Moving Checklist For 34239: Utilities, Permits And Inspections

Moving to 34239 and not sure who to call for power, water, or permits? In Southgate and Arlington Park, the right answer depends on your exact address. You want service turned on, permits handled, and insurance ready without surprises. This guide gives you a clear, local checklist so you can start strong and avoid common delays. Let’s dive in.

Confirm your jurisdiction first

Some homes here are inside the City of Sarasota, while others are in unincorporated Sarasota County. Your jurisdiction controls permitting rules, some utility contacts, and code enforcement. Look up the property in the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s GIS to confirm city limits for your address before you do anything else. Use the Property Appraiser’s map.

Water providers vary by block. Parts of Southgate are served by Pluris Southgate, LLC under a county franchise, while other addresses use Sarasota County or City of Sarasota utilities. Check the county’s franchise utilities overview and then confirm the actual provider for your parcel.

If your address is inside city limits, you will use the City of Sarasota’s permitting portal. If it is unincorporated, you will use Sarasota County’s permitting site. Keep those links handy for any projects you plan after closing.

Set up essential utilities

Electricity (FPL)

Florida Power & Light serves most of 34239. You can start, stop, or transfer service online and often get same-day connection if you submit by midday. Have your ID and a preferred start date ready. Start or transfer FPL service.

Quick steps:

• Schedule activation 3 to 7 business days before move-in.
• Request a final meter read at move-out to prevent overlap.
• Save your confirmation numbers.

Water and sewer (City, County, or Pluris)

Because providers vary, verify service by address before you schedule. The county’s utilities page outlines start/stop steps, proof of occupancy, and forms. Ask if reclaimed water or irrigation backflow rules apply. See Sarasota County Utilities, then confirm your specific provider.

Quick steps:

• Call the correct utility to open an account and set your start date.
• Ask about required documents (deed/lease/ID) and any deposits.
• Request a final meter read for the seller and confirm irrigation/backflow rules.

Natural gas or propane

Some streets have natural gas through regional providers, but many homes still use propane. Confirm availability by address and whether an existing tank is owned or leased. If switching fuels or adding gas service, schedule line checks and equipment inspections early.

Internet and TV

Xfinity/Comcast and Frontier serve much of 34239, with speeds and fiber availability varying by street. If you work from home, schedule installation well in advance or request a self-install kit for move day.

Trash and recycling

For unincorporated addresses, Sarasota County manages residential collection and contractors. As of March 30, 2025, the county’s service areas are handled by Waste Pro (North) and FCC Environmental (South). If you are inside city limits, City of Sarasota rules apply. Confirm pickup day, cart rules, and bulky item procedures on the county’s page: Sarasota County Solid Waste.

Irrigation, pools, and septic

If your property has irrigation, you may need a backflow prevention device and periodic testing. The City and County run cross-connection programs and require certified tester reports. Review the City’s Backflow Prevention Program and confirm requirements with your specific water provider.

Some parcels may still be on septic. If so, request records from the seller and confirm inspection and maintenance schedules with the county utilities team.

Permits you may need

Most structural or system work in Sarasota requires permits. Common triggers include roof replacement, window/door swaps, HVAC installation, electrical panel upgrades, water heater changes, screen enclosures, pools, and major plumbing work. Cosmetic updates often do not need permits, but always check first.

• City addresses: City of Sarasota Building & Permitting
• Unincorporated addresses: Sarasota County Building Division

Many contractors will pull permits for you, but you are still responsible as the owner. Online portals streamline submittals and inspection scheduling. Simple projects like reroofs or HVAC swaps often have faster review.

Private providers option

Florida allows approved private providers for plan review and some inspections. This can shorten timelines when used correctly. If you go this route, follow the city or county submission rules and affidavit process. Start with the City’s permitting portal for guidance and forms, or use the county’s site if unincorporated.

Insurance and lender inspections

Many Florida homes need specific reports for underwriting or discounts.

Four-point inspection

Insurers commonly request a four-point for older homes, focusing on roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. If issues appear, you may need updates before binding coverage. Learn what carriers look for at the state’s consumer site: Florida Department of Financial Services.

Wind mitigation credits

A wind mitigation inspection documents features like roof-to-wall connections, opening protection, and secondary water resistance. These features can reduce premiums, so it often pays to get the report even if it is not required.

Roof documentation

Be ready to document roof age and condition. If the roof is near insurer thresholds, your carrier may ask for repair or replacement before or shortly after closing.

Moving timeline checklist

2 to 4 weeks before move

• Confirm jurisdiction using the Property Appraiser GIS. Check your address.
• Verify utility providers by address: electric (FPL), water/sewer (City, County, or Pluris), and trash pickup rules. Start transfer requests now. Set up FPL and confirm water via Sarasota County Utilities.
• Planning immediate work (roof, HVAC, panel, fence, pool, solar)? Ask a licensed contractor what permits you need and start the application. City or county links: City Building & Permitting or County Building Division.

1 to 7 days before move

• Arrange final meter reads for current accounts and confirm start dates at the new home. Keep confirmation numbers.
• For irrigation, pools, or septic, request recent backflow tests or service records from the seller. If a test is due, schedule it. Backflow program details.

Move day or within 48 hours

• Confirm power, water, and internet are active. Locate key shutoffs: main water, sewer cleanout, electric meter, and main breaker.
• If something is not working, call the provider, note your account number, and document the call.

Within 1 to 4 weeks after move

• If your insurer requests a four-point or wind mitigation, schedule it early so your policy is not delayed. See state guidance: Florida DFS homeowners page.
• For planned improvements, submit permits and book inspections. Some inspections require 24 to 48 hours’ notice.
• Review trash and recycling rules, pickup days, and bulky-item procedures: County Solid Waste. If you are in the city, follow City of Sarasota rules.

We’re here to help

If you want a smooth move into Southgate or Arlington Park, you do not have to figure it out alone. From verifying your address jurisdiction to lining up permits and utility timelines, our team can guide every step. Reach out to Sarasota Neighborhood Experts for local advice and a streamlined plan.

FAQs

How do I confirm if my 34239 home is in the city or county?

• Use the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s GIS to check city limits for your specific address: Property Appraiser GIS.

Who supplies water in Southgate and Arlington Park?

• It depends by block: Pluris Southgate serves parts of Southgate under a county franchise, while other addresses use Sarasota County or City of Sarasota utilities. Start with the county’s franchise utilities page and confirm with Sarasota County Utilities.

Do I need a permit to replace a roof or HVAC?

• Yes, reroofs and HVAC replacements typically require permits for both City and County addresses. Check the City of Sarasota Building & Permitting or the Sarasota County Building Division based on your jurisdiction.

How do trash and recycling work in unincorporated 34239?

• Sarasota County manages residential collection and contractors, with updated service areas and cart rules listed here: County Solid Waste. City addresses follow City of Sarasota rules.

Which inspections help with Florida homeowners insurance?

• Many carriers request a four-point for older homes and offer credits for wind mitigation features; see the state’s consumer guidance at the Florida DFS homeowners page.