Just closed on a home in Wellington and need the lights and water on today? You are not alone. Move-in week is a sprint, and small misses can delay utility activation. This guide gives you a clear, one-day plan to set up water, wastewater, electric, and irrigation compliance fast, plus ways to avoid the most common snags. Let’s dive in.
What to gather before you start
Getting your documents and photos ready speeds approvals and reduces back-and-forth. Have these on hand:
- Proof of occupancy or ownership:
- Buyers: recorded deed or Closing Disclosure, or a recent property tax bill.
- Renters: signed lease with start date.
- Government ID for the account holder: driver’s license or passport.
- Social Security number or tax ID, or the last 4 digits for verification.
- Contact details: phone, email, and mailing address.
- Service address details: unit number, gate or lockbox codes, and meter access notes.
- Requested start date and possession date.
- Photos:
- Front of the property showing the address.
- Water meter and electric meter, including any meter tag numbers.
- Irrigation backflow assembly and its test tag, if present.
- Irrigation controller make/model or a clear photo.
- Payment method for deposits or first bills.
Tip: If you can, submit online applications the day before your move. Many utilities process faster when your request is already in queue.
Morning: start water and electric early
Starting first thing in the morning gives field crews a chance to route your request the same day.
Start water and wastewater service
Water and wastewater service for Wellington addresses is typically managed by the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department. Begin online or by phone and be ready to upload your deed or lease and ID.
- Ask whether an existing meter is active and accessible, and whether a field visit is required.
- If asked, provide a photo of the meter reading. This can help with billing accuracy.
- Be prepared to pay any required deposit right away.
Same-day activation is most likely when:
- A working meter is already installed and reachable by crews.
- There are no outstanding balances tied to the address.
- No new meter, repairs, or inspections are required.
If new construction, locked access, or repairs are involved, activation can take longer.
Start electric service with FPL
Set up your Florida Power & Light residential account online or by phone. Have your ID and occupancy documents ready.
- Request same-day activation and confirm whether the meter is energized.
- Ask if a field visit, inspection, or equipment replacement is needed.
- Pay any deposit promptly to clear holds.
Same-day activation is most likely when the meter and panel are in safe, usable condition, there are no outstanding balances, and you submit early in the day. If a safety issue is found, FPL will wait for repairs and any required inspection before energizing.
Midday: confirm windows and clear holds
Once both accounts are requested, keep momentum with a quick coordination push.
- Confirm estimated activation times for water and electric.
- Provide gate codes or access instructions immediately. Crews cannot complete work without entry.
- If a meter photo or additional document was requested, send it promptly.
- Make deposit or first-bill payments right away. Delays often come from unpaid deposits.
Afternoon: on-site checks and irrigation compliance
Plan to be on site or have a responsible adult available if crews need access. Use this window to confirm irrigation details as well.
Irrigation backflow basics
Most irrigation systems must have a backflow prevention assembly to protect the potable water supply. In Palm Beach County, these devices typically require annual testing by a certified tester, with results submitted to the County.
- Locate the backflow assembly and check the test tag date.
- If testing is overdue, schedule a certified tester as soon as possible. Many offer same-day service for a fee.
- Keep a copy of the test report or confirmation number and make sure it is submitted to the County.
Program your controller to local rules
South Florida has year-round water conservation rules set by regional and local authorities. The Village of Wellington and HOAs may have specific watering schedules and time-of-day restrictions.
- Until you confirm allowed watering days and times, set your controller to the correct schedule or switch it to off.
- Use a rain sensor or smart controller if available. These devices help you stay within local rules and avoid overwatering.
If activation is delayed
If a technician identifies a safety or equipment issue, ask for a written explanation of what is required and the expected timeline.
- For electric: a licensed electrician may need to repair or replace a meter base or address code issues before FPL will energize service.
- For water: a locked meter, inaccessible location, or need for repairs can add time. Provide access, then ask for the next available crew slot.
Evening: wrap up and set accounts
Once services are active or scheduled, finish with a clean handoff to your online portals.
- Create online accounts for both utilities and enroll in eBilling if you prefer paperless.
- Save confirmation numbers and the names of any representatives you spoke with.
- Verify that your first meter reads are recorded. If you took photos, keep them for your records.
One-day utility setup checklist
Use this summary to stay on track.
- Before move day:
- Gather deed or lease, ID, SSN or tax ID, contact info, start date, payment method.
- Take photos of the property front, water meter, electric meter, backflow device, and irrigation controller.
- If possible, pre-submit online applications for water/wastewater and FPL.
- Morning:
- Start water/wastewater account request with the County.
- Start FPL electric account request and ask for same-day activation.
- If irrigation use is urgent, contact a certified backflow tester to verify or test today.
- Midday:
- Confirm activation windows and provide access details.
- Pay deposits immediately and submit any requested meter reads or documents.
- Afternoon:
- Be present for any field visits and resolve access issues.
- If issues arise, get the required fix in writing and schedule next steps.
- Complete backflow testing and confirm submission of results.
- Evening:
- Set up online accounts, eBilling, and retain confirmations.
Common delays in Wellington and how to avoid them
- Locked gates or no meter access: Provide gate codes and on-site contact details in your request.
- New construction or no meter: Expect multi-day or longer timelines for new meter sets and inspections. Confirm with the seller or builder what has been completed.
- Past-due balances tied to the address: Ask utilities to confirm there are no outstanding amounts that would block activation.
- Unsafe electrical equipment: If an issue is flagged, engage a licensed electrician quickly.
- Overdue backflow test: Schedule a certified tester as soon as you see an expired tag.
- Watering schedule violations: Confirm Village or HOA irrigation rules before running the system.
Who to contact
- Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department: start, stop, or transfer water and wastewater service; deposits; meter reads; backflow program.
- Florida Power & Light (FPL): start or transfer electric service; deposits; safety checks; meter status.
- Village of Wellington: local codes and permitting for irrigation work; enforcement questions; local contacts.
- South Florida Water Management District and Palm Beach County conservation resources: year-round watering rules and best practices.
- Certified backflow testers and licensed electricians: same-day testing or repairs when needed.
Make move-in simpler with a local partner
If you prefer a single point of contact to coordinate vendors, oversee fix-it items, and keep your move-in timeline on track, Triple Crown Group can help. Our integrated brokerage, construction management, and estate management teams support clients across Wellington and Palm Beach County. We routinely prepare luxury homes for quick occupancy, from utility coordination to irrigation compliance and ongoing property operations.
Reach out to Triple Crown Group to align a move-in plan that fits your schedule. Schedule a consultation to start your property journey.
FAQs
How do I set up water service fast in Wellington?
- Start a new account with the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department early in the morning, upload your deed or lease and ID, provide access details and a meter photo if possible, and pay any deposit right away.
Can FPL turn on power the same day for my new home?
- Often yes if the meter and panel are safe, the address has no outstanding balance, and you submit early with verification and deposit complete. New construction or safety issues can add time.
What documents will I need for utility activation?
- A deed or Closing Disclosure for owners, or a signed lease for renters, plus government ID, SSN or tax ID details, contact info, and a payment method for deposits.
What is a backflow device and do I need testing?
- It prevents irrigation water from flowing back into the potable supply. In Palm Beach County, annual testing by a certified tester is generally required, with results submitted to the County.
How do I avoid irrigation watering violations in Wellington?
- Confirm current watering days and times through regional and local rules, adjust your controller accordingly, and use a rain sensor or smart controller to prevent overwatering.
What if a technician cannot access my meter?
- Provide gate codes, remove locks, and be on site or have a responsible adult available. Without access, crews will not complete activation.
