Florida Move-In Checklist 2026 — Final Walkthrough to First Month
Closing day is just the start. This FL-specific checklist covers everything from the final walkthrough to the 30-day tasks that protect your home, your insurance, and your tax savings.
Mar 1
Homestead exemption filing deadline (county property appraiser)
24 hrs
Re-key all locks — before you unpack
Jun 1
FL hurricane season start — prep before, not during
Final Walkthrough — What to Verify Before You Sign
The final walkthrough typically happens 24–48 hours before closing. Its purpose is to confirm the home is in the same condition as when you went under contract, all agreed repairs were made, and nothing is missing. In Florida, also check:
Walkthrough
Agreed repairs completed: Request receipts and before/after documentation for every negotiated repair. Walk each area specifically.
Walkthrough
All appliances functional: Run the dishwasher, test all burners, run A/C for 10 minutes to confirm cold air, flush all toilets, run all faucets.
Walkthrough
Hurricane shutters / impact windows: Test all storm shutters operate fully. Verify impact windows have no cracks. Missing or broken shutters is a deal-day issue.
Walkthrough
No new water intrusion: Check under sinks, around water heater, along base of exterior walls, and in attic (if accessible) for new staining or mold since your inspection.
Walkthrough
Pool / spa operational: Run pump and spa jets. Verify pool equipment (pump, heater, salt cell if applicable) is present and functional.
Walkthrough
All items in contract present: Confirm every appliance, fixture, and item listed in the contract is still there — sellers occasionally remove things they shouldn't.
Walkthrough
Keys, remotes, codes: Collect all keys, garage door openers, gate remotes, mailbox keys, and HOA fob/entry codes before or at closing table.
Day 1 After Closing — Do These First
Day 1
Re-key all locks: The seller, previous tenants, contractors, and agents may have copies. Re-key every exterior lock immediately ($75–$150 total). Or install a smart lock for digital key management.
Day 1
Locate main water shutoff: Know exactly where it is before a pipe bursts. In FL homes it's typically near the meter (exterior, side of house) or in a utility closet.
Day 1
Locate electrical panel and circuit labels: Verify labels are accurate. Label any unlabeled breakers. Locate GFCI reset buttons in bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and exterior outlets.
Day 1
Transfer utilities: Confirm FPL/Duke/TECO electricity, water/sewer, and internet are in your name. Get the account numbers. Set up auto-pay before the first billing cycle.
Day 1
Confirm homeowner's insurance is active: Your lender required it at closing, but confirm the policy is active and you have the login/documents. Know your deductibles — FL wind/hurricane deductibles are separate and typically 2–5% of dwelling coverage.
Day 1
Change all access codes: Garage door keypad, alarm system, gate entry code, smart thermostat. Factory reset smart home devices left by seller.
Week 1 — Administrative and Safety
Week 1
Update driver's license and voter registration: FL DMV requires address update within 30 days. Voter registration: flvoter.gov. Both are required for homestead exemption verification.
Week 1
Test smoke and CO detectors: Replace batteries in all detectors. FL code requires smoke detectors within 10 ft of each bedroom and on every floor. Add CO detectors if gas appliances are present.
Week 1
Check fire extinguisher: Verify it's in date (check gauge). FL homes should have one in the kitchen and one in the garage minimum.
Week 1
Register with county emergency management: Sign up for CodeRED or AlertFlorida at your county's emergency management site for evacuation zone, storm, and emergency notifications tied to your specific address.
Week 1
Locate and photograph your flood zone status: Look up your address at msc.fema.gov/portal/. Screenshot your flood zone designation. If in a special flood hazard area (SFHA), confirm flood insurance is in place.
First Month — FL-Specific High-Priority Tasks
Month 1
File homestead exemption: File with your county property appraiser by March 1 of the following year. Saves up to $50,000 off assessed value + caps future increases at 3% (Save Our Homes). File at your county's property appraiser website — most FL counties accept online filing.
Month 1
Hurricane prep basics: Season runs June 1–November 30. Within your first FL summer: buy a 7-day emergency kit (water/food/flashlights/medications/documents), confirm shutters work, identify your evacuation zone and route, and secure outdoor furniture anchors.
Month 1
HVAC filter and service: FL A/C runs 10–11 months/year. Replace filter on arrival, schedule annual preventive maintenance. A dirty filter adds 15–20% to electricity cost and shortens unit life.
Month 1
Pest control contract: FL climate makes ongoing pest control essential (termites, roaches, rodents, ants). Set up a quarterly service contract. If a WDO (wood-destroying organism) report was part of your inspection, review its findings.
Month 1
Review your closing documents: Locate and file your HUD/Closing Disclosure, deed, title policy, survey, and inspection reports. You'll need these for taxes, insurance claims, and future sale. Scan and store digitally with cloud backup.
Month 1
Set up escrow account monitoring: Your lender collects monthly for property taxes and insurance. Confirm the escrow amount covers your actual tax bill (especially if you're first-year without homestead). An escrow shortfall notice arrives around November — plan for it.
Annual Reminders — Set These Recurring
Annual
Property tax discount: FL property taxes are due April 1 but pay in November for a 4% discount, December for 3%, January for 2%, February for 1%. Auto-pay or calendar this — it's real savings.
Annual
Insurance renewal review: FL homeowner's insurance market changes rapidly. Shop comparison quotes each year — switching insurers annually is common and saves hundreds.
Annual
Wind mitigation re-inspection: If you added impact windows, a new roof, or other upgrades, a new wind mitigation inspection can reduce your wind premium significantly. Cost: $75–$150; savings potential: $500–$2,000/year.
Homestead filing is the most commonly missed first-year task. Miss the March 1 deadline and you wait another full year. Set a calendar reminder the day you close: "File homestead exemption by March 1, [year]" — it can save $1,000–$2,000/year in property taxes.
New homeowner? There's a guide for that too.
The BrightPath New Homeowner Planner covers the full first year of ownership — maintenance calendars, budget tracking, and FL-specific annual tasks — in 25 printable pages.
See All BrightPath Guides →FAQ
When should I file for the Florida homestead exemption?
By March 1 of the year following your purchase. File with your county property appraiser online (most FL counties). It saves up to $50,000 off assessed value and caps annual increases at 3% under Save Our Homes. Missing this deadline means waiting a full year — set a reminder the day you close.
What should I check in the final walkthrough before closing in Florida?
Verify: all negotiated repairs completed (get receipts), all appliances/HVAC operational, hurricane shutters work, no new water intrusion, all contract items present, keys/remotes/codes collected, pool/spa operational if applicable. Do this 24–48 hours before closing.
What FL-specific items should I do immediately after moving in?
Re-key all locks, locate water/electric shutoffs, confirm homeowner's insurance is active (note separate FL wind deductible), transfer utilities, change all entry codes (garage, alarm, gate), and register for county emergency alerts (CodeRED/AlertFlorida) for hurricane/evacuation notifications.
Does Florida require me to change the locks after buying a house?
Not legally required, but strongly recommended. Previous owners, tenants, contractors, and agents may have copies. Re-key all exterior locks on day 1 — $75–$150 for a typical FL home. A smart lock lets you manage digital codes going forward without physical re-keying.