Moving in 60 days and want a smooth start in Plantation near Venice? You have a lot to juggle, from utilities and internet to trash carts, licenses, and local rules. With a clear plan, you can avoid last‑minute scrambles and walk into a ready‑to‑live home. This guide gives you a practical, local timeline with key steps and contacts that Sarasota County residents actually use. Let’s dive in.
60‑day move plan: Plantation
45–60 days out
- Confirm your closing or lease start date and whether utilities must be on for closing. Many buyers set electric to start on closing day. Start with Florida Power & Light using the FPL start service page. Schedule with FPL.
- Begin insurance quotes. The City of Venice adopted updated FEMA flood maps effective March 27, 2024. Check your address for any flood zone changes that could affect insurance. Review local flood map info.
- Enroll school‑age children early. Sarasota County Schools uses online registration and typically requires two proofs of residence plus health forms. Start school registration.
30 days out
- Set utility start dates. FPL often connects same day if you order by midday. Sarasota County Public Utilities can process complete new water and sewer applications often the same day when submitted before local cutoffs. Open county water and sewer.
- Book internet. Xfinity and Frontier serve many addresses. New or fiber installs may require a tech visit and can take several days. Schedule now if you need work‑from‑home reliability on day one.
- If you are moving during hurricane season (June 1 to Nov 30), assemble an emergency kit and review your evacuation zone. Keep prescriptions, pet supplies, and copies of IDs handy.
14–21 days out
- Set up trash and recycling. Rules differ by location. If you are in unincorporated Sarasota County, the county provides carts and transitioned to new franchise haulers in 2025. Check the county cart program. If you are inside City of Venice limits, contact Venice Public Works to confirm cart sizes and collection days.
- File your USPS change of address about two weeks before move‑in so forwarding starts on time. Allow several business days for forwarding to begin.
- Need space for a moving truck or POD? Ask the City of Venice Public Works or the relevant public works office if a temporary parking or obstruction permit is required.
7 days out
- Confirm technician appointments for internet, cable, and any utility visits. Make sure an adult is present for installs.
- Planning quick repairs like a roof, HVAC, or electrical work? Many projects require permits, and submittals are online. Allow time for review. Check Venice permitting.
Move week and day
- Finalize stop dates for your old address and start dates for the new address. For FPL and county utilities, timing both in one go helps avoid overlap or gaps.
- Bring IDs, closing or lease papers, and installer contacts. If the home was vacant, confirm that meters are active and no re‑inspections are needed.
First 30 days after move
- Update your driver’s license address and your vehicle registration. Florida requires updates within 30 days of moving. Update through the Sarasota County Tax Collector.
- If this is your permanent residence, apply for Homestead Exemption by March 1 of the tax year. Gather proof of residency such as a Florida driver’s license with your new address. Apply for Homestead Exemption.
- Register pets as required by the county, with proof of current rabies vaccination. This helps with compliance and reunification if an animal is lost.
City vs. county services
Service rules change if your address is inside City of Venice limits or in unincorporated Sarasota County. Many Plantation addresses fall under the county, which means Sarasota County handles water, sewer, and trash carts. If your property is inside city limits, the City of Venice will manage utilities and solid waste. When in doubt, contact the appropriate agency and confirm your service area before you schedule anything.
Local tips to save time
- Aim for morning submissions. Some utilities process same‑day requests submitted before midday.
- Have documents ready. Utility applications can be delayed by missing IDs or lease/closing paperwork.
- Confirm cart delivery and collection days before move‑in. It prevents trash pileups during your first week.
- Check flood status and insurance early. Map updates can affect rates or lender requirements.
- Use one calendar. Track installs, permits, and deadlines in one place so nothing slips.
Ready to personalize this plan around your closing date and neighborhood? Reach out to christian cevallos for a local, step‑by‑step move strategy and on‑the‑ground guidance.
FAQs
How fast can power and water start in Sarasota County?
- Power through FPL is often same day if ordered by midday. County water and sewer can be processed the same day for complete applications submitted before local cutoffs. Always confirm timing when you place the order.
Who handles trash carts for Plantation addresses?
- Most Plantation addresses are in unincorporated Sarasota County, where the county provides carts and assigns collection. If you are inside City of Venice limits, contact Venice Public Works for city carts and schedules.
Do I need a permit to park a moving truck on the street?
- Possibly. Many municipalities require a temporary parking or obstruction permit for large vehicles that occupy the right‑of‑way. Call the applicable public works office several days before your move to confirm.
What if my home shows a higher‑risk flood zone?
- Check your address against the updated 2024 flood maps and speak with your insurer. Lenders may require National Flood Insurance Program coverage for certain zones, and rates can vary by elevation and map changes.
When is the Homestead Exemption deadline in Sarasota County?
- File by March 1 of the tax year after you occupy the property as your permanent residence. Have proof of residency ready, such as a Florida driver’s license with your new address.
