Moving to a new country or state is exciting, but the paperwork and timing can feel overwhelming. If you’re relocating your bilingual family to Delray Beach, you want a clear plan that respects your timeline and supports Spanish and Portuguese speakers. This step-by-step checklist gives you local timelines, agencies, required documents, and ready-to-use bilingual phrases so you can move with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Move timeline at a glance
Bilingual callout: BEFORE YOU MOVE / ANTES DE MUDARSE / ANTES DE SE MUDAR
3+ months before your move
- Research neighborhoods and confirm school zone boundaries through the School District of Palm Beach County. Start a secure folder for vital documents.
- Gather passports or birth certificates, immunization records, prior school records, and medical records. If applicable, review visa status and any U.S. immigration paperwork.
- Begin exploring temporary housing options if you have not secured a permanent home.
6 to 8 weeks before your move
- Book a short-term rental or furnished apartment with utilities and internet included if possible. Look for flexible 30 to 90 day terms.
- Notify your child’s current school and request official records or transcripts. Keep both digital copies and originals.
- Schedule movers and shipping. Confirm insurance coverage for valuable items.
2 to 3 weeks before your move
- Start utility setup where possible. Many providers allow advance activation for a set date.
- File your USPS change of address so mail forwarding begins when you arrive.
Move week and move day
- Carry originals of passports, birth certificates, immunization records, lease or deed, and driver’s licenses.
- Keep medications, chargers, and a basic tool kit in your carry-on. Take photos or scans of all documents.
Bilingual callout: 30 DAYS AFTER ARRIVAL / 30 DÍAS DESPUÉS DE LLEGAR / 30 DIAS APÓS CHEGAR
First 30 days after arrival
- Apply for a Florida driver license and register your vehicle if you are establishing residency. Many official pages reference a 30 day window for resident registrations. Confirm details with the state.
- Enroll children in school as soon as you secure housing. Transfer health records and choose primary care and pediatric providers.
- Set up SunPass for tolls and confirm all utilities are active.
Days 31 to 90
- If eligible and timing fits, prepare your Homestead Exemption application. The commonly cited filing deadline is March 1 for the tax year.
- Complete voter registration if applicable. Update auto and home insurance to Florida coverage.
Short-term housing and getting oriented
If you arrive before you buy or lease long term, consider furnished apartments, corporate housing, or extended-stay hotels. Confirm what is included, such as utilities, internet, and parking. Check pet policies, proximity to groceries and clinics, and municipal rules for licensed rentals.
Popular areas to explore in Delray Beach offer different lifestyles. Downtown near Atlantic Avenue is walkable with restaurants and shops. Pineapple Grove sits by cultural amenities. Lake Ida and nearby residential pockets offer more single-family homes and quiet streets. East of I-95 is closer to the beach, while many west-of-I-95 neighborhoods offer larger lots and single-family options. Choose based on your daily routine and commute.
Set up utilities and home services
Bilingual callout: UTILITIES / SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS / UTILIDADES
- Electricity: Most homes use Florida Power & Light. You can start service online and may be asked for a deposit if you have limited U.S. credit history.
- Water, sewer, trash: City of Delray Beach Public Utilities manages accounts and provides residential pickup schedules. Check setup steps by address.
- Internet and TV: Availability is address specific and may include major providers in the area. Installation windows can take several days to a week.
- Gas or propane: Many homes are all-electric. Some properties use propane. Confirm service type with your landlord or seller.
International arrivals may be asked for a Social Security Number, credit history, a deposit, or proof of identity. If you do not have an SSN, be ready to provide a passport, visa, and your lease or deed. Consider prepaying deposits if requested.
- Set up your SunPass online to avoid higher toll-by-plate charges and to make express lane access seamless.
Helpful links:
- Start electricity service with Florida Power & Light via the provider’s site: FPL customer service and setup
- City accounts and pickup schedules: City of Delray Beach utilities and services
- Tolls and transponders: SunPass program and registration
Driver license, vehicle registration, and tolls
Bilingual callout: DRIVER’S LICENSE / DMV / LICENCIA DE CONDUCIR / CARTEIRA DE MOTORISTA
New Florida residents should obtain a Florida driver license and register vehicles soon after establishing residency. Many official pages reference a 30 day guideline for residency-related registrations. Always verify current timelines.
What to bring for a license appointment:
- Proof of identity such as a valid passport; proof of lawful presence if applicable.
- Social Security Number. If not eligible, bring immigration documents as instructed by the state.
- Two proofs of Florida residential address such as a lease or deed and a utility bill.
Where to go and how to plan:
- State rules and acceptable documents: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Appointments and vehicle registration services are available through the Palm Beach County Tax Collector: Palm Beach County Tax Collector offices
- For tolls, purchase and register a transponder: SunPass account setup
School enrollment essentials
Bilingual callout: SCHOOL ENROLLMENT / INSCRIPCIÓN ESCOLAR / MATRÍCULA ESCOLAR
Public schools use your residential address to assign a school. As soon as you secure housing, confirm your zoned school with the district and start enrollment.
Required documents commonly include:
Proof of residency such as a lease or deed and an additional document like a utility bill.
Child’s birth certificate or passport, immunization records that meet Florida rules, prior school records, and parent or guardian photo ID.
Find your assigned school and enrollment steps: School District of Palm Beach County
Review required vaccines for school entry: Florida Department of Health immunization requirements
Language support: The district offers ESOL services. Spanish is widely supported. Portuguese assistance may require translators or community resources, so plan ahead.
