New Resident Guide
Your Ocala move-in checklist
The practical first-month list: utilities, paperwork, and the local quirks worth knowing, with links straight to the official sources.
Home/New Resident Guide
Set up electric service
SECO Energy serves much of the county and Ocala Electric Utility serves inside the city, so confirm the provider for your exact address. Start with SECO Energy ((352) 793-3801).
Water & trash
Water: Marion County Utilities, the City of Ocala, or a private utility, depending on address. Trash and recycling: County franchise hauler (city service inside Ocala). Your closing or lease paperwork usually names the exact providers; when in doubt, ask Marion County Government.
Internet
Spectrum and AT&T are the most common providers. Availability is address-specific, so run each provider's address check before scheduling installation.
Florida driver license & vehicle registration
New residents have 30 days to get a Florida driver license and 10 days to register vehicles once employed or enrolled. Start at FLHSMV; local service is through the Marion County Tax Collector.
Register to vote
Update your registration at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.
File for the homestead exemption
Florida's homestead exemption can reduce your home's taxable value by up to $50,000. File with the county property appraiser by March 1. File with the Marion County Property Appraiser. More on the cost-of-living page.
Verify your schools
Assignments can differ street by street. Verify any address with Marion County Public Schools before you commit. More on the schools page.
Get storm ready
Florida living includes hurricane season. Start with the Storm Ready page — live alerts, the kit, shelters, and pets.
Good to know
Ocala questions
What is the Florida homestead exemption and when do I file?
Florida's homestead exemption can reduce your home's taxable value by up to $50,000. File with the county property appraiser by March 1. In Marion County you file with the Marion County Property Appraiser.
How do I find out which schools serve my address?
School assignments are set by Marion County Public Schools and can differ street by street, so never rely on a listing or hearsay. Use the district's official address-lookup tools to verify before you commit to a home.
Which electric company will I have?
SECO Energy serves much of the county and Ocala Electric Utility serves inside the city, so confirm the provider for your exact address.
How far is Ocala from Orlando?
Roughly 80 miles northwest, about an hour and a half by car via I-75 and the Florida Turnpike depending on traffic. Many residents treat Orlando as an occasional trip rather than a commute.