Utility setup, by city: FPL everywhere; water/sewer—Boca Raton Utility Services, Deerfield Beach Water, Palm Coast Utility Department

When moving into a Florida home—whether in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, or Palm Coast—setting up utilities is one of the first practical steps to ensure a smooth transition. While electric service in all three areas is handled by Florida Power & Light (FPL), water and sewer services differ depending on the city.

1. Electricity: Florida Power & Light (FPL)

Florida Power & Light (FPL) is the primary electricity provider for a large portion of Florida, including cities such as Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, and Palm Coast. The company serves millions of residential and commercial customers across the state, offering reliable power and a range of digital tools for easy account management.

Residents moving into these areas can set up new electric service directly through the FPL website or mobile app. The setup process typically involves providing identification, service address details, and payment information. In some cases, a deposit or credit check may be required before activation, depending on the customer’s credit history or payment record.

Once service is established, customers can report outages, monitor energy usage, and pay bills online through FPL’s digital platforms. The company also encourages customers to enroll in paperless billing and automatic payments, which help simplify monthly management and reduce environmental impact.

FPL continues to invest in smart-grid technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure upgrades to maintain efficient, reliable service across Florida’s coastal and inland communities.

2. Water and Sewer Services

Unlike electricity, water and sewer utilities are managed locally. Each city has its own municipal utility department responsible for providing clean water, wastewater treatment, and maintenance of water lines.

Boca Raton Utility Services

The City of Boca Raton Utility Services Department manages the city’s water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems, serving most properties located within the municipal boundaries. The department is committed to providing reliable and high-quality utility services while ensuring environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

New residents can establish service either online or in person through the City of Boca Raton’s Utility Services Office. To open an account, customers must provide identification and proof of occupancy. Deposits are generally required for renters, while property owners may have the deposit waived based on account history or ownership verification.

Boca Raton’s water supply is drawn from the Biscayne Aquifer, a key freshwater source for South Florida. The water is treated at the Glades Road Water Treatment Plant, where advanced filtration and disinfection processes ensure compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards. In addition to potable water service, the city also provides reclaimed water for irrigation purposes, promoting sustainability and reducing demand on freshwater resources.

Through ongoing infrastructure upgrades and water-quality monitoring, the City of Boca Raton continues to support safe, sustainable utility operations for residents and businesses alike.

Deerfield Beach Water Services

The City of Deerfield Beach operates and maintains its own water and sewer systems, providing essential utility services to both residential and commercial properties within the city. The municipality is responsible for ensuring that residents receive safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater treatment through continuous system monitoring and infrastructure maintenance.

To set up utility service, new residents or business owners can contact the City’s Customer Service Department or use the online utility portal to open an account, make payments, or manage existing services. Applicants are typically required to provide identification, service address details, and may need to pay a deposit, particularly for rental properties.

Deerfield Beach’s water supply comes from the Biscayne Aquifer, the same freshwater source serving many South Florida communities. The water is processed at the city’s local water treatment facility, where it undergoes rigorous purification and testing to meet all state and federal water quality standards.

By managing its own water and sewer systems, Deerfield Beach maintains direct control over service quality, reliability, and environmental compliance, ensuring residents benefit from safe water and responsive local utility management.

Palm Coast Utility Department

In the City of Palm Coast, the Utility Department is responsible for managing the community’s water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems, serving both residential and commercial customers throughout the city. The department is dedicated to delivering safe, high-quality water and environmentally sound wastewater treatment while supporting sustainable growth and infrastructure reliability.

Palm Coast’s water supply is drawn from deep wells tapping into the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive groundwater sources in the southeastern United States. The water is treated at the city’s modern Water Treatment Plants, where advanced filtration and disinfection processes ensure that it meets or exceeds state and federal drinking water standards. In addition, Palm Coast operates a reclaimed water system used for irrigation, which helps conserve potable water resources and promote environmental stewardship.

New customers can establish utility service either by phone or online, providing identification and service address details to initiate an account. Payments and account management are handled conveniently through the City of Palm Coast’s online utility portal, which also allows residents to view usage history and manage billing preferences.

Through continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and customer service, the Palm Coast Utility Department ensures reliable service and long-term sustainability for the growing community.

