If you own a property in Florida, you will have to connect to utilities. In order to do so, you will need to call the local utility companies shortly before your arrival at your new home or immediately after you have moved in. You will be asked to provide your name, address and employer, and you may be asked for details about your income. Most utility companies will perform a credit check. As a newcomer to the US, without a credit history, you may have to pay a deposit before any utility services are connected.

Electricity and Natural Gas

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are commonly powered by electricity. Natural gas is also used for heating and lighting and for cooking. In Florida, you will use air conditioning much more than heating, as winters are generally short and mild, but springs/summers are usually long and hot.

Following are some of Florida's major electric companies:

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL)

JEA
Residential Customer Service numbers:
(904) 665-6000
(800) 683-5542

Okefenokee R.E.M.C.
Hilliard, FL Office:
458442 Old Dixie Hwy
P.O. Box 1229
Hilliard, FL 32046
(904) 845-7477

Progress Energy Florida
Residential Customer Service numbers:
(727) 443-2641 (Pinellas)
(407) 629-1010 (Orlando)
(800) 700-8744 (Other)

Tampa Electric
Customers Care numbers:
(813) 223-0800 (Hillsborough County)
(863) 299-0800 (Polk County)
(888) 223-0800 (Others)

Water

Most houses in rural areas will receive their water from a well. If you do not have well water, then you will need to arrange for connection to the water supply provided by the relevant utility company. Again, you will need to call them, give them your address, and, as with all the utilities, you either transfer responsibility for it into your own name or you pay the set-up fee. Often the water and sewage services are provided by the city or county. They may also be your provider of garbage services.

Following are some of Florida's major water companies:

Aqua America
Customer Service
(877) WTR-AQUA or (877) 987-2782

Hialeah Department of Water and Sewers
501 Palm Ave
Hialeah, FL 33010
(305) 556-3800

JEA
Residential Customer Service numbers:
(904) 665-6000
(800) 683-5542

Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department
Customer Service:
(305) 665-7477
(305) 665-7488

Orlando Utilities Commission
Customer Service:
(407) 423-9018 (Orange County)
(407) 957-7373 (St. Cloud/Osceola County)

St. Petersburg Water Resources Department
635 Third Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 893-7261

Tampa Water Department
306 East Jackson Street
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 274-8121

Household Waste

Each of Florida's cities and towns provides garbage collection on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Recycling services are also provided. Household hazardous waste must be taken to a household hazardous waste collection center. Most of Florida's communities have one of these centers. Click here for a list of local government household hazardous waste web sites.