Relocation Strategy

Setting Up Utilities in South Florida

A practical, county-by-county guide to every utility you'll need when moving to South Florida — with providers, costs, and setup tips.

Electricity

Florida Power & Light (FPL) is the dominant electricity provider across most of South Florida, serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and most of Palm Beach County. Electric bills in South Florida are significantly higher than the national average due to year-round air conditioning demand. Budget accordingly.

Florida Power & Light (FPL)

Coverage: Most of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach County

Avg. bill: $150–$300+/mo for typical single-family home

FPL.com

TECO Peoples Gas

Coverage: Natural gas provider in parts of South Florida

Avg. bill: Varies by usage; supplemental to electric

TECOEnergy.com

Electric bills spike June–September when AC runs near-continuously. A well-insulated home with energy-efficient AC can significantly reduce costs. Many South Florida homes have solar — ask sellers for the solar contract and average annual true-up bill.

Water & Sewer

Water and sewer in South Florida are almost always provided by the county or city municipality — not a private company. Contact your specific city or county utility department when you close. Average monthly water/sewer bills for a single-family home: $60–$150/month depending on usage and irrigation.

Broward County

Broward County Environmental Protection & Growth Management, or city utility depending on municipality

Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County Water Utilities, or city-specific utility (Boca Raton Utilities, Delray Beach Utilities, etc.)

Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) for unincorporated areas; city utilities for incorporated municipalities

Internet & Cable

Xfinity (Comcast)

$50–$120+/mo

Dominant provider across Broward and much of Palm Beach County. Wide availability.

Max speeds: Up to 1.2 Gbps fiber/coax hybrid

AT&T Fiber

$55–$180+/mo

Expanding across South Florida; available in select areas. True fiber where available.

Max speeds: Up to 5 Gbps fiber

Breezeline (formerly Atlantic Broadband)

$50–$100+/mo

Available in parts of Broward and Palm Beach County.

Max speeds: Up to 1 Gbps

Availability varies by specific address. Check provider websites with your exact address for accurate availability and current promotions.

Utility Setup Checklist

Transfer or establish FPL account (allow 3–5 business days)

Contact city/county water utility to establish account in your name

Schedule internet installation (book 1–2 weeks in advance in peak season)

Contact trash & recycling — many are city-provided automatically at closing

Set up lawn irrigation timer and confirm sprinkler zones are working

Test smoke, CO2, and hurricane shutters (required by FL insurance inspections)

Locate water main shut-off and electrical panel (critical before hurricane season)

Get Jacob's Local Vendor List

Jacob provides every buyer with a curated list of trusted local vendors — AC service, plumbers, handymen, pest control, and more — from 30+ years of South Florida living.