Thinking about moving your family to Lake Mary in the next 60 to 90 days? You want a smooth plan that covers schools, utilities, commutes and all the moving parts. This guide gives you a clear timeline, trusted local resources and practical tips so you can arrive confident and ready. You will learn exactly what to do each week and which agencies to contact in Seminole County. Let’s dive in.
Your 60–90 day move timeline
60–90 days out: Set the foundation
- Research neighborhoods and housing that fit your budget, commute and HOA preferences. Compare drive times to likely employers and note school zones by address.
- Use the Seminole County Public Schools website to identify your assigned schools by address and review enrollment steps. Start contacting schools if you plan to arrive midyear or before the new school year. Visit the Seminole County Public Schools site to get started.
- Begin daycare, preschool and VPK research. Many centers have waitlists, so apply early and confirm licensing and schedules.
- Line up healthcare: identify in‑network pediatricians, family doctors and dentists. Request medical and dental records.
- Gather school documents: birth certificates, immunization records, transcripts, 504/IEP plans, and guardianship documents if applicable.
- Book movers or reserve a truck. Block your calendar for packing, travel, and school start dates.
- Build a moving budget that includes deposits for utilities and internet.
30–59 days out: Confirm logistics
- Start school enrollment. Submit residency proof, immunization records and prior transcripts. Coordinate record transfers with your current school.
- Identify utilities for your exact address. Plan electricity, water, trash, and internet. For electric, review setup steps with Duke Energy.
- Plan DMV tasks. Florida requires timely driver’s license and vehicle registration updates after you establish residency. Review requirements on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles site.
- Begin your USPS change of address about two to three weeks before move‑in and set up any prescription transfers.
- Confirm childcare and aftercare plans for the first weeks in your new routine.
- Map commute choices to downtown Orlando or other hubs using I‑4, 417 and SR‑434. Check alternatives like SunRail and LYNX for door‑to‑door options. Review schedules at SunRail and LYNX.
0–14 days before move and arrival week: Make it livable
- Confirm school start dates, transportation plans, and pickup and drop‑off details. Print school campus maps for the first week.
- Schedule utilities to start on move‑in day. Prioritize electricity and internet so you can work and enroll without delays.
- Pack original or certified copies of immunization certificates, birth certificates and enrollment documents in your carry‑on.
- Prepare for Florida residency tasks. Plan time to visit DHSMV offices and the Seminole County Tax Collector soon after arrival.
- List emergency contacts: hospital or urgent care, pediatrician, poison control, and local police or fire.
First 30 days after arrival: Settle in
- Complete driver’s license and vehicle registration within Florida timelines. Bring identity, residency and Social Security documentation per FLHSMV checklists.
- If you purchased a home and it is your primary residence, review the homestead exemption process and filing deadlines with the Seminole County Property Appraiser.
- Confirm class schedules, bus routes and afterschool care. Attend any orientation dates.
- Register for a library card, parks and recreation programs, and local family activities through the City of Lake Mary and Seminole County Government.
Schools and childcare in Lake Mary
Confirm your assigned public schools
Public schools in Lake Mary are part of Seminole County Public Schools. School assignments are address‑specific and can change with boundary updates, so verify your assigned elementary, middle and high schools before you sign a lease or contract. Use the school assignment locator and enrollment pages on the Seminole County Public Schools site and contact the school office with address details and your estimated start date.
Enrollment documents you will need
Have these ready to streamline the process:
- Proof of residency such as a lease, deed, or utility bill
- Birth certificate for each student
- Immunization records and any Florida forms required
- Previous school records or transcripts
- Parent or guardian photo ID
- Any IEP or 504 plans and supporting evaluations
Immunizations and health forms
Florida schools require age‑appropriate immunizations. Review current requirements and forms through the Florida Department of Health immunization resources. If you are moving from out of state, plan time with a Florida provider to complete any needed certificates.
Special education and English learner services
If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, send documents to the assigned school as soon as possible so services can be reviewed and scheduled. If your child is an English Learner, ask the district ELL team about screening and placement timelines. SCPS will guide you through evaluations and next steps.
Daycare, VPK and preschool
VPK and childcare are managed locally, and many providers operate waitlists. Apply early, confirm hours and transportation needs, and ask about license status and inspection history. You can also ask your assigned elementary school about aftercare options.
Charter and private schools
Lake Mary has charter and private options with separate admission timelines. Review application windows and tuition. For statewide data and accountability information, consult the Florida Department of Education and each school’s website.
Utilities and home services setup
Electricity
Most Lake Mary addresses are served by Duke Energy Florida. Set up or transfer service online, and expect a deposit for new accounts in some cases. Start with Duke Energy to check service at your address.
Water, sewer and trash
Water and sewer service may be provided by either the City of Lake Mary or Seminole County Utilities, depending on the property. Verify by address with the City of Lake Mary or Seminole County Government. Trash and recycling schedules vary by service area. Review container rules and pickup days after you set up water service.
Natural gas
Not all neighborhoods have natural gas. Some homes use propane or fully electric systems. Confirm availability in the listