New to Clearwater and wondering how to get everything turned on, permitted, and running smoothly before move‑in day? You’re not alone. Between utilities, city services, and coastal preparedness, there’s a lot to line up when you relocate. This guide gives you clear steps, local links, and timing tips so you can settle in with confidence and avoid costly delays. Let’s dive in.
Utility setup at a glance
Electricity: start or transfer with Duke Energy
Most Clearwater addresses are served by Duke Energy Florida. You can request start, stop, or transfer online and often schedule as early as the next business day. New accounts usually include a credit check and may require a deposit. If your home is new construction and a meter is not yet installed, call to coordinate service.
- Start or transfer service: Duke Energy start, stop, move
- Tip: Have your move‑in date, SSN or alternate ID, and lease or closing statement handy.
Natural gas and propane: Clearwater Gas System
Clearwater Gas System is the city‑run provider for natural gas and propane in much of north Pinellas and nearby areas. You can start or stop service online or by phone, set up your account portal, and review deposit details.
- Start service or make a request: Clearwater Gas System service
Water, sewer, stormwater: City or County by address
Inside Clearwater city limits, the City of Clearwater handles water, sewer, and stormwater. In unincorporated areas or other municipalities, Pinellas County Utilities may be your provider. Check your address and start service early, especially if you need a new meter.
- City utilities start/stop and deposits: City of Clearwater utility services
- County utilities contact and portal: Pinellas County Utilities
Trash, recycling, and bulk pickup
The City of Clearwater provides once‑weekly trash collection plus weekly bulk and yard waste service on your regular day. Use the city’s Collection Schedule Finder and follow bundling and placement rules to avoid missed pickups. Note that the city acknowledged a recycling processing lapse in 2022 and later implemented changes and limited credits. You can review collection rules and updates here:
- Curbside rules and schedule finder: Residential trash and recycling
- Background on the recycling lapse: Tampa Bay Times reporting
Internet and TV: check availability by address
Service varies by street. Spectrum, Frontier fiber in many neighborhoods, Xfinity/Comcast, WOW!, and several 5G or satellite options are common. Confirm options at your new address and schedule early if you need home office speeds.
- Compare providers by address: Broadband availability in Clearwater
Move‑in timing, deposits, and documents
- What to have ready: your full name, SSN or alternate ID, date of birth, service address, and a copy of your lease or closing statement.
- Deposit basics: deposits vary by provider and your credit history. Many are refundable after a period of on‑time payments or when you close the account and settle the final bill.
- Typical lead times: Duke Energy often supports next‑business‑day starts. City accounts for gas and water can be set up online, but allow several business days and verify timing with each provider.
Permits and inspections basics
What needs a permit in Clearwater
Permits are typically required for additions, new roofs, fences, decks, major electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work, water heater replacements that meet thresholds, structural changes, new construction, and changes of occupancy. Cosmetic items like painting, wallpaper, or simple cabinet swaps usually do not require permits. When in doubt, check with the city.
- Permitting and ePermits portal: City of Clearwater permits
How to apply and track
Clearwater uses an online ePermits system. Licensed contractors upload applications and plans for digital review, pay fees, then schedule inspections in the same portal. You can also look up permit status online.
- Notice of Commencement: Projects above set amounts often require a recorded Notice of Commencement before issuance. Clearwater cites more than 5,000 dollars for most projects and more than 15,000 dollars for some HVAC work.
Contractor licensing and insurance
Florida requires licensing for most trades, including roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. The city verifies licenses and requires insurance certificates that list the City of Clearwater as certificate holder. Always request a contractor’s license copy, insurance, and references.
Inspections and closing out permits
Trades have defined inspection stages. Permits that sit without a passed inspection for six months usually expire. Make sure you complete final inspections and obtain a Certificate of Completion or Occupancy when required. This helps avoid issues at resale or with insurers.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Doing work without permits can trigger fines and complicate closings and insurance claims.
- If a contractor says a permit is not needed, confirm with the city and put responsibilities in writing.
Coastal preparedness and flood risk
Know your flood and evacuation zones
Flood zone and storm surge exposure vary block to block. Check FEMA and county tools to understand requirements and insurance implications. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas often require flood insurance when financed with federally backed loans.
- Flood maps, surge, and evacuation info: Pinellas County flood resources
Hurricane season checklist
Identify your evacuation zone, gather supplies, and review shelter and reentry policies before storm season. Barrier islands may have reentry pass requirements after evacuations, so confirm what applies to your address.
- City preparedness and shelters: Clearwater Emergency Management
Sewer and drainage considerations
If your home is in a flood‑prone area, ask about sewer backflow prevention devices and any local programs that support them. Factor stormwater and drainage into renovation plans.
Other essential local services
Driver licenses and vehicle registration
Florida driver license and motor vehicle services are handled through FLHSMV service centers and the Pinellas County Tax Collector. Many services require an appointment. Update your license address and transfer vehicle registration promptly after you move.
Pet licensing and animal services
Pinellas County Animal Services handles dog and cat licenses. You will need a current rabies vaccination or exemption letter. The county also provides shelter, reclaim, and pet emergency guidance, including pet‑friendly shelter preregistration.
Property taxes and homestead
Property taxes and homestead exemptions are managed by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser. New buyers should review parcel details and note key filing deadlines for homestead exemption.
Schools and zone lookup
Pinellas County Schools provides a School Zone Locator. Enter your new address to find zoned schools and follow district steps for registration.
One‑week move‑in checklist
- 3 to 7 days out: Set up electric, water, sewer, gas, and internet. Confirm deposits and start dates in writing.
- 2 to 3 days out: Review your trash day and bulk rules. Set recycling and yard waste out correctly.
- Move‑in day: Take meter photos, run water lines, and test breakers, gas valves, and shutoffs.
- First week: Confirm permit needs before scheduling any work, especially roofs, fences, HVAC, and structural changes.
- By week’s end: Check flood and evacuation zones, update driver license and registration, license pets, and note homestead deadlines.
Ready to make Clearwater home with confidence? If you want neighborhood‑level guidance on utilities, permitting timing, and coastal considerations around the properties you’re eyeing, connect with Chenault Group for tailored, on‑the‑ground advice.
FAQs
Who provides electricity for a Clearwater address?
- Most Clearwater addresses are served by Duke Energy Florida. Confirm and start service directly through Duke’s online start, stop, move tools.
How fast can utilities be turned on before move‑in?
- Electric often starts the next business day if a meter is in place. City gas and water can be started online, but allow several business days and confirm timing with each provider.
Do I need a permit for a new fence or roof in Clearwater?
- Yes. Roofs, fences, major mechanical, plumbing, electrical, structural changes, and new construction typically need permits. Cosmetic updates usually do not.
What is the trash and recycling pickup schedule in Clearwater?
- The city provides weekly trash service and weekly bulk and yard waste on your regular day. Use the schedule finder and follow placement and bundling rules.
How do I check flood risk for a Clearwater property?
- Review FEMA and Pinellas County flood tools to find your flood zone, storm surge exposure, and evacuation zone. This helps you plan coverage and preparedness.
