New Resident Guide · West Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach CountyUtilities & Services
Just bought or moving within Palm Beach County? Here is every office and utility you'll need to get settled across West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, and the rest of the county. Water is city-by-city — confirm by your address. 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
Palm Beach 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
Palm Beach County Tax Collector
Pay property taxes, register your vehicles and get Florida license plates, and handle driver license/Real ID services. Appointments recommended.
Supervisor of Elections
Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections
Register to vote or update your voter registration with your new address.
Public Schools
School District of Palm Beach County
Find the schools your new address is zoned for and enroll your children.
Find My School →Official Records / Deeds
Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
Records and provides copies of your deed and other official property documents; also court records.
Building & Permitting
PBC Planning, Zoning & Building
Permits and inspections for unincorporated Palm Beach County only. Each city runs its own permitting.
Sheriff (Non-Emergency)
Palm Beach 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 (its HQ is in Juno Beach); Lake Worth Beach runs a municipal electric utility.
Lake Worth Beach Electric Utility
Serves: Lake Worth Beach and nearby pockets (municipal electric).
Water & Sewer
Many cities run their own water — match to your address.
PBC Water Utilities Department
Serves: Unincorporated Palm Beach County and many communities.
Natural Gas
Two gas providers; many homes are all-electric.
Florida Public Utilities (FPUC)
Serves: Strong footprint including the West Palm Beach area.
Trash & Recycling
The Solid Waste Authority handles disposal/recycling countywide; curbside pickup is by city or contracted hauler.
Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County
Serves: Disposal & recycling countywide; curbside in unincorporated areas.
Internet & TV
Availability varies; gated/condo communities are often bulk-billed through Hotwire.
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.
Palm Beach County Setup — Common Questions
Who provides electricity in Palm Beach County, FL?
Florida Power & Light (FPL), headquartered in Juno Beach, serves essentially all of Palm Beach County. The City of Lake Worth Beach runs its own municipal electric utility. Set up FPL at (888) 988-8249.
How do I set up water service in Palm Beach County?
Water is city-by-city. PBC Water Utilities ((561) 740-4600) covers unincorporated areas and many communities, but West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Wellington each bill their own. Use the office that matches your address.
How do I file for the Florida homestead exemption in Palm Beach County?
File with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser at pbcpao.gov or (561) 355-2866. 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 Palm Beach County?
The Palm Beach County Tax Collector (pbctax.gov, (561) 355-2264) handles property-tax payment, vehicle registration/tags, and driver licenses/Real ID — make an appointment online first. 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 Palm Beach County?
Register or update your address through the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections at votepalmbeach.gov or (561) 656-6200. You can also update your registration when you get your Florida driver license.
Helpful next reads
Take it with you
Print this Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach 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.