Useful Information for New Residents

People relocate to Miami for many reasons: sunny skies, diverse culture, and interesting employment opportunities, to name a few. No matter what the reasoning behind the moves, everyone runs into the same logistical challenges. 

We hope these links & resources help you bypass the red tape and get your new life off to a smooth start.

Facts and History

Miami, located on Biscayne Bay in southeastern Florida, is the state's second-largest city (+400,000) and the center of a large metropolitan area (with nearly 5,500,000 inhabitants) that includes Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Named after a Native American word meaning "big water," Miami was founded in 1870 and quickly became (and still remains) one of America's top vacation spots. An influx of 250,000+ Cuban refugees in 1960 define the city a an bilingual melting pot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami

Beginner's Guide to Getting Around Miami - Street System Explained

www.census.go/quickfacts/fl

http://www.miaminewtimes

GIPA- German International Parents Association

GIPA is a non-profit parent organization for the German language programs at schools in Miami.

www.gipa.org

Household Recycling

Condos:

http://www.miamidade.gov/dswm/apartments_condos.asp

Single family homes:

http://www.miamidade.gov/dswm/new_curbside_recycling.asp

Hurricanes

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. Although the past few seasons have been relatively quiet, we should guard against complacency through preparation. By planning ahead, you help ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe and secure. You’ll also save yourself time, money and worry.

Official Miami Dade Hurricane guide

Web: http://www.miamidade.gov/Hurricane/

Web: www.nhc.noaa.gov

Miami Events, things to do, dining, reviews, discounts etc.

Miami Events Portal: http://www.miami.com

Miami Visitors Bureau: http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/

Tripadvisor - Hotels & more, reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/

Yelp - Business reviews: http://www.yelp.com/miami

Open Table - Restaurant reservations: http://www.opentable.com

Urban Spoon - Restaurant reviews: http://www.urbanspoon.com

Miami Beach IN Card - discounts: www.miami-info.com/miami-beach-incard.php

MiMo - learn more about Miami's modernist architecture

http://www.mimoonthebeach.com/mimo101.html

Beach Rules and Info

http://www.miamibeachfl.gov

US Holidays

Learn more about holidays celebrated in America, such as New Year's Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving etc.

http://www.usa.gov/citizens/holidays

Pet Owners - learn about the local Law

If you own a dog or cat in Miami-Dade County, you must comply with Miami-Dade County codes.

Pet Laws: www.miamidade.gov/animals/pet-laws.asp

Dog Licenses: http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/licenses-certificates.asp

Dog parks: http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/facility-dog-parks.asp

Property Taxes

http://www8.miamidade.gov/Apps/PA/PAOnlineTools/Taxes/taxestimator.aspx

Public School Student Registration

Parents should enroll school-age children as soon as they arrive. For initial entry into Miami-Dade County Public Schools, all students have the option of registering: (1) at a school on the basis of the actual residence of the parent or legal guardian in the attendance area of the school as approved by the Board, or (2) at a New Student Reception Center.

www.dadeschools.net

www.greatschools.org

www.conservatoryprep.org A college-prep school in Davie, Florida integrating the arts with problem-based learning

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Telephone: 305-995-1334

Telephone: 305-995-1000

Telephone: 305-995-1102

Public Transportation

http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/

Toll Roads - Sun Pass

The SunPass is an innovative Prepaid Toll Program in South Florida that can be used to pay on most Florida toll roads.

www.sunpass.com

Utility Services

Refuse/sewer/water services

Water service is provided by the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department. Homeowners, and possibly renters, need to establish a County utilities account for these services.

In South Florida, your electric power will be provided by Florida Power & Light. They provide an online system for opening or reopening your electric service account.Or apply for service by calling 305-442-8770/(TTY 800-432-6554)

To report a hazardous condition call 800-4OUTAGE (468-8243)

Vehicle Registration

New Florida residents must register their vehicles within 30 days after becoming a resident in Florida. You may title your vehicle in Florida and register for state license plates at a Miami-Dade County Auto Tag Agency.

http://www.miamidade.gov

Getting Your First Drivers License in Florida

If you have never been issued a drivers license in any state or country, the state of Florida requires that you complete a First Time Driver education course.

http://www.dmvflorida.org/drivers-license.shtml

There are several Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Offices located throughout Miami-Dade County.

http://www.dmvflorida.org/dmv-offices.shtml

Telephone: 305-229-6333

Useful Android and iPhone Apps

Here are some great mobile apps that make it easy to text and call for free, find parking, get flight info or search for places in the city to dine, shop or catch a show and much more

Viber - Free local and international calls and Text messages to other Viber users

http://www.viber.com/

What's App Messenger - Free SMS and MMS to other what's app users

http://www.whatsapp.com/

Parking Pay by Phone - at designated Miami street Parking locations

http://paybyphone.com/

Tripadvisor - Hotels, travel & Holiday reviews

http://www.tripadvisor.com/MobileApps

Open Table - Restaurant reservations & reviews on the go

http://www.opentable.com/mobile/

Yelp - Business reviews by real people

http://www.yelp.com/yelpmobile

City of Coral Gables Gov.

http://www.coralgables.com

City of Miami Beach Gov.

http://www.miamibeachfl.gov

Miami Map & Walk

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/miami-map-and-walks

Wynwood Tour Guide Itunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wynwood-tour-guide

Lincoln road App

http://lincolnroadapp.com/

Miami & Beaches Visitors Bureau - things to do

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/miami-and-beaches

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps

MIA Miami International Airport

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mia-airport-official

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details

Miami Dade Transit tracker

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/miami-dade-transit-tracker

Miami Dade Audio traffic alerts

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audio-traffic-miami-dade

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details

Parking Panda - Find or reserve parking spots:

https://itunes.apple.com/app/parking-panda

Government websites

Miami-Dade County http://miamidade.gov/wps/portal/Main/home/!

Municipalities

Aventura

http://www.cityofaventura.com/

Bal Harbour

http://balharbourgov.com/

Bay Harbor isIands

http://www.bayharborislands.org/

Biscayne Park

http://biscaynepark.govoffice.com/

Coral Gables

http://www.coralgables.com/

Coconut Grove

www.coconutgrove.com

Cutler Bay

www.cutlerbay-fl.gov/

Doral

www.cityofdoral.com

El Portal

http://www.elportalvillage.com/

Florida City

http://www.floridacityfl.us/

Golden Beach

www.goldenbeach.us

Hialeah

http://www.hialeahfl.gov/

Hialeah Gardens

http://www.cityofhialeahgardens.com/

Homestead

http://www.cityofhomestead.com/

Indian Creek

www.icvps.org

Key Biscayne

http://www.keybiscayne.fl.gov/

Medley

http://www.townofmedley.com/index.php

Miami

http://www.miamigov.com/home/pages/default.asp

Miami Beach

http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/

Miami Gardens

http://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/

Miami Lakes

http://miamilakes-fl.gov/

Miami Shores

http://www.miamishoresvillage.com/

Miami Springs

http://www.miamisprings-fl.gov/

North Bay Village

http://www.nbvillage.com/

North Miami

http://www.northmiamifl.gov/

North Miami Beach

http://www.citynmb.com/

Opa Locka

http://www.opalockafl.gov/

Palmetto Bay

http://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/

Pinecrest

http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/

South Miami

www.southmiamifl.gov

Sunny Isles Beach

http://www.sibfl.net/

Sweetwater

http://www.cityofsweetwater.fl.gov/

Virgina Gardens

http://www.virginiagardens-fl.gov/

Map Miami Dade County

http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/visitors/Miami-DadeCountyMap.pdf