Essential Checklist for New Residents

Welcome to Venice! Your Essential Checklist for New Residents

So, you've decided to make Venice, Florida, your new home – Congratulations! The exciting part of packing, moving, and envisioning beach days is probably in full swing. But once the boxes are unpacked, there's a practical side to settling in. Navigating new city services, changing your address, and getting your Florida essentials sorted can feel a bit overwhelming.

Don't worry! As someone who's gone through this (or researched it extensively!), I've put together a step-by-step checklist to help Venice newcomers like you get organized.

Phase 1: Pre-Arrival & Immediate Post-Move

Before you even arrive, or in your very first few days, tackle these essentials.

• 1. Forward Your Mail:

  • Set up mail forwarding with the USPS to your new Venice address. This ensures you don't miss anything important during the transition.
  • Website: USPS Official Change of Address

• 2. Utilities Setup (Water, Trash, Recycling):

  • Determine if your new address is within City of Venice limits or unincorporated Sarasota County. This dictates who provides your water and waste services.
  • City of Venice Utilities: For water/wastewater within city limits.
    • Website: City of Venice Utilities Department
  • Sarasota County Public Utilities: For water/wastewater if in unincorporated county.
    • Website: Sarasota County Public Utilities - Customer Service
  • Trash & Recycling: Collection is handled through Sarasota County Solid Waste, with services provided by different companies (e.g., Waste Pro or FCC Environmental Services) depending on your exact location.
    • City of Venice Waste & Recycling Guide: City of Venice - Residential Solid Waste and Recycling
    • Sarasota County Solid Waste: Sarasota County - Trash and Recycling
  • Other Utilities:
    • Electricity: Florida Power & Light (FPL).
      • Website: FPL New Service
    • Internet/Cable: Common providers include Xfinity (Comcast) or Frontier. Check what's available at your specific address.

Phase 2: Within 30 Days of Establishing Residency

Florida law requires you to obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. This often kicks off a cascade of other necessary updates.

• 3. Florida Driver's License:

  • You'll need proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), Social Security number, and two proofs of residential address (utility bill, mail from government agency, etc.).
  • Visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) service center. The closest major one is often in Sarasota.
  • Website: FLHSMV - Driver's License Information

• 4. Register Your Vehicle(s) & Get Florida Plates:

  • Once you have your Florida driver's license, you'll need to register your vehicle(s) within the same 30-day window.
  • You'll need your out-of-state title, proof of Florida insurance (minimum required coverage), and your Florida driver's license.
  • This can often be done at the same FLHSMV service center or a Sarasota County Tax Collector's Office.
  • Website: FLHSMV - Motor Vehicle Registration

• 5. Update Your Voter Registration:

  • You can often do this at the same time you get your driver's license or vehicle registration.
  • Alternatively, you can register online or at the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections office.
  • Website: Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections

• 6. Update Your Address with Key Institutions:

  • Banks, credit card companies, insurance providers (home, auto, life, health), investment firms, employers, schools, and any subscription services.

Phase 3: Getting Settled & Engaged

Now that the essentials are covered, start exploring and connecting with your new community!

• 7. Homestead Exemption (If You Purchased a Home):

  • If you've purchased a home and it will be your primary residence, apply for homestead exemption with the Sarasota County Property Appraiser's Office. This can offer significant property tax savings.
  • Deadline: Applications are typically due by March 1st of the year after you move in.
  • Website: Sarasota County Property Appraiser - Homestead Exemption

• 8. Pet Licensing/Registration:

  • If you have pets, check Sarasota County's requirements for pet licensing.
  • Website: Sarasota County Animal Services

• 9. Find Local Healthcare Providers:

  • Research and establish care with local doctors, dentists, and specialists. Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice is a major local facility.
  • Website: Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice

• 10. Explore Local Recreation & Social Groups:

  • Venice offers a plethora of activities!
  • Sarasota County Parks & Recreation: Sarasota County Parks
  • City of Venice Parks & Recreation: City of Venice Parks & Facilities
  • Venice Chamber of Commerce: A great resource for local businesses and community events.
    • Website: Venice Chamber of Commerce
  • Arts & Culture: Dive into the local scene!
    • Venice Theatre: venicetheatre.org
    • Venice Art Center: veniceartcenter.com
    • The Venice Symphony: thevenicesymphony.org

• 11. Meet Your Neighbors!

  • Don't underestimate the power of a friendly wave or a quick chat. Venice is full of welcoming people, many of whom are also new to the area.
  • Consider joining neighborhood social media groups (e.g., Nextdoor) for local updates and connections.

Moving to a new state and city is a big undertaking, but by tackling these items systematically, you'll feel at home in Venice in no time. Welcome to paradise – we're thrilled to have you!