New Resident Guide
Your Clermont move-in checklist
The practical first-month list: utilities, paperwork, and the local quirks worth knowing, with links straight to the official sources.
HomeNew Resident Guide
Not moved yet? Relocating to Clermont covers what to weigh before you go: the tax bill, insurance, HOA and CDD, the deadlines, and the communities in the area.
Set up electric service
Duke Energy serves most of the county; SECO Energy and a few municipal utilities serve other pockets, so confirm the provider for your exact address. Start with Duke Energy Florida (800-700-8744).
Water & trash
Water: Lake County Utilities or a city/private system, depending on address. Trash and recycling: County franchise hauler (city service inside city limits). Your closing or lease paperwork usually names the exact providers; when in doubt, ask Lake County Government.
Internet
Spectrum and AT&T Fiber are the most common providers. Availability is address-specific, so run each provider's address check before scheduling installation.
Florida driver license & vehicle registration
New residents have 30 days to get a Florida driver license and 10 days to register vehicles once employed or enrolled. Start at FLHSMV; local service is through the Lake County Tax Collector.
Register to vote
Update your registration at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.
File for the homestead exemption
Florida's homestead exemption can reduce your home's taxable value by up to $51,411 for the 2026 tax year: $25,000 against all levies including school taxes, plus $26,411 against non-school taxes only. That second amount is adjusted for inflation every January 1, so confirm the current year's figure with the county property appraiser. File by March 1. File with the Lake County Property Appraiser. More on the cost-of-living page.
Verify your schools
Assignments can differ street by street. Verify any address with Lake County Schools before you commit. More on the schools page.
Get storm ready
Florida living includes hurricane season. Start with the Storm Ready page — live alerts, the kit, shelters, and pets.
Good to know
Clermont questions
What is the Florida homestead exemption and when do I file?
Florida's homestead exemption can reduce your home's taxable value by up to $51,411 for the 2026 tax year: $25,000 against all levies including school taxes, plus $26,411 against non-school taxes only. That second amount is adjusted for inflation every January 1, so confirm the current year's figure with the county property appraiser. File by March 1. In Lake County you file with the Lake County Property Appraiser.
How do I find out which schools serve my address?
School assignments are set by Lake County Schools and can differ street by street, so never rely on a listing or hearsay. Use the district's official address-lookup tools to verify before you commit to a home.
Which electric company will I have?
Duke Energy serves most of the county; SECO Energy and a few municipal utilities serve other pockets, so confirm the provider for your exact address.
What county is Clermont in?
Clermont is in Lake County, Florida, an inland county. The county determines your property taxes, school district, and most local services — the Lake County Property Appraiser is the authoritative source for any specific parcel.
Will my home have an HOA or CDD?
It depends on the community: many newer neighborhoods carry an HOA, a CDD, or both, while older areas may have neither, and the costs differ meaningfully. Our HOA & CDD guide explains how to check any property before you buy.
How worried should I be about hurricanes?
Hurricane season runs June through November and preparation is a normal part of Florida life. Lake County is inland with no storm-surge evacuation zones; wind, rain, and power outages are the main planning points. Our Storm Ready page keeps live alerts and the checklist in one place.
Does Clermont really have hills?
Yes. Clermont sits on the Lake Wales Ridge, which gives south Lake County genuine rolling terrain that most of Florida does not have. It is one of the reasons cyclists, runners, and triathletes train here.
Does Clermont really have hills?
Yes — south Lake County sits on a sand ridge that gives Clermont genuine elevation changes, which is why cyclists and triathletes train here. It is one of the few parts of Central Florida where 'hilltop view' means something.
Can you boat between the lakes?
The Clermont Chain connects a series of lakes by navigable canals, so one launch can cover several lakes. Levels are managed and vary seasonally — check the live gauge on our Lakes & Trails page and verify access points with the Lake County Water Authority.
Take it with you
Email me the move-in essentials
One email with the guide, the printable one-pager, and Storm Ready. Occasional Clermont updates after that — unsubscribe anytime.