Miami

1. Electricity

Service Provider:

• Florida Power & Light (FPL) is the primary electricity provider in Miami.

Setup Procedure:

1. Create an Account:
   • Visit the FPL website (www.fpl.com) or call their customer service at 1-800-226-3545.
   • You can also visit an FPL office if you prefer in-person assistance.
2. Provide Required Information:
   • Full name
   • Social Security Number (SSN) or a government-issued ID (passport for non-U.S. citizens)
   • Address of the property
   • Move-in date
   • Contact information (phone number and email)
3. Pay a Deposit:
   • A deposit may be required based on your credit history or if you are a new customer. Typical deposits range from $100 to $300.
   • You can avoid a deposit by enrolling in FPL’s credit check program or providing a letter of credit from a previous utility provider.
4. Service Activation:
   • Service is usually activated within 1-2 business days after completing the setup.

Costs:

• Monthly Costs: The average electricity bill in Miami is around $120–$150 per month, depending on the size of your home and usage.
• Payment Options: Online, by phone, automatic bank draft, or in-person at authorized payment locations.

Tips:

• Miami’s hot climate means air conditioning is a significant part of your electricity bill. Consider energy-efficient appliances and smart thermostats to save on costs.
• FPL offers energy-saving programs and tools to help you monitor and reduce your usage.

---

2. Water and Sewer

Service Provider:

• Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) is responsible for water and sewer services in Miami.

Setup Procedure:

1. Create an Account:
   • Visit the WASD website (www.miamidade.gov/water) or call 305-665-7477.
   • You can also visit their customer service center in person.
2. Provide Required Information:
   • Full name
   • Address of the property
   • Move-in date
   • Government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license)
   • Proof of residency (lease agreement or property deed)
3. Pay a Deposit:
   • A deposit is required for new accounts, typically ranging from $50 to $100, depending on the property type.
4. Service Activation:
   • Service is usually activated within 1-2 business days.

Costs:

• Monthly Costs: The average water bill in Miami is around $30–$60 per month for a single-family home, depending on usage.
• Payment Options: Online, by phone, automatic bank draft, or in-person.

Tips:

• Miami-Dade County has water conservation programs. Consider installing low-flow fixtures to reduce water usage and save on bills.
• Check for leaks regularly, as water costs can rise quickly due to unnoticed leaks.

---

3. Internet and Cable

Service Providers:

• Xfinity (Comcast): The most widely available provider, offering internet, cable TV, and phone services.
• AT&T: Offers fiber-optic internet in some areas.
• T-Mobile Home Internet: A wireless internet option.
• Hotwire Communications: Available in select neighborhoods and apartment complexes.

Setup Procedure:

1. Choose a Provider:
   • Compare plans and availability in your area using your address on the provider’s website.
2. Sign Up for Service:
   • Visit the provider’s website or call their customer service to set up an account.
   • Provide your address, contact information, and a government-issued ID.
3. Schedule Installation:
   • Most providers require a technician to visit your home for installation. This typically takes 1-2 weeks to schedule.
   • Some providers offer self-installation kits for quicker setup.
4. Pay Initial Fees:
   • Installation fees range from $50 to $100, though some providers waive this fee during promotions.

Costs:

• Monthly Costs: Internet plans start at $40–$60 per month for basic speeds (100–200 Mbps) and go up to $100+ for high-speed plans (1 Gbps or more).
• Bundle Discounts: Many providers offer discounts if you bundle internet with cable TV or phone services.

Tips:

• Miami has a competitive internet market, so shop around for the best deals and promotions.
• If you’re renting, check with your landlord to see if your building has pre-arranged deals with specific providers.

---

4. Waste Collection

Service Provider:

• Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Management handles waste collection for most residential properties.

Setup Procedure:

1. Automatic Enrollment:
   • Waste collection services are typically included in your property taxes if you own a home. No separate setup is required.
   • If you’re renting, check with your landlord to confirm whether waste collection is included in your rent.
2. Request Additional Services:
   • For bulk waste pickup or recycling bins, visit the Miami-Dade County website (www.miamidade.gov/solidwaste) or call 311.

Costs:

• Monthly Costs: Waste collection fees are included in property taxes for homeowners. For renters, these costs are often included in the rent.
• Additional Fees: Bulk waste pickup may incur extra charges, depending on the volume.

Tips:

• Miami has a robust recycling program. Familiarize yourself with what can and cannot be recycled to avoid fines.
• Bulk waste pickups must be scheduled in advance, so plan accordingly if you’re moving in with large items.

---

Local Considerations and Practical Tips

1. Hurricane Preparedness:

   • Miami is prone to hurricanes, especially during the season (June to November). Ensure you have a backup plan for utilities, such as a generator for electricity and stored water.
   • Sign up for emergency alerts through Miami-Dade County’s website to stay informed during severe weather.

2. Language:

   • Miami is a bilingual city, with English and Spanish widely spoken. Most utility providers offer customer service in both languages.

3. Payment Assistance Programs:

   • If you’re facing financial difficulties, inquire about assistance programs like FPL’s Care to Share or WASD’s Water Bill Assistance Program.

4. Smart Home Integration:

   • Many Miami residents use smart home devices to monitor and control utilities, such as smart thermostats for energy efficiency and smart water sensors to detect leaks.

5. Neighborhood-Specific Services:

   • Some neighborhoods or apartment complexes may have pre-arranged utility providers or shared services. Check with your landlord or HOA for details.

---

By following this guide, you’ll be able to set up your utilities in Miami efficiently and avoid common pitfalls. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!