Moving to Delray Beach: New Resident Guide & Local Contacts

Welcome to Delray Beach! Whether you just closed on a home or signed a lease, the first few weeks come with a long list of small jobs: turning on the water, switching your license, registering to vote and filing for homestead. This is the checklist I share with my own clients, plus a directory of the local offices you’ll want on speed dial.

Getting set up: utilities

Water, sewer and trash

In Delray Beach, water and sewer service comes from the City of Delray Beach, not a private company. New accounts are opened online or by email through the City’s New Utility Account page, and the City asks for all required documents at least 48 hours before your start date. A deposit is added to your first bill. Utilities Customer Service is at City Hall, 100 NW 1st Ave., and can be reached at 561-243-7100, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Trash and recycling service is tied to your address. If you’re in a condo or HOA, your association may handle it. Otherwise, ask Utilities Customer Service or City Hall what applies to your home and which days pickup runs.

Seasonal resident? The City suggests calling Customer Service with your change of mailing address before you head north, and shutting off the water at the house valve while you’re away.

Electric

Florida Power & Light (fpl.com) provides electric service in Delray Beach. You can start service online or call 800-468-8243.

Gas

Many Delray homes are all-electric. If yours has natural gas or propane appliances, check your closing documents or ask the seller or landlord who the provider is, so you can transfer the account into your name.

Internet and TV

Delray Beach is served by several cable, fiber and wireless internet providers, but coverage varies street by street, and even by building. Enter your exact address on each provider’s website before you sign up, and book installation early in season, when appointment slots fill up.

Important deadlines after you move

Florida driver license and vehicle registration

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, new residents must get a Florida driver license within 30 days of establishing residency, and title and register their vehicles within 10 days. You’ll need Florida auto insurance first. In Palm Beach County, licenses and tags are handled by the Palm Beach County Tax Collector. Book an appointment before you go.

Voter registration

If you’re already registered in Florida, you just need to update your address. If you’re new to the state, you can register online with your Florida driver license or ID. Both are handled by the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, 561-656-6200. The South County branch office is right here in Delray Beach at 345 S. Congress Avenue.

Homestead exemption

If you own your home and it’s your permanent residence as of January 1, you may qualify for Florida’s homestead exemption, which lowers your taxable value and caps how much your assessed value can rise each year. The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser must receive your application by March 1 of the year you want the benefit. Miss it, and you lose the exemption for that year. For the details, see our Delray Beach homestead exemption guide.

Delray Beach city and community contacts

Here are the local offices and organizations new residents ask me about most. Save this page for later.

Phone numbers are from each organization’s official website as of October 2026. For emergencies, always call 911.

Getting to know your new neighborhood

Delray Beach is really a collection of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. A few of our local guides:

• Delray Beach 33444: downtown, Pineapple Grove and the historic core west of the Intracoastal
• Delray Beach 33483: the beach side, from the Intracoastal to the ocean
• Delray Beach 33445: west Delray, with established neighborhoods and more space
• Osceola Park and Pineapple Grove: walkable, close to downtown
• Marina Historic District: historic cottages by the water, just off Atlantic Avenue
• Delray Beach historic homes: what to know about owning a historic home here
• Pet-friendly Delray Beach: dog beaches, parks and pet-friendly spots