Setting up utilities when you move to Florida is largely straightforward, but Florida has some provider-specific quirks and options worth understanding. This guide covers electricity, water, natural gas, internet, and trash service — the complete setup checklist for Florida new arrivals.
Electricity
Florida's electricity market is served primarily by regulated utilities — you typically don't choose your electric company; it depends on your address. The major providers are:
- Florida Power & Light (FPL / NextEra) — serves most of South and Southeast Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and a large portion of the state
- Duke Energy Florida — serves Central Florida and parts of Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast
- Tampa Electric (TECO) — serves Tampa and Hillsborough County
- Gulf Power (now part of FPL) — serves the Florida Panhandle
- SECO Energy, Clay Electric, Lakeland Electric — smaller cooperative/municipal utilities in specific counties
Call or go online to establish service in your name before your move-in date. Most utilities require a deposit for new accounts (typically $150–$300) unless you can provide a letter of credit from your previous utility. Budget $150–$350/month for electricity in a typical Florida home during summer; $80–$150 in mild months.
Water and Sewer
Water service is provided by your city or county utilities department. Look up your address on your county's utilities website to find the provider and set up service. If you're buying a home on well water (common in rural Florida counties), you don't have a municipal water bill, but you do need annual well testing and a water treatment system for most Florida well water.
Florida water quality varies significantly by region. South Florida municipal water can have a distinct taste from treatment chemicals. A whole-house water filtration system or under-sink reverse osmosis is extremely common in Florida homes — water filtration services is one of the top home service categories statewide.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is not universally available in Florida — many areas, particularly newer subdivisions and rural areas, are all-electric. Where it is available, Florida City Gas and TECO Peoples Gas are the primary providers. If your home has a gas range, water heater, or dryer, verify service availability at your address before assuming you can continue using gas appliances.
Propane is a common substitute in areas without natural gas service — particularly for pool heaters and generators in rural areas.
Internet Service
Florida has decent but uneven broadband coverage. In major metro areas, you'll have multiple options:
- Xfinity (Comcast) — widest cable coverage statewide
- AT&T Fiber — available in many FL metros; excellent speeds where available
- Spectrum — strong presence throughout Central and North Florida
- Brightspeed, MetroNet, Hotwire — growing fiber providers in specific markets
- Starlink — a viable option in rural Florida where cable/fiber isn't available
Check address-level availability at each provider before your move — fiber availability in particular varies block by block. If fast internet is a work requirement, confirm availability at your specific address (not just your neighborhood) before finalizing your home purchase or rental.
Trash and Recycling
Trash service is typically included in your county property taxes or as a mandatory utility — you don't usually choose a trash provider independently. In some municipalities it's a separate monthly charge ($25–$50/month). Your county or city utilities office can confirm the arrangement for your address.
Setting Up Service: Timeline
Start utility setup 2–3 weeks before your move-in date. Most Florida utilities can establish service quickly, but scheduling the first electric meter read or account activation takes time. The order to tackle: electricity first (most important for HVAC, refrigeration), then water, then internet (longest lead time for installation appointments in some areas).
Quick Setup Checklist
- Look up electricity provider by address (FPL, Duke, TECO, or cooperative)
- Set up electric service 2–3 weeks before move-in
- Contact county utilities for water/sewer service transfer
- Verify natural gas availability if you have gas appliances
- Check internet providers at your specific address (not just neighborhood)
- Consider a water filtration system — Florida water quality varies widely
- Confirm trash/recycling setup with your city or county