Moving to WaterColor and want the lights on, the Wi‑Fi humming, and trash day set from day one? You’re not alone. Between HOA inclusions, seasonal installer backlogs, and overlapping utility boundaries on 30A, setup can feel confusing. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly who provides what, how to open accounts on time, and which WaterColor‑specific rules to check before you plug in. Let’s dive in.
What to expect in WaterColor
WaterColor sits along 30A near Seaside, where utility service areas overlap by street. Electric service is typically provided by CHELCO or FPL. Water and sewer often come from Regional Utilities, and internet options vary by address. Many WaterColor HOA fees include cable, internet, or trash, so verify what you’re already paying for before you open new accounts.
Who provides each service
Electricity
Boundaries in Walton County vary by block. Your address will be served by either CHELCO or FPL. To confirm, check the meter tag or a recent bill, or ask your agent. The area business directory lists local providers, and FPL is active in Walton County. For more, see the local chamber directory of providers and a summary of FPL’s footprint and investments:
- Review the area business directory for electric providers: Walton Area Chamber directory
- Learn about FPL’s local presence: FPL investments in Walton County
Water and sewer
Regional Utilities serves much of South Walton, including the Seaside and WaterColor area. Some homes are individually metered, while others use master meters with billing handled by the HOA. Confirm your setup in the HOA resale packet and the seller’s final utility statements. See the South Walton utilities overview: Regional Utilities and other area services
Natural gas
Not every WaterColor property has natural gas. Okaloosa Gas and other regional utilities serve parts of the Panhandle. If a listing notes natural gas available, verify whether a meter and interior lines are already installed or if a service extension is needed: regional gas availability notes
Internet and TV
Provider options and speeds change block by block. Mediacom and Cox are commonly available in the South Walton area, but some WaterColor sub‑associations include bulk internet or cable in HOA fees. Always check your HOA docs before ordering new service: South Walton utilities and providers
Trash and recycling
Trash service in WaterColor is often managed by the HOA, though some homes set up private service with a hauler like Waste Management. Confirm whether trash is included in your dues or billed directly: local notes on haulers and services
Mail and deliveries
WaterColor uses the Santa Rosa Beach routing, ZIP 32459. Mailbox or cluster‑box rules can be HOA‑specific, so confirm delivery details with your property manager: WaterColor overview and ZIP
When to schedule and what to have ready
Plan to start utility transfers 7 to 14 days before closing or move‑in. During peak season, installers book up quickly, so give yourself more lead time for internet and TV. Most providers ask for basic identification, your service address, start date, and may run a credit check to determine any deposit. For timing, documents, and deposit policies, see this new‑resident guide: what utilities typically require
Have this ready:
- Service address and target start date
- Driver’s license, phone, and email
- Social Security number or last 4 digits for credit screening
- Lease or closing documents for proof of occupancy
- Billing address and payment method
Step‑by‑step setup timeline
Three weeks out
- Ask the seller for the last two to three utility bills to estimate usage, especially for summer peaks.
- Review the HOA resale packet to see what is covered. Many WaterColor listings show cable, internet, or trash included in dues: example of HOA inclusions
- If you suspect natural gas, verify availability and whether a meter is present.
Two weeks out
- Confirm your electric provider by checking the meter or a prior bill. Contact CHELCO or FPL to schedule the account start.
- Open your Regional Utilities account if individually metered. If your home is master‑metered, confirm how you’ll be billed through the HOA.
- Schedule internet and TV installation. Ask for address‑specific speed options and confirm any HOA bulk contracts.
One week out
- Confirm appointment windows and any deposits due. Many deposits are refundable after on‑time payments.
- If trash is not in your HOA, open service with a local hauler and confirm pickup day and container rules.
Move‑in day
- Take date‑stamped photos of electric and water meter reads.
- Verify power, water, and internet are active before movers arrive.
- Store account numbers, logins, and outage contacts in your phone.
HOA and community rules to know
- Internet and trash may be included. Many WaterColor associations include cable, internet, or trash as part of dues. Always confirm in the HOA packet and closing statements: sample listing with included services
- Low‑speed vehicle charging. WaterColor has rules about where you can charge LSVs and golf carts. Review community guidance before plugging into common outlets: LSV charging FAQs for WaterColor fleet
- Seasonal timing. Summer demand can extend lead times for internet and contractor visits. Book early and keep confirmations in writing.
- Emergency resources. Register for local alerts and keep provider outage links handy: hurricane and emergency resources
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming one electric provider serves all of 30A. Boundaries change by street. Always verify by meter tag or prior bill.
- Ordering internet before checking HOA coverage. You may already be paying for a bulk plan.
- Waiting until the week of closing. Summer installs can slip if you do not schedule early.
- Skipping deposit questions. Ask about credit‑based deposits, refund timelines, and alternatives if needed.
- Forgetting master meters. Some buildings bill water or cable through the HOA, not directly to you.
Move‑in checklist
- Get the last two to three utility bills from the seller.
- Confirm which utilities your HOA covers and any transfer fees.
- Open electric and water accounts 7 to 14 days before move‑in.
- Schedule internet and TV, and verify speeds at your address.
- If needed, set up trash service and confirm pickup day.
- Photograph meter reads and save account numbers.
- Sign up for outage alerts from your providers.
Ready to make your WaterColor move smooth and on time? If you want local guidance on HOA inclusions, seasonal installer timing, or address‑specific utility contacts, connect with the Justin Myers Real Estate Team. We’ll help you line up services so you can enjoy day one on 30A.
FAQs
Which electric company serves my WaterColor address?
- It depends on the street. Check your meter or a recent bill to confirm CHELCO or FPL, then use each provider’s start‑service tools. See the local chamber directory and FPL’s local presence.
How can I tell if my HOA covers internet or trash in WaterColor?
- Review your HOA resale packet and closing statements. Many WaterColor listings show cable, internet, or trash included, as seen in this example listing note.
When should I schedule internet installation near Seaside during peak season?
- Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead when possible. Installers get busy in summer, so confirm appointment windows and address‑specific speeds early using the South Walton utilities overview.
Do WaterColor homes use natural gas or are they all‑electric?
- Many are all‑electric, but some areas have natural gas. Verify availability and whether a meter is present, since service can require an extension: regional gas availability.
What documents do utilities in Walton County usually require?
- Expect your service address, start date, photo ID, contact info, and SSN or last 4 digits for a credit check that may set your deposit. See this new‑resident setup guide.
How do I handle trash service if the HOA doesn’t include it?
- If trash is not covered, open an account with a local hauler and confirm pickup rules and days. Area notes reference Waste Management and private services here: local services overview.
