Phone Service
Bell South serves Palm Beach County phone service for residential service call 561-780-2355, or for businesses call 561-780-2800. If you have used Bell South in the past a deposit is not generally needed to begin new service. For newcomers have ready your social security number, a work telephone number, a personal reference and if you are renting you will need your landlord's name and phone number. Additionally, Bell South will normally run a credit check for newcomers to determine the amount of deposit that they require to begin service.
Water Service
Depending where it is in the county that you are moving will determine the agency that you will contact. Please refer to my Municipalities phone number page to contact your local government agency. If you are a newcomer to the area and live an unincorporated area of the county you can set up an account over the phone by calling 561-641-3400.
(South Palm Beach County residences may call 561-482-0800).
Electricity
Florida Power and Light serves most of the county excluding Lake Worth residents who receive their electricity for the city utilities department. To begin service with FPL call 561-697-8000 and have handy your Social Security number and the date you want service to begin. Newly constructed homes must have a certificate of occupancy before the lights go on. If you do not have a current history with FPL you should expect a deposit equal to two month's average billing. FPL requires deposits to be paid at the time of connection. All areas outside of West Palm Beach can call (800) 226-3545.
Natural Gas Service
Natural gas service is provided in Palm Beach County by Florida Public Utilities at 561-832-2461. They require a minimum deposit of $40.00 for a residential hookup and $100.00 if you have a pool heater. To establish service, you are required to bring ID, Social Security number to get started.
Garbage Service
Depending where it is in the county that you are moving will determine the agency that you will contact. Please refer to my Municipalities phone number page to contact your local government agency. Additional information can be obtained from the Solid Waste Authority at 561-697-2700.
Cable Television Service
There are only two companies servicing Palm Beach County. Adelphia Cable at 561-848-1600 and Comcast Cable at 561-478-8300. Mid summer will see Adelphia taking-over all of Comcast Cable customers.
Drivers License
If you are becoming a resident of Florida you will be required to pass a written, visual and driving test to receive a Florida driving license if you do not have a valid driving license from another state. A valid drivers license from another state will permit you to get a Florida license with only a vision test. Cost $20 for new and $15 for renewals, valid for 6 years. You can make an appointment by calling 561-681-6333. Tuesday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Driver License Examination Stations are located at:
1299 W. Lantana Rd. Lantana
1839 E. Main St. Pahokee
3185 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens
571 N. Military Trail West Palm Beach
Automotive Insurance
Florida requires that after 90 days of legal residence vehicles be covered by PIP and property damage insurance. For more information call 561-355-2622
Seat Belt Law
Florida law requires all front seat occupants in cars, pickup truck and van to be buckled up. All children under 6 years of age must be buckled up no matter where they ride in the vehicle. A federally approved child-restraint seat though the age of 3 must secure children. Children 4 through 5 must be secured by a federally approved restraint seat or safety belt. Drivers are responsible for buckling up the child.
Voting Registration
After you have established legal residency you must register at least 29 days to vote in any election. To do so call the Supervisor of Elections at 561-624-6555 or 561-624-6556 for information. Registration is also available at post offices, driver license offices and public libraries.
School Registration
To enroll your children in the Public School System you will need the following: A certification of immunization from a physician or local Public Health Department (HRS Form 680) Two documents showing proof of residence. Proof of a medical examination that is not older than one year. A copy of your child's last report card. Kindergarten and first grade students must also present a birth certificate to show proof of age. The school district that your children will attend can be obtained by calling the Palm Beach County School System at 561-434-8000.
Boat Registration
Boat registration is required with all boats with motors, regardless of size and fees vary according to the size of your boat. Bring with you a valid out-of-state registration and title if your boat will be here longer than 90 days. Call Palm Beach County Tax Collector's Office at 561-355-2622 for more information.
Hunting and Fishing Registration
For information on hunting and fishing you can call the Florida Fresh Water Fish Commission at 561-625-5122 and saltwater information can be obtained from the Florida Marine Patrol at 1-800-345367.
Regulations require a nonresident to have a saltwater fishing license when saltwater fishing from a boat or land, A Florida resident may saltwater fish from land without a saltwater license but must have a saltwater license when saltwater fishing from a boat, unless the fisherman is under the age of 16 or over the age of 65.
A freshwater license is required for freshwater fishing for both nonresidents and Florida residents.
Licenses are available from county Tax Collector's office; bait shops and some discount stores. License cost varies and you must renew annually.
Hunting licenses allowing hunting of any animal or bird in season except on game reserves and posted private property without written permission.
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