New to Tampa? Start water with the city, power with TECO and gas with Peoples Gas, transfer your license and tag, file homestead by March 1 and tag your pets.
Last checked Oct. 10, 2026. This page links to the official start-service and registration pages and to our own guides. Sources include the City of Tampa’s New Residents page and the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s new resident page.
Welcome to Tampa. Here is the short list of what to set up, with the official link for each and our longer guides where you need detail. Tampa is in Hillsborough County; some homes with a Tampa mailing address are outside the city limits, and they get some services, such as trash, from the county instead.
First numbers to save
- City of Tampa utilities (water, sewer, trash): 813-274-8811
- City Hall: 813-274-8211
- Police non-emergency: 813-231-6130
- Hillsborough County Tax Collector (license, tag, taxes): 813-635-5200
- Call before you dig: 811
Is my address in the city?
Check with the city’s address map. In the city, trash, water and zoning are city services; outside it, the county or another provider handles them.
Utilities
| Service | Provider | Start service |
|---|---|---|
| Water, wastewater and trash | City of Tampa Utilities | Start Utility Service form or 813-274-8811 |
| Electricity | Tampa Electric (TECO) | New Customer Center; customer care 888-223-0800 |
| Natural gas | TECO Peoples Gas | Start service; 877-832-6747 |
The city lists TECO and Peoples Gas as the non-city gas and electric providers on its utilities guide. The city warned customers on Oct. 8 about a bill-payment scam; verify any call about your account at utilities.tampa.gov or 813-274-8811.
Internet: providers vary by street. Look up your address on the FCC’s National Broadband Map, which lists every provider that reports service there, then sign up on that provider’s site. Frontier, for example, publishes a Tampa service page.
Trash and recycling
Garbage goes twice a week and recycling once, with one free bulk pickup a year. Look up your days and the rules in our trash and recycling guide. New Tampa is served by the county, 813-272-5680.
Driver’s license and vehicle tag
Both are done at the Hillsborough County Tax Collector, which runs the driver license and tag offices here. From its new resident page:
- Driver’s license: gather your Real ID documents, then visit an office and pass a vision test. Appointments are optional for a transfer but save time; book one here. Since Feb. 6, 2026, Florida’s knowledge and driving tests are given in English only.
- Vehicle title and registration: bring the out-of-state title (or lien documents), ID for each owner, proof of Florida personal injury protection and property damage insurance, and the vehicle itself for a VIN verification. Florida sales tax is due, with credit for a like tax paid in another state.
Property taxes and homestead
If you bought a home to live in, file for the homestead exemption by March 1 with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. Bills arrive in November; paying that month earns a 4% discount. Details in our property tax guide.
Schools
Public schools are run by Hillsborough County Public Schools, 813-272-4000. Check your zoned school and the enrollment checklist in our schools guide.
Voting
Register or update your address at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. The deadline for the Nov. 3 election has passed. See our voting guide.
Pets
Hillsborough County requires a pet registration tag for every dog, cat and ferret 4 months or older. Buy it online, from any veterinarian in the county, or at the Pet Resource Center, 440 N. Falkenburg Road, with a current rabies certificate. Tags can last up to three years.
Permits and parking
- Planning a roof, pool or remodel? See building permits and zoning.
- Some neighborhoods use residential parking permits.
Before your first storm season
Look up your evacuation zone, sign up for Alert Tampa and read our hurricane prep guide and power outage guide.
What this means for you
- Day one: water with the city, power with TECO, gas with Peoples Gas.
- Soon after you arrive: license, tag and pet tags.
- By March 1: homestead exemption.
- Bookmark who to call at City Hall and getting around Tampa.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up water service in Tampa?
Use the City of Tampa’s Start Utility Service form or call the Utilities Call Center at 813-274-8811. The city bill covers water, wastewater and trash for city customers.
Who provides electricity in Tampa?
Tampa Electric (TECO). Start service through TECO’s New Customer Center online; TECO customer care is 888-223-0800.
How do I transfer my driver’s license and car registration to Florida in Tampa?
Both are handled by the Hillsborough County Tax Collector. For the license, bring Real ID documents and pass a vision test. For the car, bring the out-of-state title, proof of Florida PIP and property damage insurance, ID and the vehicle for a VIN check.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Hillsborough County?
March 1. You must own and live in the home as your permanent residence on Jan. 1 of the tax year.
Do I need to register my dog or cat in Tampa?
Yes. Hillsborough County requires a pet registration tag for every dog, cat and ferret 4 months or older. Buy one online, at any county vet or at the Pet Resource Center.
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