Moving to Miami Beach? 7 Things You Need To Do Immediately!
Amit Bhuta
I use non-traditional marketing to inspire the most motivated buyers to pay the max for Miami luxury homes...
I use non-traditional marketing to inspire the most motivated buyers to pay the max for Miami luxury homes...
Turn "reel life" into your REAL life as you secure a spot within the world-renowned coastal resort city of Miami Beach, an unparalleled paradise where city life and beachside bliss collide!
Step onto the fine, immaculate sands of Miami's top beachfront tourist destination, Miami Beach, also known as "America's Riviera," a collection of natural and artificial barrier islands between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, comprising the South Beach, North Beach, and Mid Beach communities!
A colossally famous travel spot for beach lovers and jet-setters since its incorporation on March 26, 1915, Miami Beach has since evolved into a trend-setting art and entertainment Mecca and a shopping and cultural wonder, putting Miami Beach on the map as a legendary resort destination, not just in Miami but across the globe!
But as famous as it is as a summer hideaway, Miami Beach is also home to 79,417 sun-worshipping Miamians and an overflowing collection of real estate dominated by luxurious, beachfront apartments and condos, transcending its reputation as an unforgettable holiday memory to one of the best places to live in Magic City!
So, if you're lucky enough to have the luxury of spending a LIFETIME in this iconic beachfront paradise or have already started moving to Miami Beach, congratulations on making the best decision yet!
While relocation is known to be a tedious task, I can help turn it into a quick and enjoyable journey by helping you sort out the ESSENTIALS!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Miami Beach.
(1)
"Adulting" In Miami Beach: Starting Your Miami Beach Journey With The Essentials
So, you've FINALLY decided to move to Miami Beach!
As exciting as THAT sounds, you can't escape the errands that come with moving homes, so don't go partying just yet!
But before you start going into "panic" mode, you'll be happy to know that setting up your utilities in Miami Beach isn't as tedious as you'd expect — it IS a coastal resort city, after all!
So, put on those big girl (or boy) pants, and let the "adulting" begin!
For 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.
Meanwhile, if you require natural gas service, TECO Peoples Gas is the REAL DEAL!
To apply, 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.
So, that's two for two — your water and sewer services will be provided by the City of Miami Beach, so ideally, you should have running water as soon as you move into your new Miami Beach address.
For concerns, questions, and requests about your water service, visit the City of Miami Beach Customer Service website to know more.
(2)
Riding The Waves Of Technology: Getting The Best "Connections" In Miami Beach
Living in a paradise as beautiful as Miami Beach, you're probably thinking of letting go of the internet and cable services altogether.
You'll be spending most of your time outdoors anyway, right?
Let me stop you right there!
In these modern times, having a high-speed internet connection is not just a luxury but a NECESSITY, especially now that it's all "Smart" everything —Smart TVs, smartphones, and "Smart" homes!
Heck, even some home securities are set up online!
So, before you make the worst decision yet, ensure you have reliable internet and cable services for your new Miami Beach address!
To find the best internet-cable packages around Miami Beach, check esteemed service providers like Comcast Xfinity, and AT&T!
Once you've settled on a provider and 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 pay any remaining balance on your account!
It's also best 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)
An All-In-One ID: Becoming A PROPER Floridian
Almost done moving into your new Miami Beach home?
Before you bust out the champagne, there's one significant thing you NEED to have before you can call yourself a true-blue Floridian.
A Florida driver's license!
Yes, beautiful Miami Beach newbies, you read it right!
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.
Not to mention that you'll also need it to drive on all Florida roads!
So, if you don't have a Florida driver's license yet, you'll want to PRIORITIZE it as soon as you move to Miami Beach!
To apply, 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:
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.
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)
Education Amidst The Sun, Sand, And Sea: A Quick Introduction To Miami Beach's Best Schools
Are you contemplating where to enroll your child in Miami Beach?
Unlike most beach communities in other states or countries, Miami Beach isn't scarce on schools, so don't sweat it!
In fact, you won't even need to get out of the city for a private, public, or charter school since Miami Beach has all three options, from elementary to senior high!
Mater Academy - Mount Sinai, South Pointe Elementary School, St. Patrick Catholic School, North Beach Elementary School, Hebrew Academy RASG, and Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School — and there's a lot MORE where these came from!
So, for more information about schools in Miami Beach, click on Schools in Miami Beach or visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website for all the public schools near you!
Also, if you need childcare services, check out our blog, Daycares in Miami Beach, for options near your new home!
(5)
Molding Miami Beach: How To Shape Your Future In Miami Beach
Attention newly naturalized U.S. citizens and unregistered voters!
If you're joining the Miami Beach community, prioritize your voter registration.
If you're wondering why, well, let's just put it this way — moving into a new city means starting over and creating new connections, and without voter registration, you won't have a "say" with what's happening inside your community.
And THAT will make you feel even more like an OUTSIDER, not just in Miami Beach but also in Miami and the entire country!
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, click 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)
Clean, Green, And Everything In Between: Miami Beach's Gift To Residents
Have you ever wondered how Miami Beach keeps its miles of sugar-white beaches, lavish avenues, and natural beauty spotless and pristine?
Well, here's the answer to your million-dollar question — through strict recycling and waste management and PROPER disposal guidelines!
And yes, everyone in Miami Beach observes and adheres to it all!
So, do the whole of Miami Beach a favor by tracking, observing, and keeping to heart the established solid waste and recycling programs, too!
To give you an idea, check out these solid waste, "bulky" garbage, and recycling schedules below, as advised by the City of Miami Beach Sanitation Division:
- Residential Garbage Collection (twice a week)
- Free recycling collection (Wednesdays)
- "Bulky" trash collection (first weekend of the month or by appointment)
Failure to follow these waste management codes may result in a fine or arrest.
For detailed information about schedules and fees in your zone, visit the City of Miami Beach Sanitation Division website, the City of Miami Solid Waste Department, or check with your HOA.
(7)
From Reel Life to Real Life: An Unparalleled Life In Miami Beach
The last item on your Moving to Miami Beach to-do list?
Experience the best of Miami Beach!
I mean, that's why you moved here, agree?
To make all the wonders you see your OWN!
The pristine beaches, the life-changing public art displays, the trendy restaurants, stylish cafes, and the plethora of shopping and entertainment destinations — yes, peeps, these 'gems' on display are now YOURS for the taking!
So, stroll through the Art Deco District, visit Collins Avenue, Ocean Drive, and Lincoln Road, plan staycations in Miami Beach's iconic hotels, and visit the hottest "hotspots" around — or park-hop across the city!
There are so many things to do, and you have SO MUCH time on your hands!
Don't forget, this unparalleled paradise is your NEW HOME now!
So, to know more about Miami Beach, don't forget to check out our blog, Explore Miami Beach, to tailor the escapade of a lifetime!
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We are many, but we are one.
We sell luxury homes in Miami, Florida.
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