Moving to a new home comes with a long to-do list, and getting your utilities set up in Pace should be near the top. You want the lights on, water running, and internet ready the day you move in. With a mix of central utilities and on-lot systems in Santa Rosa County, the process can look different from one address to the next. This guide walks you through each step so you can move in smoothly and avoid surprises. Let’s dive in.
Before you move: confirm providers
Start by confirming who serves your specific address. Pace has a blend of newer subdivisions with central utilities and rural parcels on wells and septic systems. A few early calls will save you time on move-in day.
- Contact Santa Rosa County Utilities to confirm whether your property has central water and sewer or uses a private well and septic system.
- Check electric service by address. Most Pace homes are served by Florida Power & Light (FPL) following the Gulf Power integration.
- Ask the seller or HOA for recent bills for electric, water, sewer, trash, and any community utilities.
- Review HOA covenants for required vendors, bulk service packages, or transfer steps.
- If the home is on a septic system or private well, schedule inspections and water testing before closing.
Water and sewer setup
If you have central water and sewer
Call the named provider for your address. In Pace, this may be a local system commonly referred to as Pace Water System or a county utility. Some neighborhoods also have developer or HOA-managed systems.
- Ask what documents are required to open an account, including deposits and identification.
- Confirm your start date, meter reading procedures, and billing cycle.
- Verify whether sewer is available and whether any tap, connection, or impact fees apply for new or reactivated service.
- Save the provider’s emergency number for leaks or sewer backups.
If you have a private well and septic
Many Pace properties use on-lot systems. Take a few extra steps to protect your home and health.
- Order a well water test. Include bacteria and nitrates, and review any recent results provided by the seller.
- Schedule septic pumping and inspection if recent records are not available. Confirm permits and tank location through county Environmental Health if needed.
- Map your well head and septic system for future maintenance. Keep a regular pumping schedule based on usage and system size.
Electric service: FPL
Most Pace addresses receive power through FPL’s Northwest Florida operations.
- Open a residential account online or by phone before your move date.
- Have identification and proof of ownership or occupancy ready.
- Ask about deposit or credit check policies and the expected activation timeline. Same-day activation is often possible when requested early.
- Enroll in outage and text alerts so you stay informed during storms.
- On move-in day, record your electric meter reading for your files.
Natural gas or propane
Natural gas availability in Santa Rosa County is limited and varies by neighborhood. Do not assume your address has access.
Check for natural gas
- Contact Okaloosa Gas to ask if your street is within a current gas distribution corridor.
- Ask about any planned extensions or project-based expansions for your area.
If your home uses propane
Propane is common for heating, cooking, and hot water where natural gas is not available.
- Set up service with a local supplier. Ask about tank rental versus ownership and minimum delivery requirements.
- Schedule your initial fill and request a safety check of lines and regulators.
- Learn how to read your tank gauge and order before you drop too low, especially ahead of peak seasons.
Trash, recycling, and yard waste
Trash service in Pace may be county-run in some areas or handled by private haulers in others. Your HOA may have a designated provider.
- Call Santa Rosa County Solid Waste & Recycling or your HOA to confirm who serves your address and which containers you need.
- If you need to choose a private hauler, ask about pickup days, recycling options, and bulky waste rules.
- Review county guidance on drop-off sites and special materials, then plan a one-time bulk pickup after move-in if needed.
Internet, cable, and phone
Provider availability is address-specific in Pace. Fiber is expanding in parts of Northwest Florida, but you should verify what is live on your street.
- Run address checks with major ISPs such as Xfinity/Comcast and AT&T. Consider regional fiber or fixed wireless options for rural areas.
- Ask about new-customer promotions, equipment fees, and contract terms.
- Schedule installations early. Some installs require a technician appointment with lead time of several days to a few weeks.
Permits, records, and HOA requirements
Keep your paperwork in order, especially if your home uses on-lot systems or needs new utility connections.
- Verify permits for any septic, well, or utility work done on the property.
- Collect HOA utility agreements if water or sewer is managed by an association.
- Confirm whether county permits are required for new taps, utility upgrades, or septic modifications.
Emergency readiness for Pace
Pace is in Northwest Florida and experiences tropical storms and hurricanes. A little preparation goes a long way.
- Register for county emergency alerts and FPL outage notifications.
- Learn how to shut off your home’s water, gas, and electricity. Share the steps with all household members.
- Store emergency numbers for FPL, your water provider, your gas or propane supplier, and county services.
- Prepare a basic emergency kit with water, batteries, flashlights, and device chargers.
Quick Pace utility checklist
- Confirm water and sewer status with Santa Rosa County Utilities.
- Verify electric provider by address. In most cases, contact FPL.
- Gather recent utility bills and HOA utility information from the seller.
- For septic and well homes, schedule inspections and water testing.
- Open water and sewer accounts or prepare on-lot maintenance plans.
- Set up electric service and record your move-in meter reading.
- Check natural gas availability with Okaloosa Gas or set up propane service.
- Confirm trash, recycling, and yard waste provider and pickup days.
- Schedule internet and cable installation.
- Save emergency contacts and sign up for alerts.
What to collect from the seller
- Recent electric, water, sewer, and trash bills.
- Septic inspection and pumping records, plus water quality test results for wells.
- HOA utility agreements or rules for community systems.
- Permits and connection records for any utility work.
- Locations of shutoff valves, meters, septic tank, and well head.
How I can help with your move
If you are relocating to Pace from across town or across the country, you deserve a smooth start. You can lean on local guidance, vendor referrals, and a clear plan for inspections and setup. If you are buying or selling on the Gulf Coast, you can also tap into design-forward advice to prepare your home or evaluate updates with confidence.
Ready to make your Pace move easier? Get a Free Home Valuation & Design Consultation with Unknown Company to plan your next steps with clarity and local insight.
FAQs
Who do I call first to get utilities on in Pace?
- Start with electric service through FPL to ensure power is on for move-in, then confirm water and sewer status with the county or the property’s provider. If the home uses a well and septic, schedule testing and inspection.
How long does utility activation take in Pace?
- Timelines vary. Electric can often be turned on the same day if requested early. Water and sewer may take longer if new taps or permits are needed. Internet installs can require technician appointments scheduled days or weeks in advance.
Will I need to pay utility deposits?
- Deposit policies differ by provider and may depend on your credit. Be prepared to provide identification, proof of ownership or occupancy, and possibly a deposit or credit check for electric, water, sewer, and internet.
How do I check if my Pace home has natural gas?
- Contact Okaloosa Gas to confirm whether your address is within an existing service corridor and ask about planned expansions. If natural gas is not available, plan for propane or electric appliances.
What should I do if the property uses a septic system?
- Order a professional inspection, review maintenance records, and confirm permits and tank location through county records. Budget for pumping and routine care to protect your system.
