New Resident Guide · Stuart, Florida
Martin CountyUtilities & Services
Just bought or moving within Martin County? Here is every office and utility you'll need to get settled across Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, and the rest of the county — power (FPL), water, trash, homestead exemption, voter registration, and your zoned schools. 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
Martin 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
Martin County Tax Collector
Pay property taxes, register your vehicles and get Florida license plates, and handle driver license services. New residents must get a Florida license within 30 days.
Supervisor of Elections
Martin County Supervisor of Elections
Register to vote or update your voter registration with your new address.
Public Schools
Martin County School District
Find the schools your new address is zoned for and enroll your children.
Official Records / Deeds
Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Records and provides copies of your deed and other official property documents; also court records.
Building & Permitting
Martin County Building Department
Permits and inspections for unincorporated Martin County. The City of Stuart permits separately.
Sheriff (Non-Emergency)
Martin County Sheriff's Office
Non-emergency police matters and reports. 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.
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Serves: All of Martin County — Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound.
Water & Sewer
Inside Stuart, use the city. Most of Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Hobe Sound are county.
Martin County Utilities
Serves: Unincorporated Martin County plus Sewall's Point and Ocean Breeze.
Natural Gas
Gas serves specific Stuart-area neighborhoods; many homes are all-electric.
Florida Public Utilities (FPU)
Serves: Stuart and vicinity where gas mains exist.
Trash & Recycling
Waste Management is the county's curbside hauler for unincorporated areas; cities may differ.
Waste Management (Martin County)
Serves: Unincorporated Martin County curbside.
Internet & TV
Availability varies block to block — check your address on each provider's site.
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.
Martin County Setup — Common Questions
Who provides electricity in Martin County, FL?
Florida Power & Light (FPL) is the electric utility for all of Martin County, including Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Hobe Sound. Set up service at (888) 988-8249.
How do I set up water service in Martin County?
It depends on your exact address. Inside Stuart city limits it's the City of Stuart at (772) 288-5317; everywhere else — including most of Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Hobe Sound — it's Martin County Utilities at (772) 221-1434.
How do I file for the Florida homestead exemption in Martin County?
File with the Martin County Property Appraiser at pa.martin.fl.us or (772) 288-5608. 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 Martin County?
The Martin County Tax Collector (martintaxcollector.com, (772) 288-5600) handles property-tax payment, vehicle registration/tags, and driver licenses, with offices in Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. 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 Martin County?
Register or update your address through the Martin County Supervisor of Elections at martinvotes.gov or (772) 288-5637. You can also update your registration when you get your Florida driver license.
Helpful next reads
Take it with you
Print this Martin 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 Martin 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.