Moving to West Palm Beach: utilities, schools, trash, permits, taxes

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. This page is an index for new residents: it links our own guides and the providers’ and agencies’ official pages. Facts come from the City of West Palm Beach, Florida Power & Light, the Palm Beach County Tax Collector, the Property Appraiser and Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, each linked below. No prices are listed; check each provider.

Welcome to West Palm Beach. Here is everything to set up in your first weeks, in order, with the official link for each. Where we already have a full guide, we link it instead of repeating it.

First calls

• Electricity: FPL, 1-888-988-8249 (start service)
• Water, sewer and city utility bill: City Utilities Customer Service, 561-822-1300
• Everything else at the city: City hotline, 561-822-2222, or WPB Key
• Driver’s license and tag: Palm Beach County Tax Collector, 561-355-2264 (reservations)

Utilities

For internet, the FCC’s National Broadband Map shows every provider that reports service at your exact address. In person, the city takes utility payments in the City Hall lobby, 401 Clematis St., 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Water emergencies go to 561-822-2210, 24 hours. More in our power outages guide.

Driver’s license and car

The Palm Beach County Tax Collector runs driver licenses and tags in the county:

• Driver’s license: get a Florida license within 30 days of taking a job, starting a business or enrolling a child in a Florida public school. New residents must book an in-person reservation; bring your current license and the REAL ID documents on the Tax Collector’s checklist. The written and road tests are waived for licenses from many states.
• Title and registration: apply within 30 days of taking a job, registering to vote or enrolling a child in school, according to the Tax Collector’s registration page. You need proof of Florida insurance with at least $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability.
• Already a Florida resident? Update the address on your registration within 30 days of moving.

The Tax Collector’s downtown office is at 301 N. Olive Ave., first floor.

Homestead exemption

If you bought a home to live in, file for the homestead exemption by March 1. You must own the home and make it your permanent residence by Jan. 1 of that year, and the Property Appraiser says missing March 1 waives the exemption for the year. It takes $25,000 off the assessed value for all taxes, plus up to $25,722 (the 2025 figure) off non-school taxes, and caps yearly increases in your assessed value. Apply through the Property Appraiser, 561-355-2866. See our property tax guide for the city’s rates and the fire fee.

Schools

Every public school belongs to the School District of Palm Beach County, 561-434-8000. Find your zoned school on the district’s Find My School map. Grades, the calendar and registration are in our schools guide.

Pets

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control handles pet licensing and strays. The county says dogs, cats and ferrets must get a first rabies vaccine by 4 months of age and a booster a year later; its pets page lists license tags and low-cost vaccine clinics. Animal Care and Control: 561-233-1200, 7100 Belvedere Road.

Voting

Register or update your address at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov or with the Supervisor of Elections, 561-656-6200. The next city election is March 9, 2027. See our voting guide.

Renovating or building

Permits are filed online through the city’s Civic Access portal, and homes in historic districts have extra rules for roofs, windows and fences. Development Services: 561-805-6700. See our building permits and zoning guide.

Moving boxes

New residents get a one-time courtesy pickup of moving boxes within 30 days of moving in. Call 561-822-2075 first, break the boxes down and tie them; they go out on your yard waste day, the city’s yard waste and bulk page says.

Your first-month checklist

1. Start FPL and city water service before move-in.
2. Look up your trash days on the city’s pickup map.
3. Book a Tax Collector reservation for your license and tag (30 days).
4. File for homestead by March 1 if you own your home.
5. Register to vote at your new address.
6. Save 561-822-2222, the city’s hotline, and see who to call at City Hall.

Related: getting around West Palm Beach, hurricane prep and home prices.

Frequently asked questions

Who provides electricity in West Palm Beach?

Florida Power & Light. Start service on FPL’s website or call 1-888-988-8249. Outages go to 1-800-468-8243.

How do I set up water service in West Palm Beach?

Water and sewer come from the City of West Palm Beach. Call Utilities Customer Service at 561-822-1300, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, or visit the City Hall lobby at 401 Clematis St.

How long do I have to get a Florida driver’s license after moving to West Palm Beach?

30 days after you take a job, start a business or enroll a child in public school in Florida, according to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector. New residents must book an in-person reservation.

When is the homestead exemption deadline in Palm Beach County?

March 1. You must own the home and make it your permanent residence by Jan. 1 of that year. Missing March 1 waives the exemption for the year.

What internet providers serve West Palm Beach?

Xfinity and AT&T both publish West Palm Beach service pages. Check exactly which providers serve your address on the FCC’s National Broadband Map.