FOR NEWCOMERS TO THE FLORIDA KEYS
IMPORTANT! YOU MUST CALL THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY DIRECTLY FOR SERVICES AS THEY REQUIRE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
I. ESTABLISHING SERVICE TO YOUR PROPERTY
1. ELECTRIC SERVICE
Lower Keys and Key West (West of the 7 Mile Bridge)
Keys Energy Service (305) 295-1000 – Fax 305-295-1085 www.keysenergy.com
1. Key West: 1001 James Street (305) 295-1000
Middle and Upper Keys (East of the 7 Mile Bridge)
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative - www.fkec.com
1. Middle Keys - Marathon: 3421 Overseas Hwy, MM 48.8 (305) 743-5344
2. Upper Keys - Tavernier: 91630 Overseas Hwy, MM 91.5 (305)852-2431
Items you will need for the electric service:
1. Visit the office BEFORE 3 PM for the same day service
2. Driver’s license
3. Social Security Number
4. Deposit
5. If rental unit bring a copy of the lease
2. WATER SERVICE
Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) – www.fkaa.com
Office Locations:
1. Lower Keys: Key West: 1100 Kennedy Drive (305) 296-2454, Fax 296-3346
2. Middle Keys: Marathon: 3200 Overseas Hwy (305) 289-6161
3. Upper Keys: Tavernier: 91620 Overseas Hwy (305) 853-1999
Items you will need for water service:
1. On the day of closing, no sooner, and BEFORE 4 PM, have your attorney or title fax a copy of the
Warranty Deed to your property to FKAA to ensure water service that day
2. Driver’s license
3. Social Security Number
4. Deposit
5. If rental unit – bring a copy of the lease.
3. CABLE, INTERNET, TELEPHONE & WIRELESS SERVICE
A T & T & U verse https://www.att.com/
1. 1-800-331-0500 OR 866-915-6188
Comcast- XFINITY www.comcast.com
1. 1-800-266-2278 OR (305) 292-8376
GARBAGE SERVICE
Lower Keys and Key West
Waste Management Garbage Collection
US HWY 1, Rockland Key (305) 296-8297
City of Marathon, Duck Key and Conch Key
Marathon Garbage Service
4290 ½ Overseas Hwy (305) 743-5165
Upper Keys – Long Key, North and Key Largo
Keys Sanitary Service
300 Central Ave (305) 451-2025
II. ADDITIONAL HELPFUL SERVICES INFORMATION
1. POST OFFICES
Post Office locations:
1. Marathon: 5171 Overseas Hwy (305) 743-5238
2. Key Colony Beach: City Hall (305) 743-2249
3. Key West: 400 Whitehead St 1-800-ASK-USPS
4. Key Largo: 100100 Overseas Hwy (305) 743-2249
5. Long Key: 68340 US Hwy 1, Layton (305) 664-4112
6. Islamorada: 82803 Overseas Hwy (305) 664-4738
7. Tavernier: 91200 Overseas Hwy (305) 853-1230
8. Big Pine: 29959 Overseas Hwy (305) 872-2531
9. Summerland Key: 24700 Overseas Hwy (305) 745-3391
2. LOCAL HOSPITALS
Hospital Locations:
1. Key West: Lower Keys Medical Center, 5900 College Rd (305) 294-5531
2. Marathon: Fisherman’s Hospital, 3301 overseas Hwy (305) 743-5533
3. Tavernier: Mariners Hospital, MM 91.5 (305) 852-4418
3. LIBRARIES
Monroe County Main Library Branch Locations:
1. Key West: 700 Fleming Street (305) 292-3595
2. Big Pine: 213 Key Deer Bvld (305) 872-0992
3. Marathon: 3251 Overseas Hwy (305) 743-5156
4. Key Largo 101485 Overseas Hwy MM 101.5 (305) 451-2396
5. Islamorada: 81830 Overseas Hwy MM 81.5 on Bay side (305) 664-4645
4. VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Monroe County Tax Collector’s office – http://www.monroetaxcollector.com/ New residents must register their vehicles and obtain Florida license tags within 30 days of establishing residency or by the day they begin work or by the time they register their children in school.
