New to Gainesville? Start GRU power, water and gas service online, get a Florida driver's license within 30 days and register your car within 10 days of a new job.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page is an index for new residents. It links our own guides and each agency’s or provider’s own start-service page. Details come from Gainesville Regional Utilities, the Alachua County Tax Collector, the Florida Statutes and Alachua County Animal Resources, linked below.

Welcome to Gainesville. Most homes in the city get electricity, water, wastewater and natural gas from one utility, Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU). After that, the big deadlines are state ones: a Florida driver’s license within 30 days and car registration within 10 days of starting a job or enrolling children in public school.

First calls to make

  • GRU (power, water, wastewater, natural gas): start service online or call 352-334-3434
  • Alachua County Tax Collector (driver’s license, tags, titles): 352-374-5236, book an appointment
  • City of Gainesville main line: 352-334-5000
  • Alachua County Property Appraiser (homestead): 352-374-5230

Our guides for new residents

You need to know Our guide
Trash day, recycling and bulk pickup Trash and recycling pickup
Property tax rates, due dates and homestead Alachua County property taxes
Permits for a fence, pool or remodel Building permits and zoning
Schools, calendars and state grades Gainesville schools guide
Registering to vote at your new address Voting in Alachua County
Outage numbers and maps Power outages
Every City Hall phone number Who to call at City Hall
Roads, buses and the airport Getting around Gainesville

Utilities: power, water, sewer and gas

GRU offers electric, natural gas, water, wastewater and reclaimed water service, according to its website. Use GRU’s own pages:

Some homes on the edge of the city and across Alachua County get power from Clay Electric Cooperative or another utility instead; our power outages guide shows which utilities serve the county. Clay Electric’s Gainesville district office is at 11530 NW 39th Ave., 352-372-8543.

Internet

These providers publish home internet service in Gainesville on their own sites. Enter your address on each to confirm service at your home:

Driver’s license and vehicle tags

Driver’s licenses, tags and titles in Alachua County are handled by the Alachua County Tax Collector, which has three public branches, open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays:

  • Downtown: 12 SE First St.
  • Northwest: 5830 NW 34th Blvd.
  • Southwest: 3837 Windmeadows Blvd.

Driver’s license: under section 322.031 of the Florida Statutes, a new resident who takes a job or enrolls children in public school must get a Florida license within 30 days. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and two proofs of your Florida home address, such as a lease, a utility bill dated within 60 days or an insurance policy, the tax collector says. You must surrender your out-of-state license. See the tax collector’s driver license page for the full list.

Car registration: under section 320.38, register your vehicles within 10 days of starting a job or enrolling children in school. You will need proof of Florida insurance and a VIN verification, which a tax collector employee, a Florida notary, a dealer or a law enforcement officer can do, according to the tax collector’s motor vehicles page. If a bank holds your out-of-state title, you can register without transferring the title first.

Homestead exemption

If you buy a home and live in it as your permanent residence, file for the homestead exemption with the Alachua County Property Appraiser by March 1. It lowers the taxable value of the home and caps how fast its assessed value can rise. Our property taxes guide explains how.

Pets

Alachua County requires a county license for dogs, cats and ferrets four months or older, and new residents have 30 days to comply, according to Alachua County Animal Resources. A tag from another county does not count. A current rabies vaccination is required first; participating veterinary practices in the county can issue the license, or order it online. The shelter is 352-264-6870.

What this means for you

  • Call GRU before moving day so the power and water are on when you arrive.
  • Put the 30-day license and 10-day registration deadlines in your calendar the day you start work.
  • Update your voter registration with your new address.
  • Own your home? Mark March 1 for the homestead exemption.

Related: Gainesville population and growth and parks and trails.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start electric and water service in Gainesville?

Gainesville Regional Utilities provides electricity, water, wastewater and natural gas in the city. Start service online at gru.com/servicestart or call GRU customer service at 352-334-3434.

How long do I have to get a Florida driver’s license after moving to Gainesville?

Florida law gives a new resident 30 days after starting a job or enrolling children in public school. Licenses are issued by the Alachua County Tax Collector; book an appointment online.

When do I have to register my car in Florida after moving?

Within 10 days of starting a job or enrolling children in public school, under section 320.38 of the Florida Statutes. Registration is done at the Alachua County Tax Collector.

Do I need to license my pet in Alachua County?

Yes. Dogs, cats and ferrets four months or older must have an Alachua County license, and new residents have 30 days to comply. A current rabies vaccination is required first.

When is the homestead exemption deadline in Alachua County?

March 1. File with the Alachua County Property Appraiser, 352-374-5230, if you own your home and it is your permanent residence.