Make the DREAM of living amidst lush landscapes, sun-kissed beaches, and a warm, close-knit community a REALITY in the two-islet town of Bay Harbor Islands, a seamless blend of tranquility and convenience embracing Biscayne Bay's azure waters!
Welcome to the pair of compact, kidney-shaped islets on Biscayne Bay, Bay Harbor Islands, a tiny oasis only covering less than half a square mil e between Aventura and Miami Beach, east of North Miami, west of Bal Harbor/Surfside, and north of the archipelago of small islands enclosing the bay.
Despite being one of Miami's tiniest communities, living in the Bay Harbor Islands will make you feel otherwise.
In fact, this twin-island paradise fills its quaint space with all the BEST Miami has to offer, from its family-friendly atmosphere down to a unique architectural charm — and everything you need for sublime island living in between!
We're talking lush tropical areas, excellent schools, a thriving thoroughfare, boutique shopping, iconic landmarks, and fun outdoor activities — and a comfortable distance from the hustle and bustle of metro Miami AND Miami Beach.
It's no wonder you've decided to move into this burgeoning sun-soaked neighborhood, and for that, you deserve massive CONGRATULATIONS!
You'll know you've made the right choice once you've smoothly transitioned into Bay Harbor Islands' highly-coveted island lifestyle — and I'll help you cover all the BASICS to achieve just THAT!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Bay Harbor Islands.
(1)
Making Your Bay Harbor Islands' House A Home: Your Essential Utility Checklist
A house without running water and electricity is just a roof and a bunch of walls (no lie!), so make that Bay Harbor Islands property a HOME by sorting out your utilities!
For new Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) applications , create an online account and request service at your new Bay Harbor Islands address.
New applicants must submit their Social Security, Driver's License, Social Insurance, or Tax ID number (optional), the new service address, and the connection date.
Meanwhile, existing FPL customers need to log into their current online account to advise the date of disconnection at the old address, the date of re-connection, and the complete address of the new home — no other requirements needed!
However, a deposit of $25 (minimum) and any other initial set-up fees may be required to start your service, applicable to new and existing customers.
Now, if you prefer natural gas services, look to TECO Peoples Gas or Florida City Gas (FCG) — upon confirmation of service availability at your new address, submit the necessary IDs and date of connection, and you'll have it all sorted in minutes!
On the other hand, existing customers only need the date of disconnection at the old address, the date of re-connection, and the complete address of the new home.
Your deposit fees may be based on your home's square footage or equal to twice the average monthly bill, and a connection fee may be required before starting your service.
Now, for your running water — check for water and sewer availability at your new address online at the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer website.
Once confirmed, new customers must create an online account and deposit $50 for water, $50 for sewer, and a non-refundable $45 connection fee.
Existing owners must also settle any outstanding balance before the selected transfer date.
(2)
Live-Work-Play Inside Your Bay Harbor Islands' Abode: A Guide To Setting Up Your Cable And Internet
Nowadays, having a reliable internet connection and your favorite TV show in the background is both a luxury and a NECESSITY, so whatever you do, don't let your Bay Harbor Islands home get caught without this combo!
Looking for the best internet-cable bundles around?
Take a peek at Comcast Xfinity's and AT&T's newest promos!
Once you've decided, apply for a new service online or in person at the nearest store in your area by submitting your complete address and proper IDs, and complete the task with little to NO effort at all!
Existing Comcast and AT&T customers can also have their service transferred to their new address — all they need to do is settle any remaining balance on their account before making the transfer request!
Heads up — you may have to settle deposits, activation/installation, and equipment rental fees upfront, or it may reflect on the first bill.
(3)
Becoming A Legitimate Bay Harbor Islands Resident: Securing Your First Bay Harbor Islands ID
Get your first ticket inside the bountiful community of the Bay Harbor Islands by securing a Florida driver's license before your move!
Aside from being one of the easiest IDs to get, your Florida driver's license is a REQUIREMENT within 30 days of establishing residency and a must if you want to drive around Bay Harbor Islands and the rest of Florida without breaking the law!
To apply, visit the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or any local office offering driver's license services and submit the necessary documents.
