Moving to South Beach? 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...
Turn the fairytale into YOUR reality as you sink into the dynamic blend of waterfront opulence, artistic expression, and cosmopolitan allure on South Beach, the EPITOME of Miami Beach's sought-after "beach-centric" lifestyle!
Step into a Miami Beach community that needs no introduction — South Beach, a 2-mile-long swath of sugar-white sand brimming with EVERYTHING you love about Miami and the "unofficial" highlight of Miami's famous coastal resort city!
Raved by tourists as an all-in-one destination by the beachfront, South Beach has racked up several nicknames through the years, like "SoBe," "America's Riviera," and the "Art Deco Playground," but to 3,429 locals, South Beach is HOME, a luxurious, sun-filled paradise merging FANTASY with REALITY with its sandy strands, swaying palms, pastel-colored Art Deco buildings, glittering nightlife, world-renowned hotels and attractions, diverse culinary offerings, premium city conveniences, and collection of luxury real estate, with lavish condos leading the bunch!
With this, South Beach has surpassed its perception as an exclusive spot for the 24-hour partiers to a residential nirvana for young and old, enticing anyone who wants to live in a community where the sun and sophistication are entwined!
So, if you've set your sights on this unparalleled neighborhood and are already transitioning to its iconic lifestyle, congratulations!
I'm here to help you navigate this exhilarating adventure in the smoothest way possible!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to South Beach.
(1)
Escaping To A Blissful Paradise: Giving Life To Your SoBe Abode
Are you ready to start an unparalleled beachfront lifestyle in SoBe?
If your answer is yes, let's get this party started — your party of home essentials, that is!
Let the "adulting" begin!
To light up and warm up your 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 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.
Also, a deposit of $25 (minimum) and other initial set-up fees may be charged upfront, whether you're a new or existing customer.
If you love to cook, set up your natural gas service with TECO Peoples Gas!
All you need to do is submit the necessary IDs and connection date (new customer) or advise the disconnection date, the complete address of your new home, and your preferred service transfer date (existing customer).
For your reference, the deposit fees may be based on the home's square footage or equal to twice the average monthly bill, and you may need to settle a connection fee before the service connection.
That rounds up your utilities — your water and sewer services are provided by the City of Miami Beach, so ideally, you should have running water as soon as you move into your new South Beach address.
For concerns, questions, and requests about your water service, visit the City of Miami Beach Customer Service website to know more.
(2)
Bringing Cyberspace To Your Space: Your Internet And Cable Services In South Beach
What?
A fancy dig with no internet connection and cable TV?
Better re-think your life decisions!
In these modern times, having high-speed internet and premium cable services isn't optional, especially in a trend-setting community like SoBe!
So, to get the best internet-cable package for your SoBe abode, check esteemed service providers like Comcast Xfinity and AT&T!
Once you've assessed your household's usage and entertainment 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 a service transfer as soon as you pay any remaining balance on your account!
It's also best to ask your provider about any deposits, activation/installation, and equipment rental fees upfront.
Otherwise, you may expect these charges to reflect on your first bill.
(3)
Official SoBe Membership, Secured!: Getting A Florida Driver's License In South Beach
Swamped with moving-in errands and an overwhelming pile of documents and paperwork to submit?
Get things done QUICKER with a Florida driver's license!
Aside from being a REQUIREMENT within 30 days of establishing residency, a Florida driver's license is one of the first (and quickest) IDs you can get to become an OFFICIAL Floridian — and we all know how important THAT is in wrapping up your relocation!
Not to mention that you'll also need this ID to drive on all Florida roads!
So, to get your Florida driver's license, 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.
Usually, those with a current or previous driver's license from another state, country, or jurisdiction don't have to take Drug and Alcohol courses, Class E Knowledge exams, and the Florida Driving tests, but the Vision and Hearing test is mandatory!
Meanwhile, if you already have a Florida driver's license, notify the DMV of your new address for an updated driver's license to avoid run-ins with the law.
And don't forget — you'll also need insurance to title and register your vehicle(s) within ten (10) days of establishing residency.
(4)
Education In The Sea Of Leisure: Elementary, Middle, And Senior High Schools In SoBe
While it's true that SoBe is more of a renowned travel spot than a haven of education, you won't have any problems finding the perfect school to enroll your child in around South Beach, thanks to Miami Beach's collection of private and public schools from elementary to senior high!
In fact, you're not just looking at mediocre choices— in the lovely paradise of Miami Beach, excellence is the ONLY option!
South Pointe Elementary School, Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center, Hebrew Academy RASG, Miami Beach Senior High School, and more — not too bad for a holiday destination, right?
For more information about schools in and around South Beach, click on Schools in South Beach or visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website for all the public schools near you!
Also, if you need childcare services, check out our blog, Daycares in South Beach, for options near your new home!
(5)
A Stronger South Beach: Enhancing Your SoBe Lifestyle
If you're not a newly naturalized U.S. citizen, what's your excuse for not having voter registration?
Well, that may have worked where you lived before (if it ever did), but not in a highly progressive community like South Beach!
So, if you want an "in" in this luxurious neighborhood, you better get your voter registration sorted ASAP — assuming you're a legal-age U.S. citizen!
To apply, submit your application 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 identifications with a photograph and signature (e.g., Florida Driver's License, United States passport, etc.) will suffice, so make this your utmost priority!
For other legal forms of identification and supplementary requirements, click here.
(6)
Painting SoBe GREEN: Creating A Sustainable Tropical Paradise
In an immaculate paradise like SoBe or Miami Beach in general, strict recycling and waste management and PROPER disposal guidelines are already a given.
Surely, you can't expect South Beach to maintain its spotless streets, pristine beachfront, and green public spaces without the help of its residents!
And yes, to answer your question, everyone in SoBe observes and adheres to it all!
And I mean EVERYONE!
So, as a new member of this luxurious neighborhood, do your part by tracking, observing, and keeping to heart the established solid waste and recycling programs, too!
To give you an idea, check out these solid waste, "bulky" garbage, and recycling schedules below, as advised by the City of Miami Beach Sanitation Division:
- Residential Garbage Collection (twice a week)
- Free recycling collection (Wednesdays)
- "Bulky" trash collection (first weekend of the month or by appointment)
Failure to follow these waste management codes may result in a fine or arrest.
For detailed information about schedules and fees in your zone, visit the City of Miami Beach Sanitation Division website, the City of Miami Solid Waste Department, or check with your HOA.
(7)
Merging Fantasy With Reality: Smitten By SoBe
Are you ready to spend your lifetime in the inexplicable wonderland that is SoBe?
Well, you've already started your journey, so why don't you let it all sink in by planning a grand tour of your new community?
In an all-in-one tropical hub like SoBe, the opportunities are endless!
The Art Deco District, Collins Avenue, Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, South Beach's iconic hotels, the numerous parks, The Bass Museum and all the others, the massive collection of stylish restaurants and cafes, and more — yes, peeps, South Beach is your OYSTER!
Luckily, this paradise is your home now, so take as much time exploring as you need!
To know more about South Beach, don't forget to check out our blog, Explore South Beach, for a run-through of everything to see and LOVE about your new community!
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