Article Sponsored by Moooving Crew, Inc. 

Known for its beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, and laid-back lifestyle, this Southwest Florida gem has plenty to offer new residents. But before you can fully enjoy paradise, you’ll need to take care of a few essential move-in tasks. 

This comprehensive Bonita Springs new resident guide covers everything from setting up utilities to registering your vehicle and getting your Florida driver’s license, so you can transition smoothly into your new home.

Setting Up Utilities in Bonita Springs

One of your priorities after moving should be getting your utilities connected. Here’s what you need to know:

Electricity (Florida Power & Light): Set up service at fpl.com or call their customer service line. You can schedule service within 1 to 2 business days. Expect a deposit between $0 and $300 based on your credit history. Pro tip: Set up your account a few days before moving to ensure the AC is running when you arrive!

Water and Sewer: Contact Lee County Utilities at leegov.com/utilities or the City of Bonita Springs, depending on your address. New accounts typically require a $100 to $150 deposit. Water bills usually include trash and recycling services.

Natural Gas (TECO Peoples Gas): Not all Bonita Springs neighborhoods have natural gas access. Visit peoplesgas.com to check availability at your address. If available, expect a $75 to $150 deposit for new customers.

Trash and Recycling: Most residents receive service through their water provider. If a separate setup is needed, contact Waste Management at wm.com. Pickup schedules vary by neighborhood, typically once weekly for trash and once for recycling.

Internet and Cable Providers

Bonita Springs offers several high-speed internet options to keep you connected:

Xfinity/Comcast: The most widely available provider, offering cable internet with speeds up to 1.2 Gbps. Great for families needing bundled TV and phone services, though contracts are typically required.

AT&T Fiber: Available in select neighborhoods with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. Excellent for remote workers and gamers, but availability is limited.

Spectrum: Known for no contracts and straightforward pricing. Offers speeds up to 1 Gbps with no data caps, perfect for those wanting flexibility.

CenturyLink: Provides both fiber and DSL internet depending on location. Some plans include Price for Life guarantees.

Compare all available providers at your specific address using allconnect.com to find the best deal for your needs.

Florida Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration

Florida law requires new residents to obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency and register vehicles within 10 days. Here’s what you need to know:

Getting Your Florida Driver’s License

What you’ll need:

• Proof of identity (U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or valid driver’s license)
• Social Security card or document showing your SSN
• Two proofs of Florida residential address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement)
• Your out-of-state driver’s license (if applicable)
• $48 fee (subject to change)

The process: Make an appointment at leetc.com to visit a Lee County Tax Collector office. The Bonita Springs Service Center is located at 25987 S Tamiami Trail. Bring all required documents, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. You’ll receive a temporary paper license while your permanent one arrives by mail in 2 to 3 weeks.

Pro tip: Book your appointment as soon as you know your move-in date. Peak season (November through April) can mean wait times of several weeks.

Registering Your Vehicle

What you’ll need:

• Out-of-state vehicle title (must be in your name)
• Proof of Florida auto insurance meeting state minimums
• Completed VIN verification form (done at Tax Collector office)
• Valid Florida driver’s license or ID
• Registration fees (typically $200 to $400 including title transfer)

The process: Get a free VIN verification at any Lee County Tax Collector office (takes about 5 minutes), provide all documents, pay fees, and receive your Florida license plate immediately. Remove your old plates and return them to your previous state if required.

Important: Florida requires only VIN verification, not annual emissions or safety inspections.

Voter Registration in Lee County

Register to vote online at Lee Vote using your Florida driver’s license or ID number and Social Security number. You can also register in person or by mail. Register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote.

When you update your address with the DMV, you’ll have the option to register to vote simultaneously.

Schools and Education

Families moving to Bonita Springs should explore educational options through the Lee County School District at leeschools.net. Use their boundary tool to determine which schools your children are zoned for.

Notable public schools:

• Bonita Springs High School
• Bonita Springs Middle School
• Bonita Springs Elementary School
• Three Oaks Elementary School

Enrollment requirements:

• Original birth certificate
• Current immunization records
• Two proofs of Lee County residence
• Previous school records (if applicable)

Private school options:

• St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
• Bonita Springs Baptist Academy
• Several Montessori schools and early learning centers

Start private school applications early, as many have limited spots and waitlists.

Healthcare and Medical Services

Setting up healthcare providers should be a priority after your move.

Major healthcare systems:

Lee Health operates several facilities near Bonita Springs, including Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers and convenient care walk-in clinics throughout the area. NCH Healthcare System, based in Naples, also serves Bonita Springs residents.

Finding doctors: Ask neighbors for recommendations, check your insurance provider’s directory, or use platforms like Zocdoc to find local physicians. Popular dentist locations include Bonita Dental Care and Pelican Landing Dental.

Urgent care and pharmacies: CareNow Urgent Care has multiple Bonita Springs locations. Local pharmacies include CVS, Walgreens, Publix Pharmacy, and Winn-Dixie throughout the area.

Pro tip: Establish relationships with a primary care physician and dentist soon after moving, rather than waiting for an urgent need.

Financial Setup and Important Updates

Banking Options

While you can keep your current bank, having a local branch can be convenient. Banks with Bonita Springs locations include Chase, Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, and Wells Fargo. Credit unions like Suncoast Credit Union (Florida’s largest) offer local membership.

Update Your Address

Don’t forget to update your address with banks, credit cards, insurance providers, employers, Social Security Administration, IRS (Form 8822), USPS, and subscription services.

Florida Homestead Exemption

If you purchased a home in Bonita Springs, apply for the homestead exemption at leepa.org by March 1. This can save up to $50,000 on your property’s assessed value for tax purposes. You must own the property as of January 1 and make it your permanent residence.

Additional exemptions exist for seniors (65 and older), disabled persons, veterans, and active military.

Other Essential Setup Tasks

Library Card: Visit Bonita Springs Public Library at 26876 Pine Ave with your Florida driver’s license showing your local address. Library cards are free for Lee County residents and provide access to books, e-books, computers, and community programs.

HOA Registration: If your home is in a homeowners association, register by providing resident contact information, vehicle details, and reviewing community rules. Set up HOA dues payment promptly.

Pet Licensing: Lee County requires all dogs and cats to be licensed. Visit Lee County Domestic Animal Services website with proof of current rabies vaccination. Fees are $15 for spayed/neutered pets and $25 for unaltered pets.

Beach Parking Permits: Some Bonita Springs beach areas offer resident parking permits at discounted rates. Check with the City of Bonita Springs for details.

Making Your Transition Smooth

Moving to a new city involves countless details, but taking care of these essentials systematically will help you settle in quickly. Bonita Springs is a welcoming community where neighbors and local businesses are happy to help newcomers.

Recommended timeline:

Before moving: Set up utilities, research internet providers, and make DMV appointments

First week: Unpack essentials, explore your neighborhood, locate grocery stores and pharmacies

First month: Get Florida driver’s license, register vehicle, update addresses, find doctors

First three months: Apply for homestead exemption (if applicable), join community groups, establish routines

Once you’ve handled these logistics, you’ll have more time to enjoy everything this coastal paradise offers. Discover the best beaches, restaurants, and activities in our complete guide to living in Bonita Springs, FL.