New to St. Pete? Start city water, sewer and trash at 727-893-7341, power with Duke Energy, get a Florida license within 30 days and file for homestead by March 1.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. This page links to the official start-service pages and to our own guides. Facts come from the City of St. Petersburg’s utilities setup page, the Pinellas County Tax Collector and Property Appraiser, and the providers’ own websites.
This is a checklist for your first weeks in St. Petersburg. Each item links to the office that handles it, or to our fuller guide.
First calls
- City water, sewer, trash: Utility Customer Service, 727-893-7341, option 0
- Power: Duke Energy, start, stop or move service
- License and tag: Pinellas County Tax Collector, book an appointment
- Everything else at the city: 727-893-7111
1. Water, sewer and trash: the city
The City of St. Petersburg provides water, sewer, stormwater, trash and recycling on one monthly utility bill. To start service, call 727-893-7341 and choose option 0, or go to the main office at 325 Central Ave. downtown. You will need your name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number and the service address. A deposit is required; a utility reference letter from your last water provider can replace it for a single-family home. You can ask for the prior resident’s usage average to estimate your bill. Then set up online account access for paperless billing and autopay.
Trash goes twice a week and recycling every other week; find your days in our trash and recycling guide.
2. Power: Duke Energy
Electricity in St. Petersburg comes from Duke Energy Florida. Start service on Duke’s start, stop or move page. Save the outage line, 800-228-8485; see our power outages page.
3. Natural gas
Natural gas, where your home has it, comes from Peoples Gas, which lists St. Petersburg among its service areas. Start service on its residential start service page.
4. Internet and TV
The city lists three cable systems that carry its government channel: WOW!, Spectrum and Frontier Fios. Check each provider’s site for service at your address:
5. Driver’s license and car
Under Florida law, you must get a Florida driver’s license within 30 days after starting a job here or enrolling a child in a public school, if you drive. Your spouse and dependent children who drive have the same 30 days.
The Pinellas County Tax Collector issues licenses and handles titles and registration. Its South County office is in St. Petersburg at 2500 34th St. N. To title an out-of-state car you will need a VIN verification (bring the car, or have Form HSMV 82042 completed by a notary or other approved person), your out-of-state registration and a copy of the title, per the Tax Collector’s titles page. Ask the Tax Collector about registration deadlines and insurance proof when you book.
6. Homestead exemption
If you bought a home and live in it as your permanent residence on Jan. 1, file for the homestead exemption by March 1 with the Pinellas County Property Appraiser (727-464-3207). It can cut up to $51,411 from your assessed value and caps future increases. The seller’s exemption does not carry over to you. Details are in our property tax guide.
7. Register to vote
Register online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov or through the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections (727-464-8683). See our voting guide.
8. Pets
Pinellas County requires a license for every dog and cat. Pets over four months need a rabies vaccination (or a vet’s exemption letter) first; take or mail the certificate to Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo (727-582-2600). The tag is good for the pet’s lifetime, per the county’s pet license page.
9. Schools
Every public school in the city is run by Pinellas County Schools. Find your zoned school with the School Zone Locator and enroll through Focus; call 727-588-6210 with questions. See our schools guide.
10. Know your flood and evacuation zone
The city says much of St. Pete lies in evacuation zones. Look yours up on the Prepare, St. Pete map and sign up for Alert Pinellas. See our hurricane prep guide.
Also worth knowing
- Building or remodeling? Permits come from the city; see building permits and zoning.
- Bikes: city code requires residents to register bicycles with the Police Department.
- Who to call: our City Hall directory.
- Getting around: roads, PSTA buses and parking in getting around.
What this means for you
- Week one: city utilities, Duke Energy, internet.
- Within 30 days of a job or school enrollment: Florida driver’s license.
- By March 1: homestead exemption, if you own.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up water and trash service in St. Petersburg?
Call the city’s Utility Customer Service Center at 727-893-7341 and choose option 0, or visit 325 Central Ave. Water, sewer, trash and recycling come on one city bill.
Who provides electricity in St. Petersburg?
Duke Energy Florida. Start service through Duke’s start, stop or move page.
How long do I have to get a Florida driver’s license after moving to St. Petersburg?
Florida law requires a Florida license within 30 days after you start a job here or enroll a child in public school. The Pinellas County Tax Collector handles licenses and tags.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Pinellas County?
March 1. You must own the home and make it your permanent residence by Jan. 1 of that year.
Do I need to license my dog or cat in St. Petersburg?
Yes. Pinellas County requires a license for every dog and cat, which needs a rabies vaccination for pets over four months old.
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