Closing on a second home in Bonita Springs 34135 and wondering how to get utilities and insurance lined up without a scramble? You’re not alone. Setting up service from out of state can be tricky, and Florida’s insurance rules and storm season add extra steps. This checklist walks you through what to do, when to do it, and how to confirm the right providers by address so you arrive to lights on and coverage in place. Let’s dive in.
Confirm your providers by address
ZIP codes and city limits do not always match utility territories. Before you start, confirm who serves your specific property address.
- Water and sewer: Many city addresses use Bonita Springs Utilities. Unincorporated areas may use Lee County Utilities or a private or HOA system. Check your address with Bonita Springs Utilities and Lee County Utilities.
- Electric: Florida Power & Light serves most of Lee County, including much of Bonita Springs. Confirm service for your address with Florida Power & Light.
- Trash and recycling: Pickup can be managed by the City of Bonita Springs, Lee County, or a private hauler via your HOA. Start with Lee County Solid Waste or the City of Bonita Springs.
- Internet/TV/phone: Availability varies by street. Common options include cable or fiber providers and telecoms. Always run an address check before you schedule installation.
Tip: Ask the seller or your agent for current providers, account numbers, and final-read dates. Include turn-on and turn-off timing in your closing instructions to avoid gaps in service.
Utility setup: step by step
Prepare these items for most accounts: proof of ownership (closing statement or deed), government ID, your Social Security number or ITIN if requested, and a billing address. Request start dates 7 to 14 business days before possession.
Water and sewer
- Confirm the provider by address with BSU or Lee County Utilities.
- Request an account setup or transfer and ask for the final-read process at closing.
- For second homes, ask for water shutoff steps during long absences and whether irrigation is on a separate meter.
- Make sure the exterior meter is accessible. If locked, schedule a utility appointment to remove the lock.
Electric
- If power is active in the seller’s name, request a transfer instead of a disconnect to avoid outages.
- Provide proof of ownership, ID, and a desired start date. If the home needs a meter or panel upgrade, book an electrician and permits early. These steps can take weeks.
- For second homes, consider load management for HVAC and pool equipment to reduce costs when you are away.
Trash and recycling
- Confirm whether service is handled by the city, county, or your HOA’s private hauler. Check collection days, bulk pickup rules, and recycling guidelines with Lee County Solid Waste or the City of Bonita Springs.
- Ask about storm-debris policies before hurricane season begins.
- If a private hauler serves your community, request the contract transfer steps and any deposit details.
Internet, TV, and phone
- Run an address check to see what is available on your block. Schedule installation 7 to 14 days in advance. New wiring or drops can add time.
- For second homes, set up remote Wi-Fi management and smart-home controls so you can monitor HVAC, humidity, and security systems.
- Consider a backup internet plan, like a mobile hotspot, for storm season and outages.
Other services to line up
- Propane: Confirm if the property has a tank and whether it is owned or leased. If leased, request transfer paperwork and confirm the current fill level and vendor.
- Pool and spa: Arrange regular service and confirm that equipment and automation work before your first visit.
- Security systems: Get current codes and the monitoring provider’s info. Transfer monitoring if needed.
- Mail: Set up USPS forwarding and confirm whether delivery is to a cluster box, curbside, or PO Box.
Florida insurance essentials for closings
Insurance timelines matter in Florida, especially during hurricane season. Lenders typically require proof of coverage before closing funds are released.
Required coverages
- Homeowner’s policy: Lenders require an HO-3 or similar policy at closing. The binder or declarations page must show the coverage effective date and the lender listed as mortgagee.
- Wind or hurricane coverage: Often included or added as an endorsement in Florida. Deductibles are usually a percentage of the dwelling limit, not a flat dollar amount. Confirm the type and amount.
- Flood insurance: If your property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, your lender will require flood insurance. Check your flood zone using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Even if it is not required, consider coverage due to coastal risk.
- Citizens Property Insurance: This is Florida’s insurer of last resort. It is used when private-market options are not available. Learn more from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
For consumer guidance and market conditions, visit the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
How to bind on time
- Start quotes early. Provide roof age, construction type, and mitigation features like impact windows, shutters, roof straps, or secondary water resistance. These details can reduce premiums.
- Ask about any required inspections before binding, such as roof condition or mitigation verification.
- Deliver the insurance binder or declarations page to your lender and title company by their deadline. Confirm the exact mortgagee clause language.
Hurricane deductibles and credits
- In Florida, hurricane deductibles are often 2 to 5 percent of the dwelling coverage. Review the worst-case out-of-pocket for your budget.
- Ask your agent about mitigation credits for impact windows, roof-to-wall connectors, and opening protections. Keep documentation of these features for underwriting.
