Moving to South Miami? 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...
Appreciate the value of urban creature comforts, the charm of a tightly-knit community, and Mother Nature's dazzling beauty within a high-spirited neighborhood upholding Miami's famed collegiate lifestyle — this is South Miami, "The City of Pleasant Living!"
Seek refuge in the youthful locale of South Miami, a walkable neighborhood occupying 2.5 square miles around the University of Miami's main campus, its "town center" east of U.S Highway (South Dixie Highway), neighboring the cities of Coral Gables and Pinecrest.
Boasting the perfect location for traveling to and from Greater Miami, the leafy community of South Miami is a dreamy residential hub for commuters, not just for its accessibility but also for its charming small-town ambiance despite its spot in Miami's bustling Metropolitan, enticing even families and students across Magic City!
To enhance residents' quality of life, South Miami pairs all that with a highly rated selection of residential properties, including budget-friendly apartments and condos, leaving you with no other option but to give in to its irresistible charm!
So, if you've caught South Miami's contagious allure and are already packing your bags to move into its coveted spaces, congratulations!
Allow me to assist you in turning this exhausting process into an enjoyable one by showing you the ropes of moving to South Miami!
Here are 7 things you need to do IMMEDIATELY when moving to South Miami.
(1)
The South Miami Blast-Off: Turning Your House Into A Home With Utilities
Congratulations on landing a coveted spot within the proud community of South Miami — SoMi, for short!
Get that ball rolling by equipping your new home with ESSENTIALS!
But if you're still clueless about setting it all up, I'm here to guide you throughout!
For your home's electricity, 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.
Also, a deposit of $25 (minimum) and other initial set-up fees may be charged upfront, whether you're a new or existing customer.
Meanwhile, if you can't wait to start cooking, get your natural gas service from Florida City Gas (FCG).
After confirming availability, submit the necessary IDs and connection date (new customer) or advise the disconnection date, the complete address of the new home, and preferred service transfer date (existing customer) — that's all you need to do to enjoy home-cooked meals again!
For reference, 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's a wrap — your water and sewer services are provided by the City of South Miami, so for any requests, concerns, or questions, seek the assistance of the City of South Miami Public Works & Engineering!
(2)
The Guilty Pleasures Of Technology: Finding The Best Internet And Cable Services In SoMi
To survive idle moments inside the home (if you have any), your high-speed internet connection and cable TV will be your best friends.
So, if you still haven't set up those subscriptions, check with 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 settle any remaining balance on your account!
It's also best to check with your provider if you need to settle deposits, activation/installation, and equipment rental fees upfront to avoid any "surprises."
Otherwise, these said charges should reflect on your first bill.
(3)
The ID That Can Move Mountains: Applying For A Florida Driver's License In South Miami
Can't seem to move on from the overwhelming list of paperwork, documents, and moving-in "to-dos?"
Help your relocation process end quicker with a Florida driver's license!
Aside from being a REQUIREMENT within 30 days of establishing residency, not just in South Miami but the rest of Florida, a Florida driver's license is also one of the most effortless IDs to secure in the city, and you'll need one whenever you need to do an errand related to your South Miami move!
Not to mention, you won't be able to drive around Florida without it!
So, if you have yet 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.
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.
Applicants with a current or previous driver's license from another state, country, or jurisdiction need not take the Drug and Alcohol courses, Class E Knowledge exam, and Florida Driving tests.
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.
On the other hand, if you have an existing Florida driver's license, notify the DMV of your new address for an updated driver's license to avoid breaking the law.
(4)
The First Few Stages Towards Miami's Collegiate Lifestyle: The Best Schools Of South Miami
Ah, yes, the perks of living in a collegiate community!
Aside from its charming ambiance and premium creature comforts, South Miami is a ringer for quality education, which means schools won't be part of your worries!
In fact, you won't be choosing from a mediocre collection — in South Miami, excellence is a NON-NEGOTIABLE!
Public, charter, or private schools — whichever you prefer, your child will be set up for greatness from elementary to senior high!
We're talking about schools like David Fairchild Elementary School, South Miami K-8 Center, Somerset Academy South Miami, South Miami Middle School, South Miami Senior High School, International Studies Preparatory Academy, and more — arguably a few of the best educational institutions, not just in South Miami but in the entire county!
So, to find out more about the schools in South Miami, visit our blog, Schools in South Miami, or visit the Miami-Dade County Public Schools website for all the public schools surrounding your area!
Also, if you need childcare services during work hours, click Daycares in South Miami for your options!
(5)
Nurturing The Future Of Tomorrow: Doing Your Part In Building A Better SoMi
A newly naturalized U.S. citizen or a longtime resident who's still an unregistered voter?
No matter what your reasons are for NOT exercising your right to VOTE, it's best to grab this opportunity to become a registered voter in SoMi.
And why is that you ask?
In a progressive city like South Miami, changes are constant, and without voter registration, you won't have a "say" in the future of your new city, and even in your state and country!
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, by mail, or in person at the Elections Department or any Elections Branch office!
To give you an idea, any current and valid identifications with a photograph and signature (e.g., Florida Driver's License, United States passport, etc.) should suffice!
For other legal forms of identification and supplementary requirements, click here.
(6)
A Celebration Of Life And Nature: Creating A Sustainable Paradise Inside South Miami
Leafy, clean, and pristine — these words best describe South Miami.
Unsurprisingly, these are also the "draws" that entice locals to move to "The City of Pleasant Living!"
But, without help from residents, everything I've mentioned can be taken away in the blink of an eye!
So, to preserve South Miami's natural beauty and impeccable public spaces, the local governance asks for the residents' commitment towards South Miami's cleanliness and sustainability by observing and keeping to heart the city's established recycling and waste management guidelines, including the current solid waste, "bulky" garbage, and recyclables schedules found below, as advised by the South Miami Public Works & Engineering Department!
- Residential Garbage collection (Mondays & Thursdays, Tuesdays & Fridays)
- Trash Collection (once a week, the day depending on your zone)
- Recycling collection (Wednesdays)
- "Bulky" trash collection (once a week)
Failure to follow these waste management codes will result in a fine or arrest.
For detailed information about schedules and fees in your area, visit the South Miami Public Works & Engineering Department or check with your HOA.
(7)
"The City Of Pleasant Living": An Introduction To The BEST Of South Miami
Are you ready to write a new chapter of your life inside your new South Miami home?
If you are, I think the best "prologue" will be experiencing all the gems outside your doorstep!
Yes, newbie South Miamian — get off that couch and explore the gorgeous paradise of South Miami!
Now that you have this urban refuge as your HOME, it's time to get to know the REAL South Miami in all its nooks and crannies!
Create a deeper connection with Mother Nature at Dante Fascell Park, dive deep into history at the South Miami museums, shop luxury at The Shops at Sunset Place, plan an adventure at the famous oasis of A.D. "Doug" Barnes Park, or stroll around South Miami's walkable downtown!
This plethora of experiences is too unparalleled to resist!
And if you need a "push" in the right direction, visit our blog, Explore South Miami, and get the low-down on your new community!
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We are the ALL IN Miami Group out of Miami.
We are Colombian, Filipino, Cuban, German, Japanese, French, Indian, Syrian, and American.
We are Christian, Hindu, and Jewish.
We are many, but we are one.
We sell luxury homes in Miami, Florida.
Although some of our clients are celebrities, athletes, and people you read about online, we also help young adults find their first place to rent when they are ready to live on their own.
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No matter what your situation or price range is, we feel truly blessed and honored to play such a big part in your life.