3. Tips for a Smooth Setup

Setting up utilities is one of the most important steps when moving into a new home or rental property. Proper preparation helps ensure that services like electricity, water, and sewer are active when you arrive—and that billing runs smoothly from the start. Here are a few essential tips for a hassle-free utility setup:

Start Early: Begin the Utility Setup Process at Least One Week Before Move-In

When planning a move, one of the most overlooked yet essential tasks is setting up utilities ahead of time. Starting the utility setup process at least one week before move-in ensures that services such as electricity, water, and sewer are active when you arrive—avoiding any unexpected delays or disruptions.

Most utility providers require time to verify customer information, process deposits, and schedule activations or meter readings. In some cases, technicians may need to visit the property to restore service, read meters, or inspect connections before turning utilities on. By starting early, you give the provider enough time to complete these steps and confirm your account details.

Early setup also provides flexibility if there are issues with documentation, payment methods, or prior account history. Whether you’re moving into a rental property or a new home, proactive planning helps ensure that everything runs smoothly and your new space is fully functional from day one.

Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare Identification and Proof of Residence

When setting up new utility services, having the correct documentation ready can make the process faster and easier. Most utility providers require customers to present valid photo identification and proof of residence before activating service. These documents help verify identity, confirm occupancy, and prevent fraudulent account openings.

Acceptable forms of photo identification typically include a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. For proof of residence, customers are usually asked to provide a signed lease agreement, property closing statement, or deed showing the service address. Renters may also need to supply landlord contact information or a rental verification form.

Preparing these documents in advance ensures that your utility setup request is processed without delay. Whether applying online, by phone, or in person, having your identification and residence documentation ready helps utility companies confirm your eligibility and schedule service activation promptly.

Set Up Auto-Pay and E-Billing for Convenient Utility Management

Many utility providers today offer automatic payment (auto-pay) and paperless billing (e-billing) options, designed to make managing monthly utility bills easier and more efficient. Enrolling in these programs provides several benefits for residents and business customers alike.

Auto-pay ensures that your utility bills are paid on time each month, helping you avoid late fees or service interruptions. Payments are automatically withdrawn from your bank account or charged to a credit card, providing peace of mind and reducing the need for manual payment tracking.

E-billing allows you to receive bills electronically via email or online portals, eliminating the need for paper statements. This not only reduces paper waste, but also makes it easier to access past bills, monitor usage, and maintain accurate records for budgeting or tax purposes.

By combining auto-pay and e-billing, residents can streamline their monthly bill management, save time, and ensure consistent service without the stress of missed payments or misplaced statements.

Keep Records: Save Confirmation Emails, Receipts, and Account Documents

When setting up utilities for a new home or rental property, keeping thorough records is an essential step that many residents overlook. Saving confirmation emails, deposit receipts, and account setup documents provides a clear paper trail that can help prevent confusion or disputes later.

These records are particularly valuable for several reasons:

• Tracking Payments: Keep Documentation to Avoid Billing Issues

  When managing utility accounts, keeping thorough documentation is crucial for tracking payments and ensuring financial accuracy. By saving records of all deposits, initial setup fees, and monthly bills, residents can confirm that payments have been successfully processed and avoid potential disputes with utility providers.

  Proper documentation helps in several ways:

  • Avoid missed payments: Records provide a clear history of what has been paid and when, reducing the likelihood of late fees or service interruptions.

  • Prevent duplicate payments: Keeping receipts and confirmation emails allows residents to verify that a bill has not been accidentally paid more than once.

  • Simplify account management: Organized payment records make it easier to review past charges, budget for upcoming bills, and maintain a clear financial overview for your household.

  By consistently tracking utility payments and maintaining documentation, residents can ensure smooth account management and reduce stress related to billing errors or misunderstandings.

• Confirming Service Activation: Keep Proof for Peace of Mind

  When setting up utilities in a new home, it’s important to confirm that services have been scheduled and activated. Keeping emails, receipts, or other documentation provides proof of activation, which can be invaluable if any questions arise about the start date of electricity, water, or sewer service.

  This documentation serves several purposes:

  • Verification of service start: Proof ensures that the utility provider has activated your account on the requested date, helping avoid disputes about missed service or delays.

