Getting Started in South Florida Links

When you first move in, you'll be busy establishing your utilities and wondering where and how to get things done. These links will steer you in the right direction.

Absolute Musts

• File for Homestead Exemption
  If this is your new primary residence, make sure to take advantage of this program that helps you save on property taxes.

• Change Your Official U.S. Mailing Address
  Make sure your mail gets routed to you as soon as possible.

• Tell the IRS Your Mailing Address
  Don't have your tax refund go to the wrong place :)

• Property Tax Estimator
  Have a good idea of your property taxes for year by going here

Utilities and Services

• Florida Power & Light  305-442-8770
  Establish your service to turn on the day before you plan on moving in. Also track your electric usage with their great online tool.

• Miami-Dade Water Department  305-665-7477
  Establish your service to turn on no later than your move-in day.

• AT&T (Landline Phone Service)  888-757-6500
  If you want a home phone line and/or Internet, try here.

• ADT Home Security   800-699-9238
  Other ADT resellers may promise free stuff, but I have enough experience to suggest you are better off going direct! Provide my special code for best pricing and offers: A184214

• Trash Pickup and Dump/Recycling Centers  Dial 3-1-1 or 305-468-5900
  Enter you address and then click the “Garbage & Recycling” tab to see your pick-up days and more. It will also display your local recycling centers where you can properly dispose of bulk waste and recyclables..

• Florida City Gas  305-691-8710
  For those homes that use gas appliances

• Cable TV - Atlantic Broadband  1-888-752-4222

• Cable TV - Comcast  1-800-266-2278
  If you are getting Comcast, call Hal first! You can both get money back on referral!

• Satellite TV - DirecTV  1-800-347-3288
  If you are getting DirecTV, call Hal first! You can both get money back on referral!

School Resources

• Which School Is My School?
  Enter you address in the upper left and then view the designated elementary, middle and high schools.

• What's My School's Grade?
  Look at the track record of your school and its rankings among other Florida schools

• Miami-Dade Schools “I Choose” Program
  Allowing you to access to schools of choice and specialty programs

• Florida Department of Education

Vote, Drive and Miscellaneous

• Register To Vote

• Florida Department of Motor Vehicles

• SunPass
  Drive with fewer stops and lower tolls.

• National “Do Not Call” Registry
  Stop unwanted calls before they start

• Guide to Florida Insurance

Links last verified: Fri, May 9, 2014. If any of these resources do not work, please let Hal know.