Relocating To Coral Gables: A 90‑Day Plan

Planning a move to Coral Gables on a tight timeline? You want clear steps, local know-how, and a plan that keeps your family and budget on track. This 90‑day guide gives you a week-by-week path for housing, utilities, licensing, schools, and more so you land smoothly. Let’s dive in.

Why Coral Gables works

Coral Gables is a planned city known for Mediterranean Revival architecture, tree-lined streets, and a lively downtown near Miracle Mile. The University of Miami sits inside city limits, shaping services, events, and housing choices. You will find a mix of luxury single-family homes, historic districts with preservation rules, and high-end condos near shops and dining. The market often sits above Miami‑Dade County medians, so plan your budget early and build in room for deposits or closing costs.

Your 90‑day Coral Gables plan

Days 90–61: Set the foundation

Start with a realistic budget and timeline. Estimate deposits, moving costs, and insurance for home, wind, and flood. Buyers should secure mortgage pre‑approval; international buyers can explore foreign‑national financing or plan for cash timelines. Hire a local agent with historic district and flood zone experience, and reserve temporary housing for 7–30 days if you want a soft landing.

Days 60–31: Line up homes and services

Schedule in-person or virtual tours and, if you plan to buy, pre-book inspectors and surveyors. If you are bringing a car or boat, get transport quotes and reserve shipping slots. Begin school and childcare applications, and confirm any deadlines for magnet or private programs. Check address-specific availability for electricity, water, trash, and internet so you can time activation around your move-in date.

Days 30–15: Secure your home and movers

Sign your lease or purchase contract and lock your closing or move-in date. Book a trusted local moving company and confirm any condo or HOA rules for elevator reservations and parking permits. Arrange pet transport and veterinary records, and set up USPS mail forwarding. Give banks and employers your new address so there are no service or payroll delays.

Days 14–1: Final prep and documents

Confirm travel, temporary housing, and airport pickup or rental car. Set utility activation dates and internet installation windows that begin after you get keys. Gather documents for a Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration so you can complete both within the typical 30‑day window after you establish residency. Pack an essentials box with IDs, chargers, medications, and closing or lease paperwork.

Arrival to 30 days: Settle in

Pick up keys, do a walk‑through, and take photos of meter readings and property condition. Activate utilities, arrange internet installation, and use a hotspot if needed for a few days. Register vehicles and obtain your Florida license within 30 days if you are becoming a resident. Enroll children in school, set first appointments with doctors and dentists, and evaluate any immediate home repairs.

30–90 days after: Make it yours

Complete planned upgrades like window protection or hurricane shutters. Join neighborhood associations and local business groups and finalize any storage or boat mooring arrangements. Review your home, flood, wind, and auto policies to confirm coverage fits Florida exposures. If you purchased a primary residence, apply for Homestead Exemption by the March 1 deadline for that tax year.

Find and secure your home

For buyers

Clarify priorities such as proximity to the University of Miami, walkable dining near Miracle Mile, larger lots, or airport access. Schedule inspections and a property survey early, and budget for repairs or updates. Historic properties may require specialized contractors and City review for exterior changes, so build that into your timeline. Your agent should flag flood zones, HOA rules, and any historic preservation requirements before you make an offer.

For renters

Shortlist furnished corporate housing, extended‑stay options, or 30–90 day rentals for your first weeks in town. Ask landlords for recent utility bills and clarify what HOA fees cover, including parking or amenities. If you want to live near downtown or UM, inventory can move quickly, especially during winter high season, so apply with proof of income, ID, and references ready. Consider pet policies, parking rules, and any delivery or move-in requirements.

Set up utilities and services

Electric service is commonly provided by Florida Power & Light. Most water and sewer service is handled by Miami‑Dade Water and Sewer Department, and trash or recycling may be managed by county services or city contracts. Internet and TV options often include Comcast Xfinity and AT&T fiber where available, but availability is address‑specific. Schedule activation for the day you take possession and have ID and proof of residency ready.

Pro tip: If you work from home, ask about business-class or higher-bandwidth internet packages and installation lead times. If you are renting, confirm whether HOA or building policies limit equipment placement or provider selection.

Vehicles, boats, and parking

If you become a Florida resident, plan to register your vehicle and obtain a Florida driver’s license generally within 30 days. Bring proof of Florida insurance, identification, and proof of address, and give yourself time to book appointments. If you are bringing a boat, registration and titling are handled by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Marinas near Coral Gables, including Dinner Key Marina and private facilities, have limited slips and mooring fields, so reserve early and review hurricane plans.

Many neighborhoods have parking guidelines and some HOAs limit street parking or trailer storage. Downtown Coral Gables and Miracle Mile have metered parking and public lots, which is helpful for errands and dining. If you plan frequent deliveries during move-in weeks, check your building or HOA for temporary permits.

Insurance, taxes, and compliance

Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, so keep a simple plan for supplies, documents, and evacuation routes. Homeowner and renter policies often include wind coverage with percentage deductibles, and flood insurance is separate. Lenders usually require flood insurance if the home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, and many Coral Gables homes near waterways sit in higher-risk zones. If you buy a primary home, apply for the Homestead Exemption with the county by March 1 to lock in potential tax benefits for that year.

