How to Set Up Utilities in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Buying a new home is an exciting time in life, but it can also be overwhelming. One item on your checklist is setting up all of your utilities, and if you are relocating to a new state, this may be a whole new process for you.

In Miami-Dade County, your service provider for various utilities will depend on where you live and which one you prefer. That’s why Smart Settlements has compiled a list of utilities to check so you are ready to go when you move in!

Electricity

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY (FPL)

Florida Power & Light services counties throughout the state of Florida. See if your address falls into the FPL service area here.

• How to start service: Create an account or log into an existing FPL account here.
• Deposit: A deposit of $25 minimum plus other initial set-up fees may apply.

Natural Gas

PEOPLES GAS COMPANY

Peoples Gas Company provides residential natural gas service to customers in Miami-Dade County. If you want to connect a new natural gas service, check availability in your area.

• How to start service: Start, Stop or Transfer service online.
• Deposit: A deposit based on the residence’s square footage is required to secure an account. In lieu of a cash deposit, the resident can submit an irrevocable letter of credit or a surety bond.

FLORIDA CITY GAS (FCG)

Florida City Gas provides residential natural gas service to many zip codes in Miami-Dade County. Check availability in your area.

• How to start service: Email a request to dl-onlinerequest@nexteraenergy.com and include your name, phone number, service address, mailing address (if different than the service address), the date you need to start service, and a list of appliances you need to connect to natural gas. A representative will respond within 48 hours. You can also request a new meter by calling (800) 993-7546.
• Deposit: A deposit equal to the average monthly bill times two is often required before starting service. A fee may be applied to connect service.

Water & Sewer

MIAMI-DADE WATER AND SEWER

If you are transferring water and sewer services within Miami-Dade County, you are responsible for transferring service. Check for availability at your new address.

• How to start service: New customers can start service online.
• Deposit: Customers must pay a deposit of $50 to start water service and $50 to start sewer service as well as a non-refundable $45 service charge.

Cable

AT&T

As with many media companies, you save money if you purchase both cable and internet services from AT&T although many bundled packages require long-term contracts. However, ordering either standalone cable or internet is possible. If your home does not currently have AT&T, check the availability in your area.

• How to start service: Order online or call (855) 875-3318.
• Deposit: Activation may require a deposit, set-up fees, and/or equipment rental fees.

COMCAST XFINITY

Like Verizon, Xfinity offers the best rates for long-term contracts that include both cable and internet. However, you can order either cable or internet as its own service. See if Xfinity is available in your area.

• How to start service: Order your package(s) online, chat with a representative on their website, or visit an Xfinity store.
• Deposit: Yes, there are typically activation and/or installation fees that range from $50 to $90, depending on what work needs to be completed. There may also be equipment rental fees added to your bill.

Internet

AT&T

As with many media companies, you save money if you purchase both cable and internet services from AT&T although many bundled packages require long-term contracts. However, ordering either standalone cable or internet is possible. If your home does not currently have AT&T, check the availability in your area.

• How to start service: Order packages online or call (855) 875-3318.
• Deposit: Activation may require a deposit, set-up fees, and/or equipment rental fees.

COMCAST XFINITY

Like Verizon, Xfinity offers the best rates for long-term contracts that include both cable and internet. However, you can order either cable or internet as its own service. See if Xfinity is available in your area.

• How to start service: Order your package(s) online, chat with a representative on their website, or visit an Xfinity store.
• Deposit: Yes, there are typically activation and/or installation fees that range from $50 to $90, depending on what work needs to be completed. There may also be equipment rental fees added to your bill.

VIASAT

Check the availability in your area. Viasat partners with DirectTV and offers bundles that include home phone service.

• How to start service: Order packages online or call (855) 757-3403.
• Deposit: Activation may require set-up fees and/or equipment rental fees. To choose a no-contract option, there may be an additional fee at set-up.

HUGHESNET

HughesNet offers satellite internet service as well as satellite voice call services. Check for availability at your address on their website.

• How to start service: Order online or call (844) 737-2700.
• Deposit: Activation may require set-up fees and/or equipment rental fees. To choose a no-contract option, there may be an additional fee at set-up.

Satellite Television

The best satellite packages typically involve 12- or 24-month contracts and often have promotional elements that expire after a certain amount of time.

DIRECTV

• How to start service: Order online or call (888) 77-2454.
• Deposit: Deposits may be required for equipment.

DISH NETWORK

• How to start service: Order online or call (844) 541-1303.
• Deposit: One-time fees may be required for the equipment you use.

DISCLAIMER: The information gathered here is deemed reliable as of the date of publication, but each aforementioned company has the right to change its information, rates, and processes. Contact each company for specific answers and the most updated information.

For additional information on this topic contact Evelyn Miller, Partner, at 202-753-7400.