Florida Utilities Setup Checklist for New Renters

Moving into a new rental in Florida is exciting, but making sure you have utilities like water, electricity, and internet set up is crucial for a smooth start. Florida renters benefit from legal protections and established procedures regarding utility responsibility and disclosures, as outlined by the state’s landlord-tenant law. This checklist simplifies the process, ensuring you don’t miss any essential steps as you move in.

Understanding Utilities Responsibility and Disclosures

Under Florida law, landlords and tenants are required to agree, in writing, who is responsible for setting up and paying for various utilities.^[1] Always review your lease for utility provisions such as water, electricity, sewer, trash, and gas. Some landlords may include certain utilities in your rent, while others require tenants to set them up independently.

• Check your lease for utility details
• Get any landlord utility agreements in writing
• Ask about previous average bills for budgeting

Utility Setup Checklist for New Florida Renters

Before or immediately after moving in, follow this step-by-step checklist to ensure all your essential services are transferred or activated in your name:

• Electricity – Most areas use Florida Power & Light (FPL) or local municipal utilities. Contact them 1–2 weeks before move-in to schedule a start date.
• Water & Sewer – Provided by city or county utilities. Search your municipality’s official website, such as the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department.
• Natural Gas – Contact your local provider, such as TECO Peoples Gas, if applicable.
• Trash & Recycling – Usually managed by local government. Information is available on your municipality’s public works website.
• Internet, Cable & Phone – Arrange installation appointments with your chosen provider in advance to avoid delays.
• Renter’s Insurance – Verify if your policy requires utility coverage or smoke detector checks.

Some apartments or condos may require you to show proof of activation before move-in day.

Official Forms Relevant to Utilities and Move-In Disclosures

• Florida Residential Lease Agreement (No official form number): This agreement outlines responsibility for utilities. Ensure this section is completed correctly.
  Example: If your lease says, "Tenant is responsible for all utilities," you must arrange setup for each service.
  Review a sample or consult with The Florida Bar tenant resources for guidance.
• Move-In Inspection Form (No official statewide form): Some landlords use this to document property condition, including verifying that utilities work on move-in. Always request or use one for your records.
  Template options and information are provided by the Florida Office of the Attorney General.

These forms protect both tenant and landlord if utility issues arise after move-in. Always keep completed forms and correspondence for your records.

What Florida Law Says About Utilities and Disclosures

Florida’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83, Florida Statutes) governs rental rights, including utility setups and landlord obligations.^[1] Landlords must disclose any arrangement where utility services are paid through them and provide accurate billing splits if services are shared. If a landlord provides utilities, they must maintain “essential services,” and tenants have recourse if these are interrupted.^[2]

Steps for Setting Up Utilities

• Contact each provider listed above early—some require deposits or credit checks
• Use your lease agreement as confirmation if needed
• Provide your new address and move-in date to schedule service start
• Take photos of meter readings and property conditions at move-in for your records

Know Your Rights and Where to Get Help

The state-level body that handles landlord-tenant matters in Florida is the civil courts. However, for guidance and complaints about utilities or essential services, contact your city/county housing authority or the Florida Office of the Attorney General – Tenant Rights page. While Florida has no dedicated residential tenancies tribunal, civil courts are the venue for unresolved disputes.^[3]

FAQs: Florida Utility Setup for Renters

1. Who is responsible for paying for utilities in Florida rentals?
   Responsibility depends on what your lease agreement states. Always check if utilities are included in the rent or need to be set up in your name.
2. What should I do if my landlord doesn’t provide essential utilities?
   If your landlord fails to provide an essential service (like water or electricity), you may be entitled to remedies under Florida law. Contact the local housing authority or seek legal help.
3. Does Florida require landlords to disclose shared utility meters?
   Yes. Landlords must disclose if utility meters are shared and detail how bills are split. This must be clear in your rental agreement.
4. Can I file a complaint if I have problems with utility connections?
   Yes. You can start by contacting your local municipal utility or the Florida Attorney General’s Office for guidance on tenant rights and next steps.
5. Is there an official form to set up utilities in Florida?
   No official state form is required, but you may need to provide proof of lease and ID to each provider when setting up service.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Attorney General – Tenant Rights
• Florida Legal Services (Free legal help and resources)
• The Florida Bar – Consumer Information on Landlord/Tenant
• Your city or county housing department (search your local government’s website for "housing" or "utilities")

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1. Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Chapter 83, Florida Statutes
2. Florida Office of the Attorney General – Tenant Rights
3. Florida Legal Services

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