New Resident Guide
Your Winter Garden move-in checklist
The practical first-month list: utilities, paperwork, and the local quirks worth knowing, with links straight to the official sources.
HomeNew Resident Guide
Not moved yet? Relocating to Winter Garden covers what to weigh before you go: the tax bill, insurance, HOA and CDD, the deadlines, and the communities in the area.
Set up electric service
Duke Energy serves most unincorporated Orange County; OUC serves the City of Orlando and parts of southeast Orange, so confirm the provider for your exact address. Start with Duke Energy Florida (800-700-8744).
Water & trash
Water: Orange County Utilities or the City of Orlando, depending on address. Trash and recycling: Orange County Utilities (unincorporated) or city service. Your closing or lease paperwork usually names the exact providers; when in doubt, ask Orange County Government.
Internet
Spectrum and AT&T Fiber 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 Orange 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 $51,411 for the 2026 tax year: $25,000 against all levies including school taxes, plus $26,411 against non-school taxes only. That second amount is adjusted for inflation every January 1, so confirm the current year's figure with the county property appraiser. File by March 1. File with the Orange County Property Appraiser. More on the cost-of-living page.
Verify your schools
Assignments can differ street by street. Verify any address with Orange 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
Winter Garden 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 $51,411 for the 2026 tax year: $25,000 against all levies including school taxes, plus $26,411 against non-school taxes only. That second amount is adjusted for inflation every January 1, so confirm the current year's figure with the county property appraiser. File by March 1. In Orange County you file with the Orange County Property Appraiser.
How do I find out which schools serve my address?
School assignments are set by Orange 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?
Duke Energy serves most unincorporated Orange County; OUC serves the City of Orlando and parts of southeast Orange, so confirm the provider for your exact address.
What county is Winter Garden in?
Winter Garden is in Orange County, Florida, an inland county. The county determines your property taxes, school district, and most local services — the Orange County Property Appraiser is the authoritative source for any specific parcel.
Will my home have an HOA or CDD?
It depends on the community: many newer neighborhoods carry an HOA, a CDD, or both, while older areas may have neither, and the costs differ meaningfully. Our HOA & CDD guide explains how to check any property before you buy.
How worried should I be about hurricanes?
Hurricane season runs June through November and preparation is a normal part of Florida life. Orange County is inland with no storm-surge evacuation zones; wind, rain, and power outages are the main planning points. Our Storm Ready page keeps live alerts and the checklist in one place.
What is the West Orange Trail?
A paved rail-trail of more than 20 miles that runs directly through downtown Winter Garden. Residents use it daily for cycling, running, and walking, and it connects to parks and neighboring communities.
What makes downtown Winter Garden different?
A brick-paved historic main street with the West Orange Trail running straight through it — the town is a state-designated Trail Town, and weekend mornings downtown revolve around the trail and the farmers market.
Where does the West Orange Trail actually go?
About 22 paved miles from the Lake County line through Oakland and downtown Winter Garden toward Apopka. Trailheads with parking bracket the route — see our West Orange Trail page.
Take it with you
Email me the move-in essentials
One email with the guide, the printable one-pager, and Storm Ready. Occasional Winter Garden updates after that — unsubscribe anytime.