Moving to Key Biscayne? 7 Things You Need To Do Immediately!
Amit Bhuta
I use non-traditional marketing to inspire the most motivated buyers to pay the max for Miami luxury homes...
I use non-traditional marketing to inspire the most motivated buyers to pay the max for Miami luxury homes...
Create a life of luxury with a deep connection with Mother Nature as you join the warm community of Key Biscayne, a coastal paradise combining the charm of island living with access to Miami's modern amenities!
Traverse the serene tropical oasis brimming with quaint neighborhoods, palm tree-lined streets, and outdoor adventures south of Miami Beach and east of mainland Miami, the Village of Key Biscayne, also known as Miami's "Island Paradise."
Surrounding itself with South Florida's distinct allure alongside a vibrant and laid-back island culture, Key Biscayne serves as an "escape" from the buzzing Metropolitan, offering proximity to two state parks, the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, showcasing a nature-infused forefront, albeit minutes from the hubbub of the city care of the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Not to mention that this tiny oasis has everything you would ever need to live a comfortable modern life, including shopping spots, restaurants, schools, attractions, and parks!
With this seamless blend of natural beauty and modern living on display and a collection of luxury real estate to boot, Key Biscayne has grown into a desirable neighborhood to live in South Florida, where residents enjoy endless opportunities to explore, relax, and connect alongside a big city island lifestyle that advances with the rest of the world.
So, if you dream of living this magical journey or have already found a spot to call HOME within the Key Biscayne community, let me help you transition to a new way of life the best way possible, starting the ESSENTIALS of moving to Magic City's "Island Paradise!"
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to Key Biscayne.
(1)
Starting With The Basics: Ensuring A+ Comfort In Paradise
If you've already rented or owned a home before, you may already have the process of setting up utilities memorized, especially if you've been jumping around Florida for a while.
But if this is your first time moving to Key Biscayne, let alone Florida and the United States, you'll want to know how to sort your essentials the fastest and easiest way possible, and that's what I'm here for!
To set up electricity at your new Key Biscayne home, create or log in to your existing account at the Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) website and apply for service at your new address, new or otherwise.
New account holders need to submit their Social Security, Driver's License, Social Insurance, or Tax ID number, the new service address, and the connection date, and existing FPL customers only need to advise the disconnection date (old address), re-connection date, and complete service address for a service transfer.
Aside from this, a deposit of $25 (minimum) and other initial set-up fees may be charged upfront, whether you're a new or existing customer.
Meanwhile, to set up water and sewer services, check service availability at your new address on the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer website or the Key Biscayne's Village Hall website for a smoother and direct transition as most Key Biscayne areas use municipal services.
To give you an idea, you may need to deposit $50 for water, $50 for sewer, and a non-refundable $45 connection fee, and existing owners must also settle any outstanding balance before service transfer.
Need natural gas service at home?
You may also check with Key Biscayne's Village Hall to know the recommended providers and the process to have one connected at your new address!
(2)
Linking Worlds One Click At A Time: Finding Premium Connectivity In Key Biscayne
Living on an island doesn't mean losing touch with your loved ones and the world, especially in these modern times of wireless internet connections, "Smart" homes, and smartphones!
So, to stay in the loop with what's happening outside your tropical sanctuary, keep your "connections" with reliable internet and cable services from esteemed providers like Comcast Xfinity and AT&T!
As soon as you settle on a provider and a competitive package fit for your needs, apply for a new service by submitting your complete address and proper IDs online or in person at the nearest store, or if you're an existing Comcast or AT&T customer, request for a service transfer as soon as you pay any remaining balance on your account!
You'll also want to ask your provider if you need to settle deposits, activation/installation, and equipment rental fees upfront to avoid any unexpected costs.
Otherwise, you can expect these charges to reflect on your first bill.
(3)
An Island Essential: The Most Important ID To Have In Your Wallet
While some may think that island living essentials are made up of bikini outfits, sunblock, sunglasses, and pro-surfer skills, in Key Biscayne and the rest of Florida, it's a whole different ball game!
But before you panic and back out of moving to your new Key Biscayne home, you'll only need ONE thing to make your Floridian residency official — and it's an ID that's the fastest and easiest one to get!
A Florida driver's license!
