New Resident Guide · Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Broward CountyUtilities & Services
Just bought or moving within Broward County? Here is every office and utility you'll need to get settled across Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and the rest of the county. Broward is fragmented by city — water, trash, and permits depend on your municipality. Print it and keep it on the fridge.
Step 1
County Offices
The government offices every new homeowner needs — for your homestead exemption, taxes, license plates, schools, and voter registration.
Property Appraiser
Broward County Property Appraiser
File your homestead exemption (deadline March 1), check your assessed value, and look up property records. Filing homestead is the most valuable thing a new Florida homeowner can do.
Tax Collector
Broward County Records, Taxes & Treasury
Broward has no elected Tax Collector — this county division collects property taxes and issues auto tags (tags: (954) 765-4697). Driver licenses are state-run (FLHSMV).
Supervisor of Elections
Broward County Supervisor of Elections
Register to vote or update your voter registration with your new address.
Public Schools
Broward County Public Schools
Find the schools your new address is zoned for and enroll your children.
Find My School →Official Records / Deeds
Broward County Official Records
In Broward, the COUNTY records deeds and official records (not the Clerk of Courts, which handles court cases).
Building & Permitting
Broward County Building Code Division
Permits and inspections for unincorporated Broward only. Each city runs its own building department.
Sheriff (Non-Emergency)
Broward Sheriff's Office
Non-emergency police matters and reports for the county and contract cities. For emergencies, always call 911.
Step 2
Set Up Your Utilities
Call ahead of your move-in date so the power and water are on when you arrive. Electric and water depend on your exact address — see the note under each.
Electric
FPL is the electric utility countywide.
Water & Sewer
No single county water utility — most cities self-provide. Confirm yours on your water bill or at closing.
Broward County Water & Wastewater
Serves: Unincorporated areas plus some cities by contract.
City of Fort Lauderdale Utility Billing
Serves: City of Fort Lauderdale.
Natural Gas
Many Broward homes are all-electric; confirm gas is available before counting on it.
Trash & Recycling
Each city runs its own collection; unincorporated areas are served by the county.
City of Fort Lauderdale Solid Waste
Serves: City of Fort Lauderdale (other cities run their own — call your city).
WM (Waste Management)
Serves: Plantation and various unincorporated/contracted areas.
Internet & TV
Availability varies block to block; in gated/HOA communities internet is often bulk-billed through Hotwire.
Hotwire Communications
Serves: Many HOA/condo/apartment communities.
Not sure who serves your exact address?
Electric, water, and trash can change street by street. The fastest ways to confirm: check the seller's most recent utility bill, ask your closing agent or title company, or call the city utility office for the city your home is in. If your home is in an unincorporated area, it's handled by the county. Your MaxLife agent is happy to help you pin this down before closing.
Broward County Setup — Common Questions
Who provides electricity in Broward County, FL?
Florida Power & Light (FPL) is the electric utility for essentially all of Broward County. Set up service at (888) 988-8249.
How do I set up water service in Broward County?
There's no single county water utility — most cities self-provide. Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Pompano Beach each run their own; unincorporated areas use Broward County Water & Wastewater ((954) 831-3250). Confirm by your city.
How do I file for the Florida homestead exemption in Broward County?
File with the Broward County Property Appraiser at bcpa.net or (954) 357-6830. The deadline is March 1, and you must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence as of January 1 of that year.
Where do I register my car and get a Florida driver license after moving to Broward County?
Broward has no elected Tax Collector. The county's Records, Taxes & Treasury division ((954) 831-4000) collects property taxes and issues auto tags ((954) 765-4697); driver licenses are handled by the state (FLHSMV). New residents generally must get a Florida license within 30 days and register their vehicles within 10 days of starting work or enrolling children in school.
How do I register to vote in Broward County?
Register or update your address through the Broward County Supervisor of Elections at browardvotes.gov or (954) 357-7050. You can also update your registration when you get your Florida driver license.
Helpful next reads
Take it with you
Print this Broward County contact sheet as a clean one-pager — perfect to keep on the fridge or hand to a client at closing.
Buying or selling in Broward County? Talk to Ryan Solberg at MaxLife Realty.
Contact details verified June 2026against each agency's and provider's official website. Government offices and utilities occasionally change phone numbers, websites, and service areas — please confirm before relying on a number for a deadline or time-sensitive matter. MaxLife Realty is not affiliated with any office or utility listed here. For emergencies, call 911.