Office Locations:
1. Key West: 1200 Truman Ave (305) 295-5010
3439 S. Roosevelt Bvld
2. Big Pine: Big Pine Shopping Center (305) 295-5000
3. Marathon: 3101 Overseas Hwy, M 48.5 (305) 295-5000
4. Key Largo: 101463 Overseas Highway MM 101.5 (305) 295-5000
5. Plantation: 88800 Overseas Hwy (305) 295-5000
Items you will need:
1. Proof of vehicle ownership
2. Proof of Insurance
3. Previous out-of-state title and registration
4. A state form that includes the vehicle registration number and odometer reading
5. Valid driver’s license and a second form of personal identification
6. The vehicle you are registering
5. BOAT REGISTRATION
Monroe County Tax Collector’s office – http://www.monroetaxcollector.com/
Registration is required on all boats with motors regardless of size. A valid out-of-state registration of any pleasure craft is recognized for up to 90 days in Florida. After that, Florida registration is required. Fees vary according to the length of the boat.
Office Locations:
1. Key West: 1200 Truman Ave (305) 295-5000
3439 S. Roosevelt Bvld
2. Big Pine: Big Pine Shopping Center (305) 295-5000
3. Marathon: 3101 Overseas Hwy, MM 48.5 (305) 295-5000
4. Key Largo: 101463 Overseas Hwy, MM 101.5 (305) 295-5000
5. Plantation: 88800 Overseas Hwy (305) 295-5000
Items you will need:
1. Title and/or registration
2. Valid driver’s license and a second from of personal identification
3. Bill of sale if owned less than 6 months
6. OBTAINING A FLORIDA DRIVER’S LICENSE
Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office – http://www.monroetaxcollector.com
1. New residents are required to pass only a visual examination if they have a valid river’s license from another state – an appointment is recommended.
2. A new license costs $54.25 and is valid for 8 years; License renewal is $54.25.
Replacement is $31.25
3. Drivers must be at least 16 y.o. to qualify for a driver’s license and 15 y.o. to get
a restricted operators permit
Office Locations:
1. Key West: 3439 S. Roosevelt Bvld (305) 293-6338
2. Big Pine: 201 Key Deer Bvld (305) 872-3652
3. Marathon: 3380 Overseas Hwy (305) 289-2306
4. Key Largo: Trade Winds Plaza, MM 101 (305) 853-3562
Items to bring:
1. Your valid out-of-state driver’s license
2. US Birth Certificate or US Passport
3. SS# Proof
4. 2 Proof of Resident address-utility bill or voter’s registration card
7. OBTAINING A FLORIDA VOTER REGISTRATION CARD
You may register at any library or Sheriff’s Office in Monroe County or at the Supervisor of Elections Office
at 530 Whitehead St, Key West, FL. 305-292-3416
Voter’s Registration availableApplication available on line at www.keyselections.org
Must be a resident of Monroe County – FL Drivers License or SS#
8. SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
1. Monroe County School District - www.monroe.k12.fl.us or http://keysschools.schoolfusion.us/
Main Office, 241 Trumbo Road, Key West (305) 293-1400
2. Florida Keys Community College – http://www.fkcc.cc/
Main Office, 5901 College Rd, Key West (305) 296-9081
9. FISHING AND HUNTING LICENSE INFORMATION
Licenses are available from Monroe County Tax collector’s offices or substances ranging from bait shops to department store such as Kmart. For further information, call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (305) 289-2330
Office Locations:
1. Key West: 3439 S. Roosevelt Bvld (305) 293-6338
2. 1200 Truman Ave (305) 295-5010
3. Big Pine: 201 Key Deer Bvld (305) 872-3652
4. Marathon: 3380 Overseas Hwy (305) 289-2306
5. Key Largo: Trade Winds Plaza, MM 101 (305) 853-3562
10. CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICES http://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/
Local City Offices:
1. Marathon City Hall – http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/ 1045-55 Overseas Hwy (305) 743-0033
2. Key West – (305) 809-3700
3. Village of Islands Islamorada – http://www/islamorada.fl.us/ 8700 Overseas Hwy (305) 664-6412
4. Layton – PO Box 778 (305) 664-4667 (open Fridays)
11. COUNTY GOVERNMENT OFFICES
1. Monroe County Government Center – http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/
Key West: 1100 Simonton St (The Gato Bldg) (305) 292-4441
2. Monroe Count Growth Management Division - http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/
Marathon: 490 63rd St Suite 140 (305) 289-2517
A. Code Enforcement – http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/
Lower Keys Key West: 5503 College Road Suite 254 (305) 292-4495
Middle Keys: Marathon: Government Ctr. 2798 Overseas Hwy Suite 330 (305) 289-2810
Upper Keys: Tavernier: Plantation Key Gvt Ctr 88820 Overseas Hwy (305) 852-8135
B. Planning and Environmental Resources – http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/
Middle keys: Marathon: 2798 Overseas Hwy Suite 400 (305) 289-2500
Upper Keys: Tavernier: 88800 Overseas Hwy (305) 852-7100
C. Building Department – http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/
Lower Keys: Key West: 5503 College Rd Juvenile Justice Bldg, Rm 2030 (305) 295-3990
Middle Keys: Marathon: 2798 Overseas Hwy Suite 300 (305) 289-2501
Upper Keys: Plantation Key: 88820 Overseas Hwy (305) 852-1469
3. Monroe County Clerk’s Office – http://www.clerk-of-the-court.com/
Lower Keys: Key West: 500 Whitehead Street (305) 3130
4. Monroe County Property Appraiser – http://www.mcpafl.org/
Homestead Exemption: To qualify for homestead exemption for the first time, each person must have legal title
to the his property, as recorded in the official records of Monroe County, and who resides thereon and in good faith
make the same his permanent residence or the permanent residence of another or other legally or naturally
dependent upon such person. Each person must reside on the property, have legal title and provide proof of
residency as January 1st of the year that they are applying. Property owners can pre-file for homestead exemption.
