Moving to Windermere is exciting, especially with the lakes, parks and laid‑back feel that draw so many people here. But the first week in a new home can be stressful if you’re unsure where to set up utilities, how to get park or boat ramp access, or when permits are required. You deserve a simple, step‑by‑step guide that keeps you on track and avoids delays.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to confirm your service area, start utilities, secure resident park and boat ramp passes, and handle common permits. You’ll also get a practical first‑week calendar and a quick‑grab checklist so you can settle in smoothly. Let’s dive in.
Confirm your jurisdiction
Windermere sits inside Orange County, and services can differ depending on whether your property is inside Town of Windermere limits or in unincorporated Orange County. This matters for water and sewer, permitting, parks and some code rules.
- Start by confirming jurisdiction using the Orange County Property Appraiser’s parcel search or the Town of Windermere boundary map/GIS.
- Ask your seller, listing agent or title company which agency provides water/sewer and whether an HOA governs approvals.
- Review recorded plat or HOA documents to see if neighborhood amenities or a private boat ramp are HOA‑managed.
Have these ready before you call any agency:
- Property address and parcel ID
- Closing statement or signed lease
- Government ID
- HOA or community manager contact info (if applicable)
Set up utilities
Electricity
Electric service in the Windermere area is typically provided by regional utilities such as Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) or Florida Power & Light (FPL). The provider depends on your exact address.
How to start service:
- Confirm your provider by asking the seller or checking a prior bill.
- Open an account online or by phone with your ID, proof of ownership or lease, start date and payment details.
- Expect a credit check; a deposit or letter of credit may be required.
- If you’re taking over on closing day, schedule activation for the same date and be ready to provide meter‑read photos if requested.
Common hiccups:
- A locked or inaccessible meter can delay activation.
- If power has been off, reconnection and safety checks may add days.
Water and sewer
Water and sewer are typically handled by Orange County Utilities or, for certain areas inside town limits, by town‑managed services. Always verify which agency serves your address.
Steps to establish service:
- Confirm the serving utility for your specific property.
- Apply using your owner or tenant information and proof of residence.
- Plan for a possible deposit, meter fee or base charge. Irrigation meters and reclaimed water follow separate rules.
Special cases:
- Private well or septic: These follow county health and building rules rather than municipal water/sewer processes.
- New meters or connections: Installation can take several days to a few weeks.
Trash, recycling and bulky waste
Trash and recycling are either included through a town contract, serviced by Orange County vendors, or arranged by your HOA. Verify with Town Hall or your HOA.
- If service is HOA‑managed, your association will provide bin delivery, schedules and rules.
- If you need to arrange service, contact the county or the hauler listed by the town to set pickup days and schedule bulky pickups.
- Yard waste limits, sorting rules and bulk fees vary by jurisdiction. Confirm before placing items at the curb.
Internet, TV and phone
Major providers in the Orlando area often include Charter Spectrum, Comcast Xfinity and AT&T. Availability is address‑specific.
- Use each provider’s availability tool or call to confirm service.
- Book installation early. Popular time slots can be several days to weeks out.
- Ask the seller which provider they used to help you compare options and speed up setup.
Smart setup tips
- Transfer existing accounts when possible to keep billing history and avoid deposits.
- Photograph all utility meters at move‑in to prevent billing disputes.
- Check HOA covenants for rules on trash container storage and any exterior changes.
Parks and boat passes
How access works
Windermere’s lifestyle centers on the Butler Chain of Lakes and several connected lakes. Access is provided through a mix of Town of Windermere amenities and Orange County Parks & Recreation sites. Each has its own pass and parking rules.
Town of Windermere passes
The Town maintains certain parks, docks and boat‑ramp areas. Some require resident passes or parking permits for use or parking eligibility.
- Contact Town Hall or the Town Parks/Clerk to confirm current pass options, application requirements and fees.
- Have proof of residence or ownership inside town limits ready.
- If your neighborhood has a private ramp or dock, contact the HOA for guest policies and membership requirements.
County parks and boat ramps
Orange County operates many regional parks and public boat ramps. Policies for resident discounts, annual passes and parking vary by site.
- Check with Orange County Parks & Recreation for pass options, hours and ramp rules at your preferred parks.
- Confirm whether a vehicle parking permit, boat registration sticker or on‑site fee applies.
Boating rules and safety
- Ensure your vessel is registered and carries required safety equipment under Florida law.
- Be mindful of local wake and speed zones, wildlife protection rules and posted markers on the lakes.
- For any docks, lifts or shoreline changes, see the permits section below because additional approvals are often required.
Permits and approvals
Who issues permits
Your permitting authority depends on your location:
- Inside Town of Windermere limits: Start with the Town’s building or planning department (or Town Clerk) for local building permits, zoning and code enforcement.
- In unincorporated Orange County: Use Orange County Permits & Inspections for building and trade permits, zoning and licensing.