Drivers with current or previous driver's licenses from another state, country, or jurisdiction may be allowed to forego mandatory Drug and Alcohol courses, the Class E Knowledge exam, and the Florida Driving test, but the Vision and Hearing test is still a MUST.
Aside from your license, you'll have to get insurance to title and register your vehicle(s) within ten (10) days of establishing residency.
Click on the applicable residency status to know which documents to have on hand when you apply:
For a complete list of driver's license fees, click here.
Moving to Bay Harbor Islands with an existing Florida driver's license?
Don't think you're off the hook — since you changed addresses, you will still need to notify the DMV of your new address to get an updated driver's license and avoid any trouble while on the road!
(4)
The Pathway to Early Learning: Getting To Know Bay Harbor Islands' Best Schools
Are you looking to enroll your kids in a new school upon your big Bay Harbor Islands move?
Despite only having one school in its corner, you won't have to worry about finding more options for educational institutions around Bay Harbor Islands, thanks to its neighboring communities, Miami Beach, North Miami, and Surfside!
But if you don't want to cross cities, you won't have to — Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center is one of Miami's most prized schools, and it caters to students from primary level to Grade 8!
Meanwhile, if you're still looking to get to know the schools near Bay Harbor Islands, visit our blog, Schools In and Around Bay Harbor Islands .
Feel free to visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website, as well, for a complete list of public schools near the Bay Harbor Islands!
(5)
Have A Voice Within The Community: Getting Your Voter's Registration In The Bay Harbor Islands
Lovin' this "little" life you're seeing on Bay Harbor Islands?
Protect your community by giving yourself a voice to be heard — and that's the RIGHT to VOTE!
If you're a new Bay Harbor Islands local over the age of 18 looking to be a registered voter, submit your application together with the proper IDs and documents through the Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department online, by mail or in person at the Elections Department or any Elections Branch office!
Any current and valid form of identification with a photograph and signature (e.g., Florida Driver's License, United States passport, etc.) should be enough to approve your registration!
Have more questions about other legal forms of identification and supplementary requirements?
(6)
Contributing to Bay Harbor Islands' Beauty: Observing The Community's Recycling And Waste Management Efforts
The town of Bay Harbor Islands has always been revered for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and cleanliness, making it one of Miami's top suburbs for growing families.
That said, this esteemed recognition wouldn't be possible without the joint effort of the city government and the whole Bay Harbor Islands community.
Upon joining the neighborhood, it's important to note that being part of the Bay Harbor Islands also means familiarizing and taking to heart its rules and regulations, including the established recycling and waste collection management.
The Town of Bay Harbor Islands - Public Works Department , assisted by the City of Miami Solid Waste Department , provides residents with collection and disposal of solid waste, including garbage and yard waste, as prescribed by Section 9-38 (B) of the Code of the Ordinances.
With this, all Bay Harbor Islands community members must pay $20 per unit for condos and co-op buildings with three or more units, $20 per unit for rental apartment buildings with three or more units, and $23 per unit for single-family residences.
The Bay Harbor Islands community also observes proper garbage collection and recycling schedules, which are as follows — residential garbage collection twice a week, free recycling collection every other week, and "bulky" trash collection once a week.
Failure to follow these waste management codes will result in a $500 fine or arrest.
Always keep Bay Harbor Islands CLEAN and GREEN — your children's futures depend on it!
(7)
The Hidden Charm Of Island Living: Experiencing All Things Bay Harbor Islands
Have all your stuff settled in and utilities in order?
Now it's time to relax and explore the wonders of the Bay Harbor Islands!
Boasting the "best of both worlds" despite its tiny size, Bay Harbors Islands is famous for being an escape from the buzzing city life, offering a greener and more nature-focused side of Magic City.
That said, it's pretty easy to find something to do or see on the Bay Harbor Islands, whether you're looking to shop, dine, have fun, or unwind!
Parks, beaches, the East Kane Concourse, restaurants, the Broadway Causeway, community activities, and more — Bay Harbor Islands is a treasure trove of beauty and the outdoors, with a little bit of everything you love about Miami in between!
Want to know more about Bay Harbor Islands?
Visit our blog, Bay Harbor Islands, Miami, Florida - EVERYTHING You Want to Know , and embark on a "Pro-approved" exploration!
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