New in Town?

Government websites

Miami Dade County http://miamidade.gov/wps/portal/Main/home/!

Municipalities

Aventura

http://www.cityofaventura.com/

Bal Harbour

http://balharbourgov.com/

Bay Harbor isIands

http://www.bayharborislands.org/

Biscayne Park

http://biscaynepark.govoffice.com/

Coral Gables

http://www.coralgables.com/

Cutler Bay

http://www.cutlerbay-fl.gov/

Doral

http://www.cityofdoral.com/cityofdoral/

El Portal

http://www.elportalvillage.com/

Florida City

http://www.floridacityfl.us/

Golden Beach

http://www.goldenbeach.us/Pages/index

Hialeah  http://www.hialeahfl.gov/

Hialeah Gardens

http://www.cityofhialeahgardens.com/

Homestead

http://www.cityofhomestead.com/

Indian Creek

http://www.icvps.org/index.htm

Key Biscayne

http://www.keybiscayne.fl.gov/

Medley

http://www.townofmedley.com/index.php

Miami

http://www.miamigov.com/home/pages/default.asp

Miami Beach

http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/

Miami Gardens

http://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/

Miami Lakes

http://miamilakes-fl.gov/

Miami Shores

http://www.miamishoresvillage.com/

Miami Springs

http://www.miamisprings-fl.gov/

North Bay Village

http://www.nbvillage.com/

North Miami

http://www.northmiamifl.gov/

North Miami Beach

http://www.citynmb.com/

Opa Locka

http://www.opalockafl.gov/

Palmetto Bay

http://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/

Pinecrest

http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/

South Miami

http://www.cityofsouthmiami.net/

Sunny Isles Beach

http://www.sibfl.net/

Sweetwater

http://www.cityofsweetwater.fl.gov/

Virgina Gardens

http://www.virginiagardens-fl.gov/

Map Miami Dade County

http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/visitors/Miami-DadeCountyMap.pdf

Map of Miami Dade ZIP Codes

(Click map to enlarge)

Useful Information for New Residents

People have many reasons for moving to Miami including the sunny skies, diverse culture and interesting employment opportunities. No matter what the reasoning behind their moves, everyone runs into the same logistical challenges.

We hope these links & resources help you bypass the red tape and get your new life off to a smooth start.

Facts and History
Miami, located on Biscayne Bay in southeastern Florida, is the state's second-largest city (370,000) and the center of a large metropolitan area (nearly 1,000,000) that includes Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Named after a Native American word meaning "big water," Miami was founded in 1870 and quickly became (and still remains) one of America's top vacation spots. An influx of 250,000+ Cuban refugees in 1960 define the city a an bilingual melting pot.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12/12086.html

Household Recycling
Condos: http://www.miamidade.gov/dswm/apartments_condos.asp
Single family homes: http://www.miamidade.gov/dswm/new_curbside_recycling.asp

Hurricanes

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. Although the past few seasons have been relatively quiet, we should guard against complacency through preparation. By planning ahead, you help ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe and secure. You’ll also save yourself time, money and worry.
http://www.miamidade.gov/Hurricane/home.as

Miami Events, things to do, dining, reviews, discounts etc.
Miami Events Portal: http://www.miami.com

Miami Visitors Bureauhttp://www.miamiandbeaches.com/

Tripadvisor - Hotels & more reviews http://www.tripadvisor.com/
Yelp - Business reviews http://www.yelp.com/miami

Open Table - Restaurant reservations http://www.opentable.com

Urban Spoon - Restaurant reviews http://www.urbanspoon.com

Miami Beach IN Card - discounts http://www.miamibeachincard.com

Pet Owners - learn about the local Law

If you own a dog or cat in Miami-Dade County, you must comply with Miami-Dade County codes.

Pet Laws: http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/animals/pet_laws.asp

Dog Licenses:http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/animals/licenses.asp

Dog parks: http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/facility-dog-parks.asp

Property Taxes

http://www.miamidade.gov/pa/tax_estimator/TaxEstimator.asp?

Public School Student Registration

Parents should enroll school-age children as soon as they arrive. For initial entry into Miami-Dade County Public Schools, all students have the option of registering: (1) at a school on the basis of the actual residence of the parent or legal guardian in the attendance area of the school as approved by the Board, or (2) at a New Student Reception Center.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Telephone: 305-995-1334

Public Transportation

http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/

Toll Roads - Sun Pass

The SunPass is an innovative Prepaid Toll Program in South Florida that can be used to pay on most Florida toll roads.

http://mdxort.com/sunpass.php

Utility Services

Refuse/sewer/water services

Water service is provided by the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department.Homeowners, and possibly renters, need to establish a County utilities account for these services.

In South Florida, your electric power will be provided by Florida Power & Light. They provide an online system for opening or reopening your electric service account.Or apply for service by calling 305-442-8770/(TTY 800-432-6554)
To report a hazardous condition call 800-4OUTAGE (468-8243)

Vehicle Registration

New Florida residents must register their vehicles within 30 days after becoming a resident in Florida. You may title your vehicle in Florida and register for state license plates at Miami-Dade County Auto Tag Agency, 140 West Flagler Street #1203, Miami, Florida 33130. For complete details,

Miami-Dade County Auto Tag Agency

Telephone: 305-375-5678.

Getting Your First Drivers License in Florida

If you have never been issued a drivers license in any state or country, the state of Florida requires that you complete a First Time Driver education course.

http://www.dmvflorida.org/drivers-license.shtml

There are several Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Offices located throughout Miami-Dade County.

http://www.dmvflorida.org/dmv-offices.shtml

Telephone: 305-229-6333

Useful Smart Phone App's

Viber - Free local and international calls and Text messages to other Viber users

http://www.viber.com/

What's App Messenger - Free SMS and MMS to other what's app users

http://www.whatsapp.com/

Parking Pay by Phone - at designated Miami street Parking locations

http://paybyphone.com/