Florida Utilities Setup — 30 Questions Answered

Setting up utilities when you move to the Tampa Bay area is straightforward once you know which providers serve your address and what to expect. I walk my clients through this regularly, and these are the questions that come up most often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who provides electricity in the Tampa Bay area?

Tampa Electric (TECO) serves most of Hillsborough County including Tampa, Brandon, Valrico, and Riverview. Duke Energy serves Pinellas County, Pasco County, and parts of northern Hillsborough. Your provider is determined by your address, not by choice. Check the provider's website with your new address to confirm which one serves your home.

How do I set up electric service when I move?

Contact your provider (TECO or Duke Energy) at least a few business days before your move-in date to schedule service activation. You can set up service online, by phone, or through their apps. You'll need your Social Security number, a valid ID, and your new address. Most activations can be done remotely without a technician visit.

Is there a deposit required for electric service?

Both TECO and Duke Energy may require a deposit based on your credit history, typically $200 to $400. Good credit can waive or reduce the deposit. The deposit is refundable after 12 to 24 months of on-time payments. Some providers accept a letter of credit from your previous electric company in lieu of a deposit.

What's the average electric bill in Tampa Bay?

Average electric bills in Tampa Bay range from $150 to $250 per month, with summer being the most expensive due to air conditioning. A well-insulated home with a newer AC system will be on the lower end. Older homes with poor insulation or aging HVAC systems can see summer bills over $300. Energy-efficient upgrades pay for themselves quickly in Florida.

Why are summer electric bills so high?

Air conditioning drives the vast majority of your electric bill from May through October. Tampa summers average 90+ degrees with high humidity, meaning your AC runs most of the day. Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees instead of 72 can save 15 to 20 percent on your bill. Ceiling fans, window treatments, and proper insulation all help reduce cooling costs.

Who provides water and sewer service?

Water and sewer providers vary by location. Tampa Water Department serves the City of Tampa. Hillsborough County Water serves unincorporated areas like Brandon, Valrico, and Riverview. St. Pete has its own water utility. Some homes in rural areas use wells and septic systems instead of municipal water and sewer. Your closing documents or seller's disclosure will indicate which system serves the property.

How do I set up water service?

Contact the appropriate water utility for your area. City of Tampa residents go through the City of Tampa Water Department. Unincorporated Hillsborough County residents contact Hillsborough County Water Resources. You'll need identification, your new address, and may need to provide your closing statement as proof of ownership. Renters typically have water included or set it up through the landlord.

What's the average water and sewer bill?

Water and sewer bills in Tampa Bay typically run $60 to $120 per month for a single-family home. Usage-based billing means larger families or homes with irrigation systems pay more. Sewer charges are often calculated based on water usage. Some areas have reclaimed water available for irrigation at a lower rate, which can significantly reduce your overall water costs.

Is reclaimed water available for irrigation?

Many parts of Tampa Bay offer reclaimed water (treated wastewater) for lawn irrigation at a fraction of potable water costs. Not all neighborhoods have reclaimed water lines, so check with your local utility. If available, it's typically $10 to $30 per month for unlimited use, which is a great deal for keeping your lawn green. I always point out reclaimed water access to clients because it's a real money saver.

How does trash and recycling pickup work?

Trash and recycling pickup is handled by your municipality or county. Hillsborough County provides curbside trash and recycling collection, typically once a week for each. The City of Tampa has its own collection schedule. In many areas, you receive bins for trash and recycling. Collection day varies by neighborhood, and your utility setup information will include your schedule.

Is there a separate bill for trash pickup?

In some areas, trash pickup is included in your property taxes or a flat monthly utility fee. Other areas charge separately, typically $20 to $35 per month. Hillsborough County includes solid waste collection as part of the utility bill for unincorporated areas. Check with your specific municipality to understand how trash service is billed for your address.

What internet providers are available in Tampa Bay?

Spectrum (Charter) and Frontier (fiber) are the two primary internet providers in most of the Tampa Bay area. Availability depends on your specific address. T-Mobile Home Internet and other fixed wireless options are expanding. Xfinity (Comcast) serves some areas. Always check provider availability for your exact address before buying a home if internet quality is critical to you.

How do I choose the right internet plan?

For general use and streaming, 200 to 300 Mbps is plenty for most households. Remote workers doing video calls and large file transfers should consider 500 Mbps or higher. Fiber internet from Frontier offers the best speeds and reliability where available. If multiple people in your household work from home and stream simultaneously, go with the higher-tier plans. I cover internet options in more detail in a separate FAQ page.

What cable TV options are available?

Traditional cable from Spectrum or Frontier is available throughout most of the area. However, most people are moving to streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, and others. Antenna reception for local channels is generally strong in the Tampa Bay area. Before signing up for cable, consider whether a streaming package meets your needs at a lower cost.

How do I set up natural gas service?

Peoples Gas serves the natural gas needs in the Tampa Bay area where gas lines are available. Many Florida homes are all-electric and don't use natural gas. Some homes use propane tanks, especially in more rural areas. If your new home has natural gas appliances, contact Peoples Gas to transfer or start service. Gas service setup is similar to electric with potential deposit requirements.

