By: Shayne Benowitz
Everything you need to know about moving to Miami
Moving to Miami? It’s easy to get smitten by the sugary sand beaches, year-round subtropical weather, and vast array of dining and shopping options — not to mention that Miami is a major hub for commerce and international trade.
To help navigate the logistics of moving to a new city, we’ve put together a relocation guide for new residents moving to Greater Miami and the Beaches.
Choose a Neighborhood & Find a New Home
Our interactive neighborhood map is a great place to start browsing Miami’s diverse neighborhoods to learn about what each unique place has to offer — from urban hubs to charming seaside villages. If it’s beach living that you long for consider South Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, or Key Biscayne. If it’s the excitement of the city then Downtown Miami and Brickell might be for you. Charming residential neighborhoods include Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. And for a suburban lifestyle Doral and South Dade can’t be beat.
A real estate agent can act as a neighborhood guide, as well as facilitate buying or renting your new home and you can consult our listing of local realtors in Miami.
Find Employment or Start Your Own Business
Now that you know where you’re going to live, chances are you’ll need to find a job. Miami-Dade County lists government employment opportunities. Major private employers include Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Lines, Miami International Airport, Miami Marlins, Hard Rock Stadium and PortMiami.
If you’re looking to start your own business, Miami offers a number of tax advantages, including the fact that there is no local corporate tax, a very low state corporate tax, and no state personal income tax. The Miami-Dade County Business Express online portal and the Small Business Administration both offer tips and technical assistance.
Miami-Dade County's official economic development partnership, the Beacon Council, provides business assistance to companies expanding in or relocating to Miami-Dade County. The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce represents the private business sector and offers resources to local companies as well.
Research Schools & Education Opportunities
There are both public and private school options located throughout Miami-Dade County. Offering education to kindergarten through 12th grade, Miami-Dade Public Schools is the fourth largest public school district in the nation and has an interactive map where you can plug in your home address to find schools in your neighborhood, including Magnet or Cambridge schools.
For continuing education opportunities, Miami is also home to Florida International University, University of Miami, Miami Dade College and a number of other colleges and universities.
Set Up Utilities & Get Settled In
Read on for a short check list of utility and service companies:
Electricity: Florida Power & Light Co. provides an online system for opening an electric service account.
Water: To apply for water and sewer service, visit Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department’s online portal.
Trash & Recycling: There are both do-it-yourself options and garbage collection companies. Start your search on the Miami-Dade County’s trash and recycling website.
Telephone, Internet and Cable: Xfinity offers bundled packages for residents who need phone, internet and cable TV services. Dish offers Florida residents standard or custom TV packages to suit your needs and interests.
Mail Forwarding: Change your address and set up mail forwarding with the United States Postal Service.
Newspaper Delivery: Miami Herald offers both English and Spanish-language daily newspapers and publications in print and online.
Register to Vote: Fulfill your civic duty and register to vote in Miami-Dade County.
Transportation
If you’re moving to Miami from out of state or another country, you’ll need a Florida driver’s license and Florida tags for your vehicle from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department. There are also various public transit options, including Metrobus, Metromover and Metrorail.
Find Your Local Bank & Healthcare Providers
For your personal and business banking needs, there are a number of established banks to choose from, including Bank of America, Regions Bank and Iberia Bank. RSM is a provider of assurance, tax and consulting services.
Healthcare providers include Florida Blue. Be sure to check your insurance plan and coverage. Research which doctor’s offices and medical care facilities are part of your in-network providers and this will help you avoid paying higher rates for out-of-network care.
Let the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau be the first to welcome you to our vibrant city. Please browse the website for more tips on places to see, special events and things to do.