Yes, folks, a Florida driver's license is a REQUIREMENT within 30 days of establishing residency and your only "pass" to drive on all Florida roads!
So, to get this ESSENTIAL identification, 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.
Click on the applicable residency status to know which documents to have on hand when you apply:
The initial Florida Class E license, including a learner's permit, is $48.00, a commercial driver's license (Class A) is $75.00, and an ID Card fee is $25.00.
For a complete list of driver's license fees, click here.
If you have a current or previous driver's license from another state, country, or jurisdiction, Drug and Alcohol courses, Class E Knowledge exams, and Florida Driving tests may not be mandatory.
However, the Vision and Hearing test is still a must!
You'll also need insurance to title and register your vehicle(s) within ten (10) days of establishing residency.
Meanwhile, those with existing Florida driver's licenses will have to notify the DMV of their new address for an updated driver's license to avoid breaking the law.
(4)
Education On the Island: Combing Through Key Biscayne's Best Schools
Families gearing up to move to Key Biscayne will be happy to know that their new community is served by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, so finding a suitable school won't be a feat.
Nonetheless, if you're looking for MORE options, like private educational institutions or charters, you'll also find excellent choices without leaving the island!
In fact, you're looking at schools like St. Agnes Academy, Key Biscayne K-8 Center, MAST Academy, and more, guaranteeing a premium education for your child from elementary to senior high school!
So, for more information about the Key Biscayne schools available to you, visit our blog, Schools in Key Biscayne, or visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website for all the public schools serving Key Biscayne and surrounding areas!
Meanwhile, those who need childcare services for their child can check Daycares in Key Biscayne for options in and around Key Biscayne.
(5)
Changing Lives One Vote At A Time: Vote Registration Process In Key Biscayne
While moving to a new city and starting over is hard enough, it'll be more difficult without voter registration.
And why is that you ask?
Simply for one thing, and one thing alone — you won't get a "say" in what happens to your neighborhood, city, or country!
And believe me, having to live in a new community without a VOICE will make you feel even more like an OUTSIDER!
So, if you're a United States citizen over 18 who meets all the requirements to become a registered voter, submit your application with the proper IDs and documents through the Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department online, or by mail or in person at the Elections Department or any Elections Branch office!
For other legal forms of identification and supplementary requirements, click here.
To give you an idea, any current and valid identification with a photograph and signature (e.g., Florida Driver's License, United States passport, etc.) is enough to get that application approved.
Make your voter registration a priority — remember, you're changing the world ONE VOTE at a time!
(6)
An Eco-Friendly Key Biscayne: Embracing The Island Lifestyle Through Sustainability
Key Biscayne has always been lauded for its immaculate beauty and progressive, big-city amenities, making Island Living a hundred times better and easier to adapt.
To preserve these "draws," the local governance and Key Biscayne residents have joined hands to uphold Key Biscayne's esteemed reputation within Miami and its goal towards sustainability by establishing proper guidelines for recycling and waste management.
So, as a new Key Biscayne resident, it's best to familiarize yourself with the following garbage, trash, and recycling schedules to earn a rightful spot within the community.
Here are the current solid waste, "bulky" garbage, and recyclables schedules, as advised by The Village of Key Biscayne - Public Works:
- Regular Garbage collection (twice a week)
- Recycling collection (once a week)
- "Bulky" trash collection (once a month)
Failure to follow these waste management codes may result in a fine or arrest.
For detailed information about schedules and fees in your area, visit The Village of Key Biscayne - Public Works or check with your HOA.
(7)
A Gateway To The Natural World: Meeting Key Biscayne For The First Time
While you've probably chosen to move to Key Biscayne for a break from city life, this paradise offers far more than a peaceful location away from the Metropolis!
In fact, if you haven't explored your new community yet, I'll help you uncover the ins and outs of Key Biscayne the BEST way an EXPERT knows how starting with its unparalleled highlights!
Uncover natural beach stretches and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, visit Cape Florida Lighthouse for a trip down memory lane, peruse Crandon Boulevard for a taste of the city, and watch the sunset at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park for more bouts of nature.
I'm telling you, that's just the tip of the iceberg!
Discover more fun stuff about Key Biscayne through our blog, Explore Key Biscayne, and curate an escapade PERFECT for you!
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