Just moved to Clay County and wondering what to tackle first? Relocating can feel overwhelming, especially when services vary by city and neighborhood. This 30-day checklist gives you the exact steps, links, and local tips you need to get settled with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Week 1: Set up essentials
Update license and registration
- Visit the local Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles service center in Green Cove Springs to update your Florida driver license or ID and register your vehicle. Check the site for locations, hours, and appointment details on the FLHSMV Clay County page.
- Keep your proof of Florida residency handy, such as a utility bill or lease.
Start water, sewer, power, trash
- Many unincorporated areas use Clay County Utility Authority. Review start-service steps and assistance options through Clay County Utility Authority.
- Inside the Town of Orange Park, the town manages water, sewer, and sanitation billing, and notes JEA as the electricity provider. See start-service requirements on the Town of Orange Park utilities page.
- Set up trash and recycling. Clay County provides pickup schedules, bulk pickup requests, and yard-waste rules on the county garbage and recycling page.
Secure your property records and tax benefits
- Look up your parcel, confirm the assessed value, and review exemptions. Eligible homeowners should file for Florida’s Homestead Exemption by the annual deadline listed on the Clay County Property Appraiser.
Week 2: Safety, records, and home readiness
Find your nearest care
- Identify the closest ER, urgent care, and primary care practices. Fleming Island’s Baptist Medical Center Clay is a major full-service hospital serving the county, alongside additional regional hospitals.
- Save your preferred pharmacy and transfer prescriptions early.
Save key safety contacts
- Store non-emergency contacts for local law enforcement and fire services. The county lists fire and EMS station information, which can also help with insurance questions about proximity, on the Clay County Public Safety page.
- Add your municipal police department if you live inside a town. Call 911 for emergencies.
Check flood risk and permits
- Confirm whether your home sits in or near a mapped FEMA flood zone using the property appraiser’s GIS layers. If you are in or close to a floodplain, consider flood insurance even if your lender does not require it. Start with the Clay County Property Appraiser.
- Before starting projects, review county or municipal rules for building permits and HOA guidelines if applicable.
Week 3: Family, school, and routine
Enroll students and plan transportation
- Use the district’s tools to find your zoned school, complete online registration, and upload proof of residency. Register early for bus transportation on the Clay County District Schools registration portal.
Register to vote
- Update your voter registration online or in person with the Clay County Supervisor of Elections. Start with the voter registration page.
Set medical, dental, and pet care
- Choose a local primary care provider, dentist, and pediatrician if needed, and transfer records. Confirm pet vaccination requirements and local animal services procedures.
Week 4: Connect and explore
Master trash, recycling, and bulk pickup
- Review pickup days, container rules, and how to schedule bulk or appliance pickups. Find schedules and details on the county garbage and recycling page.
Try transit and learn the commute
- Clay Community Transportation offers fixed routes and a flexible deviation service operated with Jacksonville Transportation Authority. Check routes, fares, and how to request a pickup through Clay Community Transportation.
- Get familiar with U.S. 17, Blanding Boulevard, State Road 16, and the First Coast Expressway, which influence travel times.
Get involved locally
- Visit nearby libraries for a card, programs, and meeting rooms. Explore parks and natural areas like Jennings State Forest, Black Creek, and Gold Head Branch State Park for weekend plans.
- Subscribe to local news and community calendars to stay in the loop on events and updates.
Quick 30-day checklist
Week 1
- Start or transfer utilities and confirm deposits and start dates.
- Update Florida driver license or ID and vehicle registration.
- Change your mailing address and update employers, banks, and insurance.
Week 2
- Save nearest ER and urgent care, plus non-emergency contacts for law enforcement and fire.
- Check flood zone status and review insurance needs.
- Learn trash, recycling, and bulk pickup rules.
Week 3
- Enroll students and set up transportation with the district.
- Register to vote or update your address.
- Transfer medical, dental, pharmacy, and pet records.
Week 4
- Get a library card and attend a local event.
- Review HOA or municipal rules for parking, landscaping, and exterior changes.
- Map commute options, including public transit.
Settling in is easier when you have a local guide. If you are planning a move, comparing neighborhoods, or getting your home ready to sell, reach out to Leslie Smith for friendly, informed help from a trusted Clay County advisor.
FAQs
How do I start water and sewer service in Clay County?
- In many unincorporated areas you will start service with Clay County Utility Authority. Inside the Town of Orange Park, the town manages utilities, and the town’s site explains start-service steps.
Where do I update my Florida driver license and vehicle registration in Clay County?
- Use the FLHSMV Clay County locations page to confirm the Green Cove Springs service center details, hours, and appointment options.
How do I file for Florida’s Homestead Exemption in Clay County?
- Visit the Clay County Property Appraiser website to search your parcel, review exemptions, and submit your application by the annual deadline listed there.
How do I find my zoned public school in Clay County?
- Go to the Clay County District Schools registration portal to locate your zoned school, complete online registration, and set up bus transportation if needed.
Who handles trash, recycling, and bulk pickup at my address?
- Clay County coordinates garbage and recycling for most unincorporated areas, while municipalities like the Town of Orange Park manage their own collection. The county site lists schedules and bulk-pickup requests.
