Moving to Southwest Florida: Your New Resident Guide

Before move-in

Start electric service

Choose the home’s location below to see the possible electric provider. Confirm that it serves the address, then schedule your start date.

Have the service address and your closing or move-in date ready. Electric service areas do not always follow city boundaries.

Before move-in

Set up water and sewer

Confirm who supplies the home’s drinking water and how its wastewater is handled. The home may use utility water or a private well, and sewer service or a septic system.

Ask the seller or property manager who currently bills the property. For utility service, ask which documents are required and schedule the transfer or start date.

Before move-in or during your first week

Find your trash collection day

Collection days, carts and pickup rules depend on the property and the local collection service.

Use the official address lookup where available. If you live in a condominium, ask the association how collection works.

Before bringing an out-of-state vehicle to Florida

Check vehicle title and registration requirements

Have proof of Florida auto insurance ready before registering your vehicle. Check the tax collector’s document requirements before your visit.

Ask which deadline applies to you and whether you need the original out-of-state title and a vehicle identification number (VIN) check. Florida’s 10-day registration rule can apply when a nonresident starts work or enrolls children in public school here. Calling the home “seasonal” does not settle the vehicle requirements.

Within 30 days of establishing residency

Get your Florida driver license

New residents who drive should review Florida’s 30-day driver license requirement and gather the required identity and address documents.

Check the tax collector’s current appointment options and office services. Ask whether your license and vehicle transactions can be handled in one visit.

January 1 eligibility; March 1 application deadline

Apply for homestead exemption

Homestead can reduce the taxable value of an eligible permanent home. You need your own application; the seller’s exemption does not transfer to you.

Generally, you must own the home and use it as your permanent residence on January 1 of the tax year. Apply by March 1 of that same year. Ask the property appraiser about eligibility and current exemption amounts. If you had a previous Florida homestead, also ask about portability: transferring an eligible Save Our Homes assessment benefit to the new home.

Compare your taxes before you move

After closing and each tax-bill season

Check your property tax bill

Use the county tax collector to find the bill, payment options and current deadlines.

A seller’s tax bill may not reflect your future bill. Review the property appraiser’s estimate and ask how ownership changes affect the assessed value.

Estimate the cost of owning a home

After establishing residency; check election deadlines

Update your voter registration

Eligible voters can register or update a Florida address through the state’s official voter registration service.

Check election-specific deadlines with the supervisor of elections. Registering to vote has eligibility requirements separate from owning a home.

If appropriate when establishing permanent residency

Review the Declaration of Domicile

A Declaration of Domicile records a sworn statement about your permanent home. The county clerk provides the form and recording instructions.

Review whether it fits your situation, then follow the notarization and recording requirements. It is a separate document from homestead and voter registration.

When you choose the home

Find your evacuation zone

An evacuation zone tells you how a storm evacuation order applies to the property. It is different from a flood zone.

Use the county’s address lookup. Plan where you will go and how you will get there, including pets and any medical or transportation needs.

Before move-in

Sign up for local emergency alerts

County emergency alerts send local notices to the contact methods you choose.

Check your contact details and follow local emergency management for current instructions.

Before you buy

Check flood risk and flood insurance

Check the property’s flood zone and ask for flood insurance quotes before buying. Use the county’s evacuation map separately to plan for storm evacuation.

Ask the insurer what the flood policy covers, when coverage starts and whether a waiting period applies. Start with Worthington’s flood zone lookup, then confirm the property details with official sources and the insurer.

Before choosing a home or starting school

Confirm schools and start enrollment

Lee County uses School Choice. Families rank available schools within the applicable choice or proximity zone. Buying near a school does not guarantee a seat there.

For 2026–27, the district’s rules differ by grade. When applications exceed available seats, assignment uses a lottery with preferences such as siblings and proximity. Confirm your child’s available schools, enrollment deadlines and required documents with the district. For a Collier County home, check the district’s school attendance boundaries and enrollment requirements.

When you move in

Check pet licensing requirements

The county animal-services office explains licensing, rabies documentation and current fees.

Check which requirements apply to your pet’s species and age. Ask the association about its own pet rules if the home is in a community.

Once you are settled

Get a library card

The county library explains who qualifies for a card and what proof it accepts.

Property owners, permanent residents and seasonal visitors may have different options. Check the current card requirements before visiting.

Once you are settled

Find local transit routes

LeeTran serves Lee County. Collier Area Transit serves Collier County.

Check current routes, schedules and fares with the transit provider before planning a trip.

While reviewing the property before closing

Review the property’s permit history

Search the office that issues building permits for the property. The city in the mailing address may differ from the city or county responsible for those permits.

Ask your agent about open permits, missing final inspections and older records while you are reviewing the property before closing.

Read answers to common home-buying questions