The deadline for filing for the upcoming year is March 1.
Lower Keys: Key West: Old Courthouse 500 Whitehead Street – rear of bldg
(305) 292-3420
Middle Keys: Marathon: Gov’t Center MM 48, 2798 Overseas Hwy Suite 310
(305) 289-2550
Upper Keys: Plantation Key: Jerry Ellis Bldg MM 88.7 Tavernier: (305) 852-7130
Bring the following documents to prove ownership and Florida residency dated prior to January 1st
of the year in which you plan to file:
1. Deed as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County
2. Voter Registration Card or Declaration of Domicile
3. Florida driver’s license
4. Florida vehicle registration
5. Social Security number
6. Mobile home owners must bring the title(s) for the mobile home
When filing for homestead exemption, additional information will be requested from you:
1. Address on last income tax return
2. Current employer(s) of owners
3. Date of each owner’s permanent Florida residence
4. Date of Occupancy
5. Exemptions filed last year (yes/no)
6. present address of co-owner not residing on property
12. STATE GOVERNMENT
State of Florida Government – http://www.stateofflorida.com/
Find an Agency http://www.myflorida.com/directory/
13. LAW ENFORCEMENT
1. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office – http://www.keysso.net/
Lower Keys:
Key West – 5525 College Road (305) 292-7000 Emergency 911
Cudjoe Key – Substation 20950 Overseas Hwy Non Emergency (305) 745-3184
Middle Keys: Marathon Substation 3103 Overseas Hwy (305) 289-2430
Upper Keys:
Islamorada – Islamorada Sheriffs District 87000 Overseas Hwy (305) 853-7021
Tavernier – Spottswood Substation, Plantation Key 88770 Overseas Hwy (305) 853-3211
2. City Police Departments
Key West: 1604 N. Roosevelt Bvld 9305) 809-1111
3. Florida Highway Patrol
1-800-240-0453
1. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
1-888-404-FWCC or (305) 289-2330
14. KEYS AIRPORTS
Local Airports;
1. Key West International Airport: (305) 296-5439
15. LOCAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICES
Local Chamber Offices:
1. Greater Key West Chamber: (305) 292-2587
2. Big Pine & Lower Keys: (305) 872-2411
3. Greater Marathon Chamber: (305) 743-5417
4. Islamorada Chamber: (305) 664-4503
5. Key Largo Chamber: (305) 451-1414
16. HURRICANE AND SEVERE WEATHER PREPARTION INFO
Contact:
1. Monroe County Emergency Management
490 63rd St Oceanside Suite 150 Marathon; (305) 289-6018
2. National Hurricane Center – http://www/nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnhc.shtml
3. For up-to-date emergency and weather related information tune into:
a. Local radio 104.1
b. Cable TV, channel 16 and 52
c. NOAA weather radio:
162.550 - Miami 162.400 – Key West 162.450 – Islamorada
4. Check your local BellSouth Real Yellow Pages phone book in the community Information section
for detailed information on hurricane/severe weather preparedness.
17. NEWSPAPERS
Office Locations:
1. The Florida Keys Keynoter: 3015 Overseas Hwy Marathon (305) 743-5551
2. The Key West Keynoter: 2720-A N. Roosevelt Key West (305) 296-6989
3. The Key West Citizen: 3420 Northside Dr Key West; in Key West call (305) 292-7777 ext 3, on Marathon call (305) 743-8766
4. Keysnews.com: Florida Keys only daily online news
5. The Barometer – Big Pine (305) 872-0106