Picture this: You just moved to Lakeland, Florida and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit and watch the swans all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Bookmark these Lakelander 101 tips, our guide to all things Lakeland citizenship.
The essentials
Voter registration
Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.
Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration
New residents in need of a Florida driver’s license will need to provide proof of legal status, a Social Security document, and two documents confirming your residential address.
To register your car in the state of Florida, you’ll need to take proof of Florida car insurance, proof of your identity (in the form of a driver’s license, passport, or ID card), and Vehicle Identification Number + Odometer Verification forms to any Polk County Tax Collector’s office. Initial registrations may be subject to a $225 fee.
You can make an appointment at any of Polk County’s offices to obtain a Florida driver’s license. Registration for your vehicle is conducted on a walk-in basis.
Healthcare
Establishing yourself with a primary care provider is one of those things you’ll be glad you did when you need one. Reach out to the professionals at Lakeland Regional Health, Watson Clinic, or BayCare Medical Group, to name a few. Pro tip: Websites like DocSpot filter physicians by location, patient reviews, insurance, language, and more.
There are plenty of public and private options for your child’s schooling.
Photo via Polk County Public Schools
Education
School registration
Prepare your student for the school year by registering them with Polk County Public Schools. Here, you’ll find your school zone (based on your home address), a list of registration and immunization requirements, and the student entry form. With your required documents in hand, you’ll then make an appointment at your student’s zoned school to complete the registration process.
For information on Polk County’s school options, check out our comprehensive guide.
Library card registration
If you think libraries are only for renting your next read, think again. Register for a library card at your nearest Lakeland Public Library branch, or apply for a temporary card (valid for 30 days) online, to take advantage of:
- Events
- eBooks, music, and movies
- Online databases
- Genealogy services
- Private meeting spaces for groups
- Books-by-mail
- State park passes
To get your card, you’ll need proof of identity and address. Lakelanders of any age can apply for a free card to be used at any Lakeland branch.
Speaking of Lakeland Electric, have you seen its 10-story building reflecting on Lake Mirror? | Photo by LALtoday
Photo provided by Elizabeth Willers
Home necessities
Recycling
Thanks for thinking green. For everything you need to know about recycling in Lakeland, from where to place your bin to pickup times and accepted materials, check out our guide. If you’re into composting, we have the dirt on that, too.
Utilities
Moving is exciting, but no one wants to unpack by candlelight. Establish your services with Lakeland Electric by creating an account or updating your address in your existing account. Pro tip: You can complete a free virtual energy audit to learn how you can save money and energy every month.
Internet providers
No connectivity issues here. Check out a few of the internet providers in the 863:
- EarthLink | Fiber internet starting at $39.95 per month for 12 months
- Frontier | Fiber internet service starting at $29.99 per month for 12 months
- HughesNet | Satellite internet service starting at $49.99 per month for 12 months
- Spectrum | Internet service starting at $30 per month for 12 months
- Viasat | Satellite nternet service starting at $119.99 per month
Join the Lakeland crowd at the farmers market every weekend.
Photo by @ashley_kent77
The ultimate Lakelander initiation
Having a Florida driver’s license and an 863 area code may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a Lakelander until you’ve taken part in some local fun that is only found in Swan City.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Head to Kentucky Avenue on Saturdays to shop from dozens of local vendors selling fresh produce, ready-to-eat bites, artisan items, and homemade crafts. From September to May, it’s open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In June + July, it closes at 1 p.m., and August is the annual hiatus.
Feed the swans
You’ll find the birds behind the “Swan City” moniker on t-shirts, signs, and logos around Lakeland — but if you want the real thing, head to Lake Morton. The swans were a gift from the Queen of England that live on as local icons. Leave the bread at home and bring quarters to buy handfuls of food from dispensers around the lake.
Order a Pub Sub
The Publix company is headquartered in Lakeland, making it a go-to choice for grocery shoppers and a source of local pride. If you’re new to the supermarket, hit the deli to order a sandwich, affectionately known as a “Pub Sub.” Not sure what to order? Get ideas from the local experts.
Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get you properly established in Swan City? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.