What's the timeline for getting all utilities set up?

Start the process two to three weeks before your move-in date. Electric service can usually be activated within one to two business days. Water service may take two to five business days. Internet installation may require a technician visit and appointments book out one to two weeks. I recommend coordinating everything to be active the day before you move in so you're not without AC on move-in day.

Are there budget billing options for utilities?

Both TECO and Duke Energy offer budget billing that averages your annual usage into equal monthly payments. This smooths out the high summer bills and lower winter bills into a predictable amount. Your account is reconciled periodically based on actual usage. Budget billing is great for financial planning but doesn't reduce your total annual cost.

What's the average total monthly utility cost in Tampa Bay?

For a typical three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home, expect total monthly utilities of roughly $300 to $500 including electric, water, sewer, trash, and internet. Summer months push the total higher due to AC costs. Newer homes with better insulation and efficient HVAC systems trend toward the lower end. Condo and townhome utilities are often lower due to smaller square footage.

Do I need to worry about power outages?

Occasional power outages happen during severe thunderstorms and hurricanes. TECO and Duke Energy have improved their infrastructure significantly, but outages during major storms are still expected. A whole-home generator or portable generator provides peace of mind. Surge protectors are important because lightning-related power surges can damage electronics.

Should I consider a whole-home generator?

If you work from home, have medical equipment needs, or simply don't want to deal with post-storm outages, a whole-home generator is worth considering. Installation costs range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the size and fuel type. They add value to the home at resale. Many of my clients in hurricane-prone areas invest in generators shortly after moving in.

What about solar panels in Tampa Bay?

Tampa Bay gets excellent sun exposure, making solar panels a viable investment. The payback period is typically 8 to 12 years depending on system size, energy usage, and available incentives. TECO and Duke Energy have net metering programs that credit you for excess energy production. Solar panels can also increase your home's resale value. Get multiple quotes and understand the financing options before committing.

How do I transfer utilities when buying a home?

Coordinate with your REALTOR and closing agent on the exact closing date. Set up new service to start on your closing date, and the seller should cancel their service on the same date. This prevents any gap in service. I help my clients manage this timeline so nothing falls through the cracks. Keeping a checklist of every utility to transfer or activate is essential.

What's the water quality like in Tampa Bay?

Tampa Bay water is treated and safe to drink, though some areas have harder water with a noticeable mineral taste. Many homeowners install whole-house water softeners and under-sink filtration systems. Water quality reports are published annually by each water utility. A quality water softener and filter system costs $1,500 to $3,000 installed and makes a real difference in water taste.

Do homes in Tampa Bay have well water or city water?

Most homes within city limits and suburban subdivisions are on city or county water. Homes in more rural areas, particularly east of I-75, may use private wells. Well water requires periodic testing, and homeowners are responsible for their own well maintenance. During the buying process, the property disclosure will indicate whether the home is on city water or well.

Are there any utility costs specific to Florida that I might not expect?

Flood insurance is not technically a utility but surprises many newcomers. If your home is in a flood zone, your mortgage lender will require flood insurance, which can cost $500 to $3,000+ annually. Even outside flood zones, it's recommended. Hurricane shutters, impact windows, and generator fuel are other Florida-specific costs to budget for.

How reliable is the electric grid during hurricanes?

Extended power outages lasting several days are possible during major hurricanes. TECO and Duke Energy stage restoration crews and typically restore power to most areas within three to seven days after a major storm. Priority goes to hospitals, fire stations, and main power lines first. Having a plan for 72+ hours without power is standard hurricane preparation in Florida.

Do I need to set up a separate irrigation meter?

If your property has an in-ground sprinkler system connected to potable water, a separate irrigation meter can save you money because you won't be charged sewer fees on irrigation water. The installation cost varies, but the savings can be significant for larger properties. If you have access to reclaimed water, a separate irrigation meter isn't necessary.

What happens to my utilities if I leave town for the summer?

Many snowbirds and seasonal residents adjust their thermostat to 82 to 85 degrees while away to prevent mold growth. Never turn your AC completely off in Florida because humidity will cause mold and damage. Some utilities offer vacation rates or you can simply set your thermostat higher. Have someone check the house periodically to ensure the AC is running.

How do I dispute a high utility bill?

Contact your utility provider directly and request a usage review. They can check your meter for errors and compare your usage against historical patterns. Sudden spikes often indicate a water leak, malfunctioning AC system, or faulty meter. TECO and Duke Energy both have energy audit programs that can help identify why your bills are high.

What utility information should I ask about when buying a home?

Ask for 12 months of utility bills from the seller to understand seasonal costs. Check which providers serve the address. Verify whether the home has city water or well, city sewer or septic, and whether reclaimed water is available. Ask about the age of the HVAC system, water heater, and insulation quality. I make sure my clients have all this information before making an offer because utility costs are a real part of your monthly housing expense.