New to Horizon West? Start Duke Energy power and Orange County water, get a Florida driver's license within 30 days, file homestead by March 1. Every link here.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page links our own guides and the official sign-up page for each service. Facts come from Orange County Utilities, the Orange County Tax Collector, Duke Energy, the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District and the agencies linked below.

Welcome to Horizon West. It is unincorporated Orange County, so most services come from the county, not a city: water and sewer, trash pickup, permits, parks and the sheriff. Use this page as a checklist. For general county questions, call Orange County 311 (407-836-3111).

First week checklist

  1. Power: start service with Duke Energy.
  2. Water and sewer: Orange County Utilities, 407-836-5515, at least three days ahead.
  3. Florida insurance on your car: within 10 days of becoming a resident.
  4. Florida driver’s license: within 30 days; book an appointment.
  5. Homestead exemption: by March 1, 407-836-5044.

Utilities

Electricity. Duke Energy Florida serves Horizon West, and its outage map lists Horizon West as a community. Start service on Duke’s start, stop and move page. For outages, see our power outages guide.

Water and sewer. Orange County Utilities offers two ways to connect: call Utilities Customer Service at 407-836-5515 or use its Utilities Online Account. Contact the county at least three days before you need service. A deposit applies; the county’s page explains how it is credited back.

Natural gas. Not every home has gas. The Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, based in Winter Garden, takes new service requests through its new service application and at 407-656-2734, which is also its emergency line if you smell gas. Ask whether gas is available at your address.

Internet. Providers vary street by street. The FCC’s National Broadband Map shows which companies report service at your exact address; sign up through the provider’s own website.

Trash and recycling. Nothing to set up: Orange County provides carts and bills collection on your property tax bill. New-construction owners get the first bill from Orange County Utilities. Find your pickup days in our trash and recycling guide.

Your car and your license

From the Orange County Tax Collector’s new Florida residents page:

  • Insurance: get auto insurance from a Florida insurance agent within 10 days of becoming a resident, before you register and title your vehicle.
  • Driver’s license: get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident, in person at one of the Tax Collector’s six Orange County offices. Book an appointment.
  • Tests: everyone takes a vision test. With a valid license from a state Florida recognizes, you may not need the written or road test. You must surrender your out-of-state license.
  • Tags and titles: handled by the Tax Collector, which also offers tag and title by mail.

The Tax Collector counts you as a Florida resident once you start work in Florida, enroll a child in a Florida public school, register to vote, file for homestead, or live here more than six months in a row. Help line: 407-434-0312.

Your home

  • Homestead exemption: file with the Property Appraiser by March 1; see our property tax guide.
  • Permits for fences, pools and remodeling: Orange County, through Fast Track; see our building permits guide.
  • Your homeowners association or community development district may have its own rules and assessments; ask for them at closing.

Schools, voting and pets

  • Schools: Orange County Public Schools, 407-317-3200. Check your zoned school with Find My School, and see our schools guide.
  • Voting: register or update your address with the Supervisor of Elections; see our voting guide.
  • Pets: Florida law requires rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months or older (section 828.30). Orange County Animal Services, 407-836-3111, answers questions on county pet rules.

Who to call and how to get around

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up water service in Horizon West?

Orange County Utilities handles water and sewer accounts. Call Utilities Customer Service at 407-836-5515 or use the Utilities Online Account at least three days before you need service.

How long do I have to get a Florida driver’s license after moving to Horizon West?

30 days after you establish residency, the Orange County Tax Collector says. Book an appointment at one of its six Orange County offices; you must pass a vision test and surrender your out-of-state license.

Who provides electricity in Horizon West?

Duke Energy Florida, whose outage map tracks Horizon West as a community. Start service through Duke’s start, stop and move page. The utility named on your closing documents or bill is your provider.

When do I file for homestead exemption in Orange County?

By March 1 of the tax year, with the Orange County Property Appraiser, 407-836-5044. The exemption can reduce a home’s taxable value by as much as $50,000.

Do I need to set up trash pickup in Horizon West?

No. Orange County collects trash, recycling, yard waste and large items and bills them on the property tax bill. Owners of newly built homes get their first bill from Orange County Utilities.