Applying and moving in
Setting up electricity, water and internet in a South Florida rental
Most South Florida rentals get electricity from FPL, which may ask a new customer for a deposit equal to two months of expected use, based on a credit score. Water comes from the county or your city, and in many condos it's billed to the owner through the association, so ask what your lease includes. Start each account about two weeks before move-in so nothing is off when you arrive.
Updated Last checked 4 min read
Quick answer
- Electricity: FPL in most of the region. Fort Pierce, Lake Worth Beach and Homestead have their own city utilities.
- FPL deposit, if required: two months of expected use. It earns 2% interest.
- A typical 1,000 kWh month ran about $109 to $131 before local taxes at the end of 2025, depending on the utility.
- Water: Miami-Dade Water and Sewer, a city utility, or the condo association.
- Check internet providers for the exact address on the FCC National Broadband Map.
On this page
Who supplies the electricity
Florida Power & Light serves most of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie. A few cities run their own electric utilities, including Fort Pierce, Lake Worth Beach and Homestead.
Check the address before you call anyone.
| Utility | Residential bill for 1,000 kWh, December 31, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Florida Power & Light | $130.68 |
| Fort Pierce | $123.49 |
| Lake Worth Beach | $131.40 |
| Homestead | $108.60 |
Your bill tracks your AC. A one-bedroom with the thermostat at 78 in April and a three-bedroom house at 72 in August are different animals, and August is when 1,000 kWh starts to look small. Ask the landlord for the last year of usage if the account history is available, or ask FPL once the account is yours.
The FPL deposit
FPL uses a credit scoring system to decide whether a new residential customer pays a deposit. When one is required, it equals two months of expected electric use for the home, based on the property's past usage, and it's usually billed after the account opens. FPL's deposit page also lists an unconditional guarantee, signed by a guarantor who meets its criteria, as a non-cash alternative.
The deposit earns 2% interest starting six months after it's paid in full, credited each June. You get it back with interest when you close the account. You can also get it back after 23 straight months of service, as long as you haven't paid late more than once in 12 months, bounced a check, or been disconnected for nonpayment.
Water, sewer and trash
In Miami-Dade, Water and Sewer serves many homes directly and others through city utilities, and you can start service online, by phone or at a service center. In Broward, Palm Beach and St. Lucie, water usually comes from your city. Trash is often on the water bill or the property tax bill, so a house renter may never see it.
In condos, water, sewer and trash are frequently paid by the association out of the owner's dues. Read the lease or the listing for "water included" before you set up anything, and if it's not clear, ask the landlord in writing.
Internet and cable
Wired internet in South Florida comes mostly from cable and fiber companies, and which ones reach a building varies street by street. Look up the exact address on the FCC's National Broadband Map, which lists the providers and speeds reported there. Some condo associations include cable or internet in their dues under a building-wide contract, so ask before you sign up for a separate plan you won't need.
A two-week plan
Step 1: Two weeks out
Ask the landlord which utilities you set up and which are included, and get the meter or account details if the home is vacant.
Step 2: Ten days out
Open the electric account for your move-in date. Have your lease and ID ready, and ask whether a deposit applies.
Step 3: One week out
Start water if it is in your name, and book the internet install. Installer calendars fill up before the 1st of the month.
Step 4: Move-in day
Photograph the electric and water meters with readings, so the first bill starts where you started.
Questions people ask
How much is the FPL deposit for a new customer?
If FPL requires one, it equals two months of expected electric use for the home, based on its usage history.
How much is the electric bill for an apartment in South Florida?
It depends mostly on air conditioning. For 1,000 kWh in a month, the Public Service Commission listed FPL's residential bill at $130.68 at the end of 2025, before local taxes and fees.
Is water included in rent in South Florida?
Often in condos, where the association pays it out of dues. In houses and many apartments you set it up yourself. The lease should say which.
Do I get my FPL deposit back?
Yes, with interest, when you close the account or after 23 consecutive months of service with a good payment record.
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Words in this guide
Sources
- FPL: Residential depositsfpl.com
- Florida Public Service Commission: Comparative rate statistics, December 31, 2025floridapsc.com
- Miami-Dade Water and Sewer: Manage your account and start servicemiamidade.gov
- FCC: National Broadband Mapbroadbandmap.fcc.gov
Checked against these sources on by Rentvana Editorial. If something has changed, email hello@rentvana.com and we'll fix it.
Questions?
Call 888-601-8344 to talk to a licensed agent, or email hello@rentvana.com and one gets back to you within 1 hour, 8am to 9pm. Renters never pay Rentvana.