Installation costs

If you work remotely, scheduling installation before move-in is highly recommended.

Trash and Recycling

Garbage collection varies by municipality.

Depending on where you live:

  • Service may be included with property taxes.

  • You may need to establish service yourself.

  • Your HOA may coordinate trash collection.

Your city or county website can explain pickup schedules and recycling rules.

Create a Utility Checklist

Before moving in, make sure you've arranged:

  • Electricity

  • Water

  • Sewer

  • Natural gas (if applicable)

  • Internet

  • Cable or streaming setup

  • Trash collection

  • Recycling

  • Lawn irrigation (if applicable)

Checking these items off ahead of time helps ensure your first night in your new home is comfortable.

A neighborhood with houses that have landscaped lawns, trees, and solar panels on some roofs under a partly cloudy sky.

Consider Surge Protection

Florida experiences some of the highest lightning activity in the country.

Whole-home surge protection or quality surge protectors can help protect:

  • Computers

  • Televisions

  • Smart home devices

  • Appliances

  • HVAC systems

It's a relatively small investment that may help prevent costly damage.

A white house with a red tile roof, surrounded by trees and lush greenery, with a stone pathway leading to the front door.

Official Florida Resources

Protect Your New Home from Day One.

Setting up utilities is an exciting sign that your move is almost complete. It's also one of the best times to review your insurance coverage.

Whether you're moving into a new home, condo, or apartment, the experienced advisors at Ted Todd Insurance can help ensure your homeowners, renters, condo, flood, auto, and umbrella insurance is ready before you unpack your first box.

Schedule your Florida Insurance Review with Ted Todd Insurance today.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Two to three weeks before moving is ideal, especially for internet installation.

  • Some utility companies require deposits based on your account history or credit profile, while others may waive them.

  • Water service is typically handled by your local city, county, or municipal utility.

  • In many cases, yes. Contact your provider before moving to see if service is available at your new address.

  • Sometimes. Ask your landlord which utilities are included and which you'll need to set up yourself.