Quick bilingual labels for your document packet:
- Proof of residency — Prueba de residencia — Comprovante de residência
- Birth certificate or Passport — Partida de nacimiento o Pasaporte — Certidão de nascimento ou Passaporte
- Immunization records — Registro de vacunas — Cartão de vacinação
- School enrollment form — Formulario de inscripción escolar — Formulário de matrícula escolar
Templates you can copy and send:
- To a school (Spanish): “Hola, me mudo a Delray Beach el [fecha] y necesito inscribir a mi hijo(a). ¿Podrían indicarme los pasos y los documentos necesarios para la matrícula?”
- To a school (Portuguese): “Olá, vou me mudar para Delray Beach em [data] e preciso matricular meu(a) filho(a). Poderiam me informar os passos e os documentos necessários para a matrícula?”
Healthcare and insurance setup
Bilingual callout: HEALTHCARE & IMMUNIZATIONS / SALUD E INMUNIZACIONES / SAÚDE E IMUNIZAÇÕES
If you are a new resident, explore your options through the federal marketplace during open enrollment or if you qualify due to a life event. Short-term visitors should consider travel or international coverage until U.S. plans begin.
- Compare plans and see eligibility: Health Insurance Marketplace
- Review Florida school vaccine requirements and local public health services: Florida Department of Health
Request medical and dental records before you move. Schedule first visits for primary care and pediatric care during your first 2 to 6 weeks in Delray Beach.
Templates you can copy and send:
- To a clinic (Spanish): “Hola, soy nuevo(a) en Delray Beach y me gustaría programar una cita para [nombre del paciente]. ¿Aceptan nuevos pacientes y cómo puedo transferir los registros médicos?”
- To a clinic (Portuguese): “Olá, sou novo(a) em Delray Beach e gostaria de agendar uma consulta para [nome do paciente]. Aceitam novos pacientes e como faço para transferir os registros médicos?”
Homestead Exemption basics for Palm Beach County
Bilingual callout: HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION / EXENCIÓN DE HOGAR / ISENÇÃO DE IMÓVEL
Homestead Exemption can reduce the taxable value of your primary home and may provide Save Our Homes protections. The commonly cited deadline to file for the tax year is March 1, and eligibility usually requires you to own and occupy the home as of January 1. Always confirm current rules and deadlines with the county.
Typical documents may include a Florida driver license or state ID that shows the property address, your deed or closing statement, voter registration tied to the address if applicable, and proof of occupancy. Start here to verify forms and deadlines: Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Short callout for your calendar:
- “File homestead claim by March 1” — “Solicite la exención de homestead antes del 1 de marzo” — “Solicite a isenção de imóvel até 1º de março”
Legal and everyday setup
- Submit your change of address with USPS so your mail forwards to your new home: USPS change of address
- Open or update a U.S. bank account using your passport, immigration documents if applicable, and proof of local address.
- If you are eligible, register to vote following Florida and county election deadlines.
- For pets, confirm local licensing rules and keep rabies vaccinations current.
Templates you can copy and send:
- To utilities (Spanish): “Hola, me mudaré a [dirección] el [fecha]. ¿Cómo puedo activar el servicio de electricidad y qué documentos necesitan?”
- To utilities (Portuguese): “Olá, vou me mudar para [endereço] em [data]. Como faço para ativar o serviço de eletricidade e quais documentos são necessários?”
Download your bilingual checklist PDF
We recommend a printable, fillable checklist you can keep in your travel bag. It should include:
- A pre-move list, move-day list, 0 to 30 day tasks, and 31 to 90 day tasks with checkboxes.
- A school enrollment packet page with bilingual labels, plus a healthcare page for immunizations and first appointments.
- A local resources page with QR codes for the School District of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, City of Delray Beach utilities, FLHSMV, FPL, SunPass, Healthcare.gov, and USPS.
If you prefer, ask for separate versions in English plus Spanish or English plus Portuguese so each family member can follow along easily.
Ready to make your move to Delray Beach simple?
You deserve a smooth relocation with clear steps in your language. For neighborhood guidance, school-zone clarity, and a custom bilingual move plan, connect with the Thormann Caltabiano Group. Schedule a consultation and get the support your family needs.
FAQs
How soon do I need a Florida driver license after moving to Delray Beach?
- Many official pages reference a 30 day window for new residents to complete license and vehicle registration. Confirm current requirements with Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
What documents do Palm Beach County public schools require for enrollment?
- Expect proof of residency, a birth certificate or passport, up-to-date immunization records, parent or guardian photo ID, and prior school records. Check the School District of Palm Beach County for current steps.
When is the deadline to file for Homestead Exemption in Palm Beach County?
- The commonly cited deadline is March 1 for the tax year. Verify eligibility, forms, and any late filing options with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.
How do I set up electricity, water, and trash in Delray Beach?
- Start electricity with Florida Power & Light. For water, sewer, and trash, visit City of Delray Beach utilities and services for account setup and pickup schedules.
Do I need a SunPass for local driving around Delray Beach and Palm Beach County?
- Many Florida roads use tolls. A SunPass helps you avoid higher toll-by-plate fees and speeds up travel. Register at SunPass.
How can I get health insurance and meet school immunization rules after I arrive?
- Explore plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace if you qualify. Review required vaccines and local clinics via the Florida Department of Health.
What is the best time to start a USPS mail forward when moving to Delray Beach?
- You can submit a change of address up to 30 days before your move so forwarding begins on your arrival date. Start at USPS change of address.
