Moving to Virginia Gardens? 7 Things You Need To Do Immediately!

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The Foundations of Comfort: Connecting Your Utilities in Virginia Gardens

While most people obsess over curated moving boxes and aesthetically labeled bins, responsible homeowners know there's one thing you absolutely cannot push to the bottom of your checklist — ever.

Your utilities.

Electricity, water, and gas turn a new address into a livable space, and connecting them before you arrive ensures you're not spending your first night in Virginia Gardens in the dark, thirsty, or searching "why doesn't my stove turn on?"

Don't know where to start? That's what we're here for.

To turn your lights on, hop onto Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and either create a new account or log in to your existing one.

New customers must submit one form of identification (such as Social Security number, Driver's License, Social Insurance number, or Tax ID), along with their service address and preferred connection date.

Existing customers only need to request a transfer, provide the disconnection date at the old address, the reconnection date at the new one, and the full service address.

FPL will typically charge a $25 minimum deposit plus any applicable setup fees.

Meanwhile, if cooking at your new home involves natural gas, your provider is Florida City Gas (FCG). 

Once you confirm gas availability at your Virginia Gardens address, new customers must submit ID and request a connection date, while existing customers schedule a transfer with their move-out and move-in dates.

Deposits vary depending on square footage or may be equal to twice the average monthly bill, and a connection fee may apply.

Finally, check whether the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department serves your specific address through their online availability tool.

New customers must create an account and pay a $50 water deposit, $50 sewer deposit, and a non-refundable $45 connection fee.

On the other hand, existing customers must settle any outstanding balance before requesting service transfer.

How easy was that?

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The Fast Lane to VG Residency: Updating Your Driver's License

The reality is that you can't really claim Virginia Gardens as your new home if your driver's license still has your old address on it.

Florida requires new residents to switch to a state-issued license within 30 days of establishing residency — and in a village like Virginia Gardens, where public transit options are nearly nonexistent, having that little plastic card isn't just convenient, but essential.

To get started, head to the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or a nearby licensing center to submit the necessary documents, which vary depending on your residency status:

• U.S Citizen
• Immigrant
• Non-Immigrant
• Canadian

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 currently hold a valid license from another state, country, or recognized jurisdiction, you may be exempt from the Drug & Alcohol course, the knowledge exam, and the Florida driving test.

But one thing every applicant must pass — no exceptions — is the Vision and Hearing screening.

Already have a Florida license? Then your job is simply updating your address so your Virginia Gardens residency is accurately reflected in the system, avoiding issues with law enforcement, mail delivery, insurance, and vehicle registration later on.

Speaking of vehicles, Florida requires new residents to insure, title, and register their car(s) within 10 days of establishing residency, so it's best to handle both tasks at once.

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Join the Conversation: Registering to Vote in Virginia Gardens 

What surprises most newcomers about Virginia Gardens is that, despite its size, it operates as an independent municipality with its own mayor, dedicated police force, and local services, so engaging in elections gives you a say in how these essential functions evolve. 

Voting isn't simply a responsibility; it's your opportunity to influence the leadership and community decisions that touch every part of daily living.

If you're a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and meet all eligibility requirements, you can register to vote through the Florida Department of State or the Miami-Dade County Elections Department.

Applications can be completed online, submitted by mail, or handled in person at the Elections Department or any Elections Branch office — whatever fits your schedule during the move.

To get started, submit a valid form of identification with a photo and a signature, such as a Florida Driver's License or U.S. passport.

If you're unsure about acceptable IDs or need additional documentation, click here.

Once you're signed up, you're ready to participate in upcoming elections, help guide the community's priorities, and add your voice to the ongoing conversation shaping Virginia Gardens.

Make it one of your first tasks after settling in — your vote helps define the village you now call home.

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A Tiny Village With Big Personality: Experiencing Virginia Gardens

Set on less than half a square mile, you can quickly learn the neighborhood rhythm of Virginia Garens — who walks their dog at dusk, which streets get the morning sun, and where the quiet pockets of tree shade sit during your afternoon stroll.

But the good news is that, even if it feels small at first glance, your lifestyle isn't limited to its perimeter.

Virginia Gardens blends into a vibrant triad with Miami Springs, Hialeah, and Doral, giving you access to parks, history, food, and recreation without ever straying far from home.

Start with a walk through Virginia Gardens' residential streets, and expand your reach into nearby Miami Springs, where you can explore Curtiss Parkway's shops and eateries, the Miami Springs Historical Society Museum, the iconic Curtiss Mansion, and spacious parks like Prince Field and Stafford Park.

Foodies will find plenty to taste within minutes of VG — from Cuban bakeries and cozy cafés to long-standing neighborhood restaurants that anchor the local dining scene.

Ready to shop? There are a few malls in your midst, including CityPlace Doral and Westland Mall! 

For more information, check out our blog, Virginia Gardens, Miami, Florida — EVERYTHING You Want to Know, where we break down the village and nearby highlights to help you get your bearings.

By the time you're finished reading, you'll see why Virginia Gardens — tiny as it is — is warm, welcoming, and easy to love.