New to Pembroke Pines? Start power with FPL and water with the city (owners open accounts), get a Florida license within 30 days and file homestead by March 1.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. This is an index for new residents: it links our detailed guides and adds the start-up steps they do not cover, each from the official source. City Hall information desk: 954-450-1060.
Welcome to Pembroke Pines. Most of what you need to set up comes from four places: FPL for electricity, the City of Pembroke Pines for water, sewer and trash, the Broward County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector for taxes and tags, and the state for your driver’s license.
Your first-month checklist
- Power: FPL, start, stop or move service
- Water and sewer: City Utilities Department, 954-518-9000; new residential account rules
- Alerts: sign up for Alert Pembroke Pines
- Driver’s license: within 30 days; vehicle title and registration: within 10 days, with Florida insurance
- Homestead exemption: by March 1 after the Jan. 1 you live in the home
- Voter registration: update with the Broward Supervisor of Elections
Utilities
| Service | Provider | How to start |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Florida Power & Light | FPL start, stop, move; outages 1-800-468-8243 |
| Water and sewer | City of Pembroke Pines Utilities Department | New residential utility account; Customer Service, 954-518-9000, Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.; 8300 S. Palm Drive |
| Trash and bulk pickup | City contractors Waste Pro (trash) and Eastern Waste Systems (bulk) | Billed with city utilities; see trash pickup |
| Natural gas | TECO Peoples Gas, where lines serve the address | Peoples Gas start service |
Water accounts are in the owner’s name. Under the city code, new residential utility accounts can be opened only in the property owner’s name, by the owner or a designated representative. The city asks for a signed Utility Service Contract Application, proof of ownership (a signed closing disclosure or settlement statement, the deed, a certificate of title or the Property Appraiser’s ownership page) and the owner’s photo ID. Someone signing for the owner, a business or a bank needs a notarized power of attorney. A security deposit is billed to the account; the city says not to pay it in advance. Renters: the account stays in the owner’s name, so ask your landlord how water is billed.
Water emergencies after hours: 954-986-5011. Curbside recycling is suspended citywide, so plan on a single trash cart; details on our trash page.
Internet
Check which companies serve your address on the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map. Providers that publish Pembroke Pines service pages include:
- Xfinity (Comcast): Pembroke Pines service page
- AT&T: Pembroke Pines service page
Driver’s license, title and tags
From the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ new resident page:
- Get a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident.
- Buy insurance from an agent licensed in Florida, then title and register your vehicles within 10 days of becoming a resident.
- Bring proof of Florida insurance, the original out-of-state title (or, if a lender holds it, the lender’s letter), and a VIN verification on HSMV form 82040 or 82042.
In Broward, tags and titles are handled by the Broward County Tax Collector; motor vehicle line 954-797-8733. Office addresses are on the Tax Collector’s locations page. The Tax Collector also brings its services to City Hall on some days, such as Monday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Taxes and homestead
If you buy a home and make it your permanent residence, file for the homestead exemption with the Broward County Property Appraiser. Florida decides residence as of Jan. 1. For the 2027 tax year the filing window runs to March 1, 2027. A sale resets the home’s assessed value, so your tax bill may be higher than the seller’s. Full details, including the city’s tax rate: property taxes.
Schools
Children are assigned to Broward County Public Schools by address; register at the school. The city also runs its own public charter schools, which you apply to separately. See our schools guide.
Pets
Broward County issues pet registration tags through Broward County Animal Care. The county asks evacuees to show a pet’s rabies certificate and current county registration tag at pet-friendly hurricane shelters, so get one before storm season. Lost or found pets in Pembroke Pines: the city says to call the Police Department, 954-431-2200, or Broward County Animal Control, 954-359-1313, ext. 9273.
Permits, voting and getting around
- Renovating or adding a fence? Fences need a permit in Pembroke Pines; see building permits and zoning.
- Voting: register or update your address with the Supervisor of Elections; see voting.
- Roads, transit and airports: see getting around.
- Hurricanes: know your shelter and evacuation rules; see hurricane prep.
- Power outages: see power outages.
- Who to call: see who to call at City Hall.
- Home values and the neighbors: see home prices and population.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up water service in Pembroke Pines?
Through the City of Pembroke Pines Utilities Department, 954-518-9000. New residential accounts can only be opened in the owner’s name by the owner or a designated representative, with a signed application, proof of ownership and photo ID.
Who provides electricity in Pembroke Pines?
Florida Power & Light. Start, stop or move service on FPL’s website; report outages at 1-800-468-8243.
How long do I have to get a Florida driver’s license after moving?
30 days from becoming a Florida resident. Vehicles must be titled and registered within 10 days, with Florida insurance, through the Broward County Tax Collector.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Broward County?
March 1. For the 2027 tax year, file with the Broward County Property Appraiser by March 1, 2027.
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