Moving to Overtown? 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...
Become part of a neighborhood steeped in history and a renewed sense of vitality as you plunge into life in Overtown, "The Harlem of the South," and Miami's second-oldest community!
Set your sights on Overtown, a tiny, unembellished neighborhood covering 3.41 square miles northwest of Downtown Miami, near the Wynwood, Allapattah, and Edgewater neighborhoods.
Often overlooked for its more "dazzling" neighbors, longtime Miamians know that Overtown was a bustling entertainment district nicknamed "Little Broadway" during its heyday in the 1930s, once conquering Miami's tourism with history, culture, and traditions!
Today, Overtown, albeit undergoing revitalization, remains Miami's showcase of art, music, and cuisines, offering an array of historical buildings and tourist attractions delving deep into Miami's African American history, purposeful murals in every corner, a unique nightlife scene comprising jazz concerts, festivals, spoken word performances, and film screenings, and comfort eats for the soul — a few localized to the community!
Not to mention that Overtown is a ringer for nature, recreation, and low-cost living in the Metro, too!
So, if you're among those who've gone against the tide and chosen to settle into Miami's haven of community spirit and rich cultural heritage, congratulations!
Now, it's time to make your Overtown transition as easy and comfortable as possible, and this guide will help you achieve JUST THAT!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Overtown.
(1)
Immersing Into A Revitalized Overtown: Creating The Base Of Your Overtown Home
Still clueless about setting up your Overtown utilities?
Since your home's electricity, water, and gas services are NOT OPTIONAL (unlike decor and expensive furniture), I'll show you the ropes on getting your Overtown essential sorted — with a click of a mouse!
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 customers must 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 disconnection date (old address), re-connection date, and complete service address.
For reference, a deposit of $25 (minimum) and other initial set-up fees may be charged upfront, whether you're a new or existing customer.
For those who prefer natural gas for cooking, seek service from TECO Peoples Gas or Florida City Gas (FCG)!
Once you've confirmed availability, 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).
To give you an idea, deposit fees may be based on your home's square footage or equal to twice the average monthly bill, and you may need to settle a connection fee before service activation.
Lastly, check 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.
(2)
Status: Online: Embellishing Your Home With Technology
Like utilities, getting reliable internet and cable services will be your KEY for creating a modern home!
So, if your Overtown home is still missing these "connections," enjoy the best internet-cable bundles from esteemed service providers like Comcast Xfinity and AT&T!
Once you've assessed your household's usage and entertainment needs, apply for 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'll also want to ask your provider if you need to settle deposits, activation/installation, and equipment rental fees upfront,
If not, expect these to reflect on the first bill.
(3)
Becoming An Official "Towner": Everything You Need For Your Florida Driver's License
A new Florida resident from another state or country?
Don't let your wallet get caught without a Florida driver's license!
A Florida driver's license is the only way to become an OFFICIAL "Towner" and a REQUIREMENT within 30 days of establishing residency.
Oh, and did I mention it's a requisite to drive on Florida roads without breaking the law?
So, as soon as you get settled in, visit the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or any local office offering driver's license services to 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.
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!
On the other hand, if you already have a Florida driver's license, notify the DMV of your new address for an updated driver's license to avoid breaking the law.
You'll also need insurance to title and register your vehicle(s) within ten (10) days of establishing residency.
(4)
Unlocking Potential: Education In Overtown
Is your child leaving a quality school behind with your move to Overtown?
No need to fret — thanks to Overtown's more-than-ideal location in the Metro, you won't have to worry about providing your child with premium education!
Who knows?
It may even be BETTER than the old school!
Theodore R. and Thelma A. Gibson Charter School, AUA Schools, Miami Arts Charter School, Design & Architecture Senior High School, and more — you're looking at the best public, private, and charter schools around Overtown, catering to students from elementary to senior high!
Add all that to the collection of schools from Overtown's surrounding communities, and you'll have a plethora of options to choose from!
So, for more information on schools in and around Overtown, visit our blog, Schools in Overtown, or visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website to check for public schools near your home!
Meanwhile, if you're looking for childcare during work hours, check Daycares in Overtown to find a daycare near your home or work address!
(5)
A Step Towards Revitalization: Voter Registration In Overtown
Do you know the difference between residents with voter registration and those without one?
They have a "say" with what happens in their community, and the latter — NADA!
And if you're entering the Overtown community sans a RIGHT to vote, well, you better get that sorted ASAP!
You can't support your new neighborhood's revitalization without a voice to be heard, right?
So, if you're a legal-age United States citizen who meets all the requirements to become a registered voter, don't forget to submit your application with the proper IDs and documents through the Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department websites or by mail or in person at the Elections Department or any Elections Branch office!
For reference, any current and valid identification with a photograph and signature (e.g., Florida Driver's License, United States passport, etc.) should be enough to give your registration a green light!
For other legal forms of identification and supplementary requirements, Click here.
(6)
Sustainability In The City: Supporting Overtown's Recycling And Waste Management Initiatives
Overtown, alongside other Miami communities, encourages residents to observe recycling and proper waste disposal in support of Magic City's initiative to become a sustainable city!
So, to join this grand revolution for Mother Nature while helping maintain Overtown's cleanliness and environmental health, you'll want to familiarize yourself with your new community's rules and regulations, especially its established recycling and waste collection guidelines.
For your reference, here's the current solid waste, "bulky" garbage, and recyclables schedules in Overtown:
- 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 more information about schedules and fees, visit the City of Miami Solid Waste Department website or check with your HOA.
(7)
The Rise Of Overtown: Exploring "The Harlem Of The South"
Are you ready for a deep dive into Overtown's hidden charms?
As an honorary member of the community, you can't go on living without EXPERIENCING the TRUE Overtown — nope, that just won't fly!
So, instead of holing up in your home, step outside your doorstep and explore "The Harlem of the South!"
Visit Overtown's famous historic sites like the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum and the famous D.A. Dorsey House, stop by Overtown's colorful street murals, plan a night out at The Historic Lyric Theater, or go for a nature retreat at neighborhood parks like Dorsey Park, Gibson Park, Henry Reeves Park, Spring Garden Point Park, Town Park, and Williams Park!
Contrary to popular belief, there are so many experiences to enjoy in Overtown!
And if you need the low-down on all things Overtown, read our blog, Explore Overtown — it's the next best thing to a tourist guide!
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