We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver our services. By continuing to visit this site, you agree to our use of cookies.More info
ALL IN Miami GroupALL IN Miami Group
Call Us:

(305) 439-3031

    Miami's ULTIMATE Dining Guide
    Follow us
    The Team

    About Us

    • Meet the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Our Award Winning Blog
    • Miami's Best Neighborhood Guide
    • Miami's Best Restaurants

    Our Services

    • Why Sellers Hire Us
    • Get Your Home's Value
    • Why Buyers Hire Us
    • Search for Homes
    ALL IN Miami Group

    2550 S Bayshore Dr, Suite 106, Miami, FL 33133

    • (305) 439-3031
    • [email protected]

    Moving to Little Havana? 7 Things You Need To Do Immediately!

    Embrace an urban lifestyle pulsating with vibrant traditions and personality as you find a home in the "heart" of Miami's...

    • Amit Bhuta
    • February 15th, 2024
    • 11 min read
    Featured Image

     Embrace an urban lifestyle pulsating with vibrant traditions and personality as you find a home in the "heart" of Miami's Cuban diaspora, Little Havana, a melting pot of Latin American cultures! 

    Marvel at the electrifying community of Little Havana, the ULTIMATE representation of Miami's Cuban heritage lying west of Downtown Miami and Brickell to Douglas Avenue, with Miami River to its north and Coral Way to its south.  

    Albeit a small "dot" on the map, this tiny neighborhood fills its vibrant spaces with personality and rich culture, seen through its massive collection of Latin-inspired restaurants, bakeries, fruit stands, cigar shops, rum bars, art galleries, music venues, alongside a distinctly Latin American flair, leading Little Havana to become one of the Miami's revered social and cultural hubs, where hundreds of tourists flock for a glimpse of Magic City's dynamic culture. 

     With all these in consideration, it's not surprising how Little Havana has extended from being a weekend destination to an urban respite for locals looking for an affordable lifestyle in the city, ranking among Miami's top    "bang-for-your-buck" districts  where you'll find  low-cost properties  surrounded by    significant creature comforts like supermarkets, pharmacies, shopping malls, restaurants, schools, and more!

    And if you've already been "hooked" by this welcoming, tightly-knit neighborhood and have started to take small steps towards a complete immersion, congratulations!

     To help you ease into your new Little Havana home comfortably, I'll be with you step by step, starting with the ESSENTIALS! 

     Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Little Havana.  

     (1) 

     Writing A New Chapter In Miami's Cuban Diaspora: Arranging Your Utilities In Little Havana 

    Kudos on finding a home to LOVE in the beautiful community of Little Havana!

    Now that you've found your dream abode, you should take this opportunity to sort out the essentials to ensure a comfortable and quick transition!

    While it's ideal to have your utilities up and running BEFORE you move into your new address, setting up electricity, water, and natural gas services WHILE you're moving in shouldn't pose a concern, especially since it'll only take a few minutes of your precious time!

    Are you ready to begin this "no-stress" process?

    To arrange your electricity, create or log in to your existing account at the  Florida Power & Light Company (FPL)  website and apply for service at your new address, new or otherwise. 

    New account holders need to submit their Social Security, Driver's License, Social Insurance, or Tax ID number, the new service address, and the connection date, and existing FPL customers only need to advise the disconnection date (old address), re-connection date,  and complete service address for a service transfer.

    A deposit of $25 (minimum) and other initial set-up fees may be charged upfront, whether you're a new or existing customer.

    If you prefer a natural gas service for your Little Havana home, seek providers like   TECO Peoples Gas  or   Florida City Gas (FCG) .

    After confirming availability, you may submit the necessary IDs and connection date (new customer) or advise the disconnection date, the complete address of your new home, and your preferred service transfer date (existing customer).

    Your deposit fees may be based on the home's square footage or equal to twice the average monthly bill, and you may need to settle a connection fee before the service connection.

    Last on the list is checking for water and sewer availability on the  Miami-Dade Water & Sewer  website.

    Once confirmed, new customers must create an online account and deposit $50 for water, $50 for sewer, and a non-refundable $45 connection fee, and existing owners must also settle any outstanding balance before service transfer.

    See?

    Easy-peasy!

     (2) 

     An Era Of "Smart" Everything: Boosting Your Lifestyle With Technology 

    It's common to feel homesick after moving away from extended family and friends, especially if you're from a different city, state, or country.

    So, to avoid feeling "out of touch" with the world outside your new Little Havana home, hooking up to reliable internet and cable services is ESSENTIAL! 