- Waterfront work: Projects may also need approvals from regional and state agencies such as the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and in some cases the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Common home projects
These projects often require permits or approvals in the Windermere area:
- Interior remodels that involve structural, electrical or plumbing changes
- Additions, new construction and major site work
- Pools and spas, including required safety barriers
- Fences and walls, with height and setback rules based on zoning
- Driveways and hardscape that can impact stormwater
- Roofing, HVAC, electrical and plumbing replacement work
- Tree removal where tree protection ordinances apply
- Docks, seawalls, boat lifts and shoreline improvements
How permitting works
- Application: Submit online or in person with drawings, site plan and licensed contractor details.
- Plan review: Timelines range from a few business days for simple permits to several weeks for larger projects.
- Inspections: Scheduled at key stages, then a final inspection for close‑out.
- Fees: Vary by scope and valuation. Check the current fee schedule with your permitting authority.
HOA design review
Many Windermere neighborhoods have HOAs with architectural review boards (ARBs). In many cases, you need HOA approval before submitting to the Town or County.
- Confirm if your HOA standards exceed municipal codes.
- Request ARB forms early and note their review timeline to avoid delays.
Waterfront property tips
Waterfront projects often require multi‑agency coordination and more time.
- Expect to document property boundaries, mean high water line and provide engineered plans for seawalls.
- Factor in environmental considerations like protected species, nesting seasons and aquatic vegetation rules.
- Consider consulting a licensed marine contractor early to map out approvals and timing.
First‑week calendar
Use this day‑by‑day plan to keep your move organized.
Day 0 — Before or at closing
- Confirm if you’re inside Town limits or in unincorporated Orange County, and identify your water/sewer and trash providers.
- Save contact details for Town of Windermere and Orange County permitting/utilities.
- Ask the seller or agent for recent utility bills and provider account info.
Day 1 — Move‑in/Closing day
- Photograph utility meters and your electrical panel; record readings.
- Activate or transfer electric and water/sewer accounts with your closing docs and ID.
- Confirm trash and recycling pickup schedule; get HOA trash rules if applicable.
- If bringing a boat, confirm dock or ramp access rules with Town or HOA.
Day 2–3
- Schedule internet/TV installation.
- Note local emergency contacts and your nearest fire station.
- If you have pets, update microchip records and find a local vet.
Day 4–5
- Contact Town Hall and Orange County Parks about resident park or boat ramp passes; gather proof of residence.
- If planning renovations, identify permit needs and request HOA ARB forms if required.
- If you moved a vehicle to Florida, review Florida DMV and Orange County Tax Collector registration steps.
Day 6–7
- Select licensed contractors for any immediate work and confirm they will pull required permits.
- If you’re considering dock or shoreline work, begin consultations to map out permits and timelines.
- Review local recycling and yard waste rules and schedule any bulky pickups.
Checklist for your first month
- Copies of closing or lease documents and deed
- Utility account numbers and contact info
- HOA contact and governing documents
- Proof of residence for park or boat ramp passes
- Contact info for the correct permitting office
- Contractor license numbers for any work
- Boat registration documentation, if applicable
Agencies and search terms
Use these terms to find the most current forms, policies and contacts for your address:
- Town of Windermere — “Town of Windermere official website,” “Town Hall contact,” “Windermere permits,” “Windermere parks”
- Orange County Government — “Orange County FL Permitting and Inspections,” “Orange County Utilities,” “Orange County Parks & Recreation”
- Electric providers — “Orlando Utilities Commission service area,” “FPL start service,” plus your address
- Florida FWC — “Florida boat registration,” “Florida boating laws”
- Water management and environmental — “St. Johns River Water Management District dock permit,” “Florida DEP shoreline permit”
- Property and licensing — “Orange County Property Appraiser,” “Orange County Tax Collector,” “Florida DHSMV driver license and registration”
- HOA — Your property address plus your HOA or management company name
Ready for a smoother start? If you’d like local, hands‑on guidance as you get settled in Windermere or plan your first projects, reach out to Mora Perez Homes Group. We’re happy to share neighborhood insights, vendor referrals and step‑by‑step support to make your transition easy.
FAQs
How do I confirm if my Windermere address is inside Town limits?
- Use the Orange County Property Appraiser or the Town of Windermere boundary map/GIS, and verify details with your seller, title company or HOA.
Which electric company serves my Windermere home?
- The provider is address‑specific, commonly OUC or FPL; check a prior bill, ask the seller or use provider availability tools with your exact address.
Do I need a permit to build a fence at my Windermere home?
- Fence permits are commonly required and rules vary by zoning; confirm with your permitting authority and obtain HOA approval if your neighborhood requires it.
How do resident boat ramp or park passes work in Windermere?
- Town‑managed amenities may require proof of residence for passes, while county parks and ramps have their own fees or passes; contact Town Hall and Orange County Parks for current requirements.
What if my property has a well or septic system instead of municipal service?
- Private wells and septic systems follow county health and building rules, not municipal water/sewer processes; verify inspection and maintenance requirements with the county.
How soon should I schedule internet installation after moving to Windermere?
- Book as early as possible since appointments can be several days to weeks out; confirm availability by address with your preferred provider.
