New Resident Guide
Your Kissimmee move-in checklist
The practical first-month list: utilities, paperwork, and the local quirks worth knowing, with links straight to the official sources.
Home/New Resident Guide
Set up electric service
KUA serves the Kissimmee area; Duke Energy and St. Cloud's municipal utility serve other parts of the county, so confirm the provider for your exact address. Start with Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) (407-933-9800).
Water & trash
Water: Toho Water Authority for most of the Kissimmee / St. Cloud area. See the water authority. Trash and recycling: City service in Kissimmee and St. Cloud; county franchise elsewhere. Your closing or lease paperwork usually names the exact providers; when in doubt, ask Osceola County Government.
Internet
Spectrum and AT&T Fiber are the most common providers. Availability is address-specific, so run each provider's address check before scheduling installation.
Florida driver license & vehicle registration
New residents have 30 days to get a Florida driver license and 10 days to register vehicles once employed or enrolled. Start at FLHSMV; local service is through the Osceola County Tax Collector.
Register to vote
Update your registration at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.
File for the homestead exemption
Florida's homestead exemption can reduce your home's taxable value by up to $50,000. File with the county property appraiser by March 1. File with the Osceola County Property Appraiser. More on the cost-of-living page.
Verify your schools
Assignments can differ street by street. Verify any address with School District of Osceola County before you commit. More on the schools page.
Get storm ready
Florida living includes hurricane season. Start with the Storm Ready page — live alerts, the kit, shelters, and pets.
Good to know
Kissimmee questions
What is the Florida homestead exemption and when do I file?
Florida's homestead exemption can reduce your home's taxable value by up to $50,000. File with the county property appraiser by March 1. In Osceola County you file with the Osceola County Property Appraiser.
How do I find out which schools serve my address?
School assignments are set by School District of Osceola County and can differ street by street, so never rely on a listing or hearsay. Use the district's official address-lookup tools to verify before you commit to a home.
Which electric company will I have?
KUA serves the Kissimmee area; Duke Energy and St. Cloud's municipal utility serve other parts of the county, so confirm the provider for your exact address.
What is Lake Toho known for?
Lake Tohopekaliga (locals say Lake Toho) is nationally known for trophy bass fishing and hosts major tournaments. The city's Lakefront Park sits on its shore with a marina, playgrounds, and event space.