    I'm telling you, once you get on the web with your favorite TV show in the background, you'll feel SO MUCH BETTER!

    To find the best internet-cable packages around Miami, check esteemed service providers like  Comcast Xfinity , and   AT&T !

    After choosing your provider and preferred bundle, apply for a new service by submitting your complete address and proper IDs online or in person at the nearest store, or if you're an existing Comcast or AT&T customer, request a service transfer as soon as you settle any remaining balance on your account!

    You may also want to ask your provider about any deposits, activation/installation, and equipment rental fees upfront, otherwise, you may expect these charges to reflect on your first bill.

     (3) 

     A Floridian Essential: Traveling Around Florida In Style 

    While most Little Havana residents enjoy a smooth commute around Miami via public transportation, there'll be times when you'll NEED to drive yourself to where you're going.

    Ah, yes, that's life's reality.

    So, if you don't have a Florida driver's license yet, you'll want to PRIORITIZE it as soon as you move to Little Havana!

    Aside from being a REQUIREMENT within 30 days of establishing residence, a Florida driver's license is one of the first (and quickest) IDs you can get to make your Floridian residency official.

    Oh, and you'll also need it to drive on all Florida roads!

    So, to get that out of the way, visit the nearest  Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV)  or any local office offering driver's license services and submit the necessary documents.

    Click on the applicable residency status to know which documents to have on hand when you apply:

    •  U.S Citizen   
    • Immigrant 
    • Non-Immigrant
    •  Canadian 

    The initial Florida Class E license, including a learner's permit, is $48.00, a commercial driver's license (Class A) is $75.00, and an ID Card fee is $25.00.

    For a complete list of driver's license fees,  click here.  

    Don't forget —you'll also need insurance to title and register your vehicle(s) within ten (10) days of establishing residency.

    Meanwhile, if you already have a Florida driver's license, notify the DMV of your new address for an updated driver's license to avoid run-ins with the law.

    Usually, those with a current or previous driver's license from another state, country, or jurisdiction don't have to take Drug and Alcohol courses, Class E Knowledge exams, and the Florida Driving tests, but the Vision and Hearing test is mandatory!

     (4) 

     Knowledge That Lasts A Lifetime: Learning In Little Havana 

    Here's some good news for families moving to Little Havana —

    If you're worried about finding a school for your little one after you get settled in, don't sweat it!

    Since Little Havana is only minutes from the city center, you'll have plenty in your midst!

    And I'm talking about an A-list collection!

    Yes, parents, you're looking at schools like Lincoln-Marti Charter School (Little Havana Campus), Mater Academy East Charter School, BridgePrep Academy Interamerican-East Campus, Mater Academy Kiwanis, Ada Merritt K-8 Center, and Young Women's Preparatory Academy — and that's just the tip of the iceberg!

    In fact, Little Havana is brimming with public, private, and charter schools from elementary to senior high, so you're unlikely to run out of choices in and AROUND its perimeter!

    So, for more information about schools in Little Havana, click on  Schools in Little Havana  or visit the  Miami-Dade County Public Schools  website for all the public schools near you!

    Meanwhile, for more about Little Havana daycares, check out our blog,  Daycares in Little Havana , and get the best childcare for your little one!

     (5) 

     Swaying The Tides Of Life: Empowering Little Havana Through Voting 

    An immigrant who's a newly naturalized U.S. citizen?

     A U.S. citizen without a voter registration?

    Whichever you are between the two, moving to Little Havana without voter registration can pose a problem in the future — yours, your community, and the country!

    Imagine being amidst all these outrageous changes and not having a VOICE to be HEARD!

    So, if you're over 18 and a United States Citizen who meets all the requirements to become a registered voter (but still isn't one), submit your application with the proper IDs and documents through the  Florida Department of State  or the  Miami-Dade County Elections Department  online, by mail, or in person at the Elections Department or any Elections Branch office!

    For other legal forms of identification and supplementary requirements,  c lick here.  

    Any current and valid identifications with a photograph and signature (e.g., Florida Driver's License, United States passport, etc.) will suffice, so make this your utmost priority!

     (6) 

     Preserving Little Havana's Future: Little Havana's Efforts To Sustainability 

    Are you almost done with your "moving in" checklist?

    Add Little Havana's rules and regulations on it, too, including the current recycling and waste management guidelines!

    Since you'll be joining a community set on cleanliness, preserving environmental health, and sustainability, you'll be doing the whole of Little Havana a favor by tracking, observing, and keeping to heart the established solid waste and recycling programs within your neighborhood!