  • Recordkeeping for billing: Confirmation emails or receipts create a clear timeline that supports accurate billing from the first day of service.

  • Quick issue resolution: If an account error or service outage occurs, having proof of activation allows for faster resolution with the utility company.

  By keeping careful records of all service confirmations, residents can enjoy a smoother move-in process and greater confidence that essential utilities are active and ready from day one.

• Resolving Billing Discrepancies: Keep Detailed Utility Records

Billing errors and disputed charges can happen when managing utility accounts, but having detailed records can make resolving these issues much easier. Keeping organized digital or physical copies of all utility-related documents—including bills, payment receipts, deposit confirmations, and service activation emails—provides a clear paper trail to support any inquiries with the utility provider.

Having accurate records helps in several ways:

• Faster Dispute Resolution: The Importance of Clear Utility Documentation

  Keeping clear and organized documentation for utility accounts is essential for resolving any billing disputes efficiently. When questions arise about charges, payments, or account history, having detailed records—such as receipts, confirmation emails, and billing statements—enables utility companies to verify information quickly and accurately.

  This approach offers several advantages:

  • Reduces resolution time: Clear documentation allows providers to identify errors or discrepancies faster, minimizing delays in correcting bills or adjusting accounts.

  • Improves communication: With all relevant records readily available, residents can provide proof to support their claims, making discussions with utility representatives more effective.

  • Prevents recurring issues: Maintaining accurate records helps track past disputes and ensures that similar mistakes are less likely to occur in the future.

  By keeping organized documentation, residents can resolve utility billing issues promptly, maintain accurate account records, and enjoy a smoother experience managing essential services.

• Improved Account Management: Stay Organized to Monitor Utilities Effectively

  Maintaining organized records for utility accounts is key to effective account management. By keeping copies of bills, payment receipts, and service confirmations, residents can monitor usage, track payments, and ensure all charges are accurate.

  This practice helps prevent common issues such as late fees or duplicate payments and allows homeowners or renters to budget more effectively by reviewing past consumption patterns. Organized records also make it easier to spot anomalies, identify potential leaks or overcharges, and plan for seasonal changes in utility usage.

  Overall, maintaining thorough documentation empowers residents to manage their utility accounts confidently, reduce errors, and maintain smooth, uninterrupted service.

• Stress Reduction: How Proactive Recordkeeping Simplifies Utility Management

  Proactive recordkeeping for utility accounts provides peace of mind by ensuring that all necessary documents—such as bills, receipts, and service confirmations—are readily available. Knowing that you can address any issues efficiently without scrambling for information reduces stress and uncertainty, especially during the busy moving process.

  By maintaining thorough and organized records, residents can manage utility accounts confidently, resolve billing discrepancies quickly, and enjoy a smoother, more predictable transition into a new home. This approach helps prevent last-minute problems, minimizes delays in service, and makes overall account management simpler and more reliable.

Know Your Local Utility Agencies to Ensure a Smooth Move-In

When moving to a new home in Florida, understanding which agencies manage your area’s utilities is key to a seamless transition. Electricity, water, sewer, and reclaimed water services are often handled by different providers—regional companies or local municipal departments—so knowing who to contact can save time and prevent service interruptions.

For example, electricity in most Florida cities is supplied by Florida Power & Light (FPL), while water and sewer services are typically managed by city utility departments such as Boca Raton Utility Services, Deerfield Beach Water, or the Palm Coast Utility Department. Each provider has its own procedures for account setup, deposits, and billing, making it important to verify requirements before your move.

By familiarizing yourself with the relevant utility agencies and starting the setup process early, you can ensure that essential services are active from day one. This preparation helps avoid delays, reduces stress on moving day, and ensures your new home is fully functional and comfortable from the moment you arrive.

Sources: 

• Florida Power & Light Company – Official Website

• City of Boca Raton Utility Services Department

• City of Deerfield Beach – Water and Sewer Services

• City of Palm Coast – Utility Department

•  Florida Public Service Commission – Moving and Utility Service Tips

• Florida Public Service Commission – Establishing Utility Service

• Florida Public Service Commission – Utility Billing and Payment Options

• Florida Public Service Commission – Utility Account Management Tips