- If your second home may sit vacant for long periods, discuss vacancy clauses with your insurer. Some carriers require notice or special endorsements.
Hurricane-season readiness for second homes
Southwest Florida faces seasonal storms, so plan ahead. If you are out of state when a storm approaches, you will want a simple checklist and local help in place. For local preparation and response updates, follow Lee County Emergency Management.
Pre-move inspections and hardening
- Inspect the roof and flashing and complete any needed repairs before storm season.
- Confirm the type of window and door protection you have, such as impact glass, shutters, or a plan for temporary plywood.
- Secure outdoor furniture and landscaping that could become projectiles.
- Generators: Permanent standby generators usually require permits and inspections. Review permitting with the Lee County Building Division. If using a portable unit, plan for safe placement, ventilation, and fuel.
Essential move-in supplies
- Water at least 1 gallon per person per day for several days.
- Nonperishable food, manual can opener, and a first-aid kit.
- Flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries, a battery radio, and portable phone power banks.
- Tarps, rope, basic tools, and sandbags or heavy alternatives.
- Fuel containers stored safely and a generator fuel plan.
- High-resolution photos of the interior and exterior to document condition for insurance.
Post-storm steps
- Put safety first. Avoid downed lines and floodwater.
- Document damage with photos and timestamps. Notify your insurer and follow their claim steps.
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs and temporary housing.
Out-of-state closing timeline
Use this sequence to avoid last-minute issues and service gaps.
4 or more weeks before closing
- Confirm exact providers for your address and gather account numbers from the seller.
- Start homeowner’s, wind, and flood insurance quotes. Plan to bind coverage as soon as your contract is firm.
- Add utility status and final-read directions to your closing instructions.
2 weeks before closing
- Schedule electric and water transfers or activations for the day before or the day of closing.
- Book your internet installation if you need immediate service.
- If you plan a generator or major electrical work, begin permit discussions now. Finish may occur after closing.
1 to 3 days before closing
- Confirm final-read dates and meter access with each utility.
- Ensure your insurance binder or declarations page is delivered to your lender and title company.
- Provide billing and mailing details to utilities.
Day of closing and first week after
- Record meter readings and confirm services are active.
- Collect keys, garage openers, security codes, HOA rules, and any utility info from the seller.
- Call each provider to confirm the account is in your name and autopay settings are correct.
- Set up pool, landscape, and routine maintenance vendors.
- Complete a full systems check, or ask a trusted local contact to do it.
Smart second-home management
- Use smart thermostats, leak sensors, and cameras for remote monitoring.
- Set HVAC to manage humidity year-round. Consider load-shedding options when the home is vacant.
- Arrange recurring pool, pest, and landscape services to maintain the property while you are away.
- Keep a local contact list: utility accounts, insurance agent, HOA manager, maintenance vendors, and a trusted neighbor or property manager.
Quick reference checklist
- Verify providers by address, not just ZIP.
- Schedule water and electric 7 to 14 business days in advance.
- Confirm trash pickup, bulk rules, and storm debris plans.
- Run internet address checks and book installs early.
- Bind homeowner’s, wind, and flood coverage before closing deadlines.
- Prep hurricane supplies and document property condition.
- Plan for remote monitoring and routine vendor services.
Ready to make your move-in smooth and stress-free? If you want local help coordinating provider checks, timelines, and insurance prep before you step on the plane, reach out to Unknown Company. Get your instant property valuation and a practical plan for your Bonita Springs second home.
FAQs
Who provides water and sewer in Bonita Springs 34135?
- Many addresses inside the city use Bonita Springs Utilities, while unincorporated areas may use Lee County Utilities or a private or HOA system. Always verify by exact street address with BSU and Lee County Utilities.
Do I need flood insurance for a second home in Bonita Springs?
- Lenders require flood coverage if your property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Check your flood zone with the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and consider coverage even if it is not required.
When should I bind homeowner’s insurance for closing?
- Start quotes early and bind as soon as your contract is firm. During hurricane season, bind well before any named storm to avoid delays. See guidance from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.
What happens if my preferred insurer is not available?
- If private options are unavailable, you may qualify with the state’s insurer of last resort. Learn about eligibility and limits at Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
Who handles trash, recycling, and storm debris?
- Service may be managed by the city, county, or a private hauler via your HOA. Confirm rules, schedules, and storm debris procedures with Lee County Solid Waste or the City of Bonita Springs.
What permits do I need for generators or electrical work?
- Permanent generators and major electrical changes usually require local permits and inspections. Check requirements with the Lee County Building Division and your HOA rules before scheduling work.