     So, to help you with this quest, check out these s olid waste, "bulky" garbage, and recycling schedules below, as advised by the  City of Miami Solid Waste Department:  

    •  Garbage & Trash collection (twice a week) 
    • Free recycling collection (every other week) 
    •  "Bulky" trash collection (once a week) 

    Failure to follow these waste management codes will result in a $500 fine or arrest.

    For detailed information about schedules and fees in your zone, visit the  City of Miami Solid Waste Department  or check with your HOA.

     (7) 

     Bringing Cuba To Miami: Summing Up Little Havana 

    Congratulations on reaching the end of your "to-do" list!

    Now that you have all the necessities sorted, it's time to let your hair down and enjoy Little Havana to the fullest!

    It IS a famous tourist spot, after all!

    And now, this burgeoning cultural MECCA is your HOME!

    Stroll along Calle Ocho and enjoy its Cuban gems, watch a performance while sipping your favorite cocktail at Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, marvel at beautiful masterpieces at Futurama 1637, or spend the afternoon at Domino Park and watch the "uncs" play domino — I'm telling you, the possibilities in Little Havana are endless!

    And if you need more information about Little Havana, don't forget to check out our blog,  Explore Little Havana , to tailor your grand adventure to how YOU want it to be!

     AMIT BHUTA 

     COMPASS 

    LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT

     

    (305) 439-3031  MOBILE

     [email protected] 

    Miami's BEST Video and Neighborhood Guide

    READ MORE

     

    Miami's BEST Restaurants in EVERY Neighborhood

    Check out the absolute BEST restaurants in every neighborhood of Miami, including the best...

    READ MORE

     

    The BEST Schools in Miami-Dade County and the Rest of Florida

    View Miami's BEST schools and the individual grades that each school received. Besides vie...

    READ MORE

     

    Selling Your Home? 

    Get Home Value

     Who are we? 

    We are the ALL IN Miami Group out of Miami. 

    We are Colombian, Filipino, Cuban, German, Japanese, French, Indian, Syrian, and American. 

    We are Christian, Hindu, and Jewish. 

    We are many, but we are one.

    We sell luxury homes in Miami, Florida. 

    Although some of our clients are celebrities, athletes, and people you read about online, we also help young adults find their first place to rent when they are ready to live on their own. 

    First-time buyers? 

    All the time!

     No matter what your situation or price range is, we feel truly blessed and honored to play such a big part in your life. 

    Author Photo
    About the author

    Amit Bhuta

    (305) 439-3031
    • facebook
    • X
    • instagram
    • linkedin
    • youtube
    I use non-traditional marketing to inspire the most motivated buyers to pay the max for Miami luxury homes. Besides selling real estate, I love tennis, sports cards, NFTs, my family, mental health awareness, and HIGH-calorie foods 🤷🏽‍♂️

    Similar posts like this

    Neighborhood Blogs

    Selling Your House in The Redlands? 6 Things You MUST Do!

    Are you thinking of selling your Redland home soon? Here are 6 things you MUST do to sell your house in The Redlands.
    Read more
    Neighborhood Blogs

    Moving to The Redlands? 7 Things You Need To Do Immediately!

    Point your compass past Miami's edge and land a peaceful life in The Redlands, a loosely drawn patchwork rooted in agric...
    Read more
    Neighborhood Blogs

    Top 5 Shopping Spots in The Redlands

    Snag a deal on designer shoes and a basket of lychees in the same afternoon as you peruse a delightful mash-up of down-h...
    Read more
    ALL IN Miami Group

    PRICELESS Marketing Your Home Deserves!

    ALL IN Miami Group | Compass | 305.439.3031

    2550 S Bayshore Dr, Suite 106, Miami, FL 33133

    ALL IN Miami Group | Compass | 305.439.3031

    2550 S Bayshore Dr, Suite 106, Miami, FL 33133

    (305) 439-3031
    [email protected]

    Footer Links

    • Meet the Team
    • Read Our Blog
    • Client Reviews
    • Why Sellers Hire Us
    • Get Your Home's Value
    • Why Buyers Hire Us
    • Search For Homes
    • Miami's ULTIMATE Neighborhood Guide
    • Contact Us
    GET OUR LATEST ADVICE

    Join 9,383+ People Getting Our Emails

    *We respect your inbox. We only send interesting and relevant emails.

    ALL IN Miami Group | Compass | 305.439.3031 © 2025

    Privacy Policy
    Powered by