If your property is in a designated historic district, expect review for exterior changes such as roofs, windows, and additions. Permit timelines can run longer, so schedule improvements in phases and avoid last-minute work before hurricane season. Your agent can connect you with contractors who understand local permitting and preservation standards.

Schools, healthcare, and daily life

Public school assignment follows Miami‑Dade County Public Schools zoning, with separate timelines for magnet and other choice programs. Start enrollment early and have documents like immunizations and transcripts ready. Coral Gables is close to several major hospital systems and clinics, so you can set up primary care, pediatrics, and dentistry soon after arrival.

For mobility, you have Miami‑Dade Transit bus service, nearby Metrorail stations for select lines, and the free Coral Gables trolley in parts of the city. Downtown areas like Miracle Mile feel walkable, while many residential neighborhoods are more car oriented. Map your grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, post office, parks, and pet care so your first weeks feel easy.

If you are moving internationally

Coordinate household goods with a freight forwarder and customs broker and prepare inventory lists, shipper documents, and passports. You can typically drive on a foreign license for a limited period, then obtain a Florida license once you establish residency. Plan extra time for financing if you seek a foreign‑national mortgage. If you are importing a vessel, confirm marina availability, insurance requirements, and storm protocols before shipping.

Week-by-week checklist

Weeks 13–12

• Set move date and budget.
• Hire a Coral Gables-focused agent and, if needed, a relocation concierge or international moving broker.
• Buyers: get pre‑approval. Renters: prepare ID, proof of income, and references.
• Reserve temporary housing for 7–30 days.

Weeks 11–9

• Shortlist neighborhoods based on commute, services, and lifestyle preferences.
• Begin school and childcare applications and note deadlines.
• Get quotes for vehicle shipping and, if needed, boat transport and storage.
• Ask your agent about flood zones, HOA rules, and historic district considerations.

Weeks 8–7

• Schedule tours and line up inspectors and surveyors for target properties.
• Confirm utility availability by address and note activation requirements.
• Start document gathering for driver’s license and vehicle registration.

Weeks 6–5

• Select a home and negotiate terms.
• Book movers and elevator or parking reservations if required.
• Arrange pet transport and vet records.
• File USPS mail forwarding.

Weeks 4–3

• Sign lease or execute purchase contract and confirm closing or move-in date.
• Schedule internet installation and utility start dates for possession day.
• Notify banks, employers, and essential services of your address change.

Weeks 2–1

• Finalize travel plans and confirm temporary lodging.
• Pack an essentials box with documents and daily needs.
• Reconfirm mover arrival windows and building access rules.

Move-in week

• Walk the property, photograph condition and meters, and collect keys.
• Activate utilities and internet.
• Register vehicles and obtain your Florida license within 30 days if you are establishing residency.
• Enroll kids in school and set first medical appointments.

Weeks 2–12 after arrival

• Complete priority repairs or safety upgrades like shutters or window protection.
• Join local associations or groups and finalize boat mooring arrangements if applicable.
• Review insurance coverage and update to Florida-specific needs.
• If you purchased a primary home, calendar the March 1 Homestead Exemption deadline.

Make your move effortless

You deserve a move that feels organized and stress‑light. Our boutique, Compass‑affiliated team brings local expertise, bilingual service, and a lifestyle-first approach to every Coral Gables relocation. Whether you want a quiet street near campus, a condo by Miracle Mile, or boating access with a reserved slip, we help you compare options, preview private and coming‑soon listings, and coordinate details from utilities to contractors. If you are selling a current home, ask about Compass Concierge to prepare your property and move forward with confidence.

Ready to plan your Coral Gables move? Start a conversation with Lizzie Padro and get a personalized 90‑day roadmap.

FAQs

How soon do I need a Florida driver’s license after moving to Coral Gables?

• If you become a Florida resident, plan to obtain a Florida driver’s license and register your vehicle generally within 30 days, and bring proof of Florida insurance and address.

Do I need flood insurance for a Coral Gables home?

• It depends on your FEMA flood zone and lender requirements; many properties near waterways have higher risk, and flood insurance is typically required in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

How do historic district rules affect renovations in Coral Gables?

• Exterior changes in designated historic districts often need City Historic Preservation Board review, while interior work may not; confirm requirements before planning materials and timelines.

Where can I dock or store a boat near Coral Gables?

• Slips and mooring fields are limited, including at nearby marinas like Dinner Key, so reserve early and review hurricane procedures and insurance requirements.

What utility providers serve Coral Gables and how long does setup take?

• Electricity is commonly Florida Power & Light; water and sewer are typically Miami‑Dade Water and Sewer; internet options include Xfinity and AT&T, with activation windows ranging from a few days to longer depending on address.

When is the Homestead Exemption deadline for Miami‑Dade County?

• Apply with the Miami‑Dade County Property Appraiser by March 1 for the tax year you want the exemption to apply.