New to Tallahassee? Start city power, water, sewer, gas and trash online at Talgov.com/Start; get a Florida license in 30 days; file homestead by March 1.

Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. This is an index for new residents. It links our full guides and adds what they do not cover. Facts come from City of Tallahassee Utilities, the Leon County Tax Collector and Property Appraiser, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Welcome to Tallahassee. First, check whether your new address is inside the city limits on the Land Information Map; it lists the jurisdiction for every parcel. Inside the city, one utility does almost everything.

Who to call

  • City utilities (power, water, sewer, gas, trash): City of Tallahassee Utilities, 850-891-4968; in person at 435 N. Macomb St.
  • Driver’s license and tag: Leon County Tax Collector, 850-606-4700
  • Homestead exemption: Leon County Property Appraiser, 850-606-6200
  • Voter registration: Leon County Supervisor of Elections, 850-606-8683

1. Start your utilities

City of Tallahassee Utilities provides electricity, water, sewer, natural gas and trash and recycling inside the city. From its Start, Stop or Transfer page:

  • Start service online at Talgov.com/Start. Residential service cannot be started by phone.
  • Same-day requests must be in by 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except city holidays.
  • Stop or transfer by logging into your account, or call 850-891-4968.
  • Natural gas is a city utility too; see the natural gas page.
  • In person: Frenchtown Renaissance Center, 435 N. Macomb St.; book an appointment or use the city’s live chat.

Our guides: trash and recycling (your pickup day and Red or Blue week) and power outages.

2. Internet

These providers publish Tallahassee service pages where you can check your address and sign up:

The FCC’s National Broadband Map lists every provider that reports service at your exact address.

3. Driver’s license and car registration

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ new resident page says:

  • Get a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency. Applications are made in person.
  • Title and register your vehicles within 10 days of establishing residency, with insurance from an agent licensed in Florida.
  • You may count as a resident when you start a job here, enroll children in public school, register to vote, file for homestead or live here more than six months in a row.

In Leon County the Tax Collector handles licenses and tags at three offices: 1276 Metropolitan Blvd., Suite 102; 3840 N. Monroe St., Suite 102; and 3477 S. Monroe St. Road tests are at 3477 S. Monroe St. Offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; make an appointment or call 850-606-4700.

4. Homestead exemption

If you buy a home and live in it as your permanent residence on Jan. 1, file for homestead by March 1. The Property Appraiser says it can cut assessed value by up to $51,411 for 2026. The seller’s exemption does not carry over. Full details: Leon County property taxes.

5. Schools

Leon County Schools runs every public school in the county. Find your zoned school with the School Zone Lookup and enroll online. Full details, calendar and state grades: schools guide.

6. Register to vote

Register or update your address with the Supervisor of Elections. The deadline for the Nov. 3, 2026, election has passed. See voting in Leon County.

7. Building, fixing or adding on

Work over $7,500 or anything structural needs a city permit, filed online. See building permits and zoning.

8. Know who to call

Keep who to call at City Hall handy, and read hurricane prep for Leon County before June 1.

What this means for you

  • Day one: start utilities online and check your trash day.
  • Within 10 days: register your car. Within 30 days: get your Florida license.
  • Buying? File homestead by March 1.

Related: Tallahassee home prices, getting around Tallahassee and Tallahassee population and growth.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start utilities in Tallahassee?

Inside the city, City of Tallahassee Utilities provides electricity, water, sewer, natural gas and trash. Start service online at Talgov.com/Start; residential service cannot be started by phone. Same-day requests must arrive by 2 p.m. on a weekday.

How long do I have to get a Florida driver’s license after moving to Tallahassee?

30 days after establishing residency, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Vehicles must be titled and registered within 10 days, with Florida insurance.

Where do I get a driver’s license or tag in Tallahassee?

At a Leon County Tax Collector office: 1276 Metropolitan Blvd., Suite 102; 3840 N. Monroe St., Suite 102; or 3477 S. Monroe St. Call 850-606-4700.

When is the homestead exemption deadline in Leon County?

March 1 for each tax year, for a home you own and live in as your permanent residence on Jan. 1. File with the Leon County Property Appraiser, 850-606-6200.

Who provides internet in Tallahassee?

Xfinity, AT&T and CenturyLink each publish Tallahassee service pages where you can check your address. The FCC’s National Broadband Map lists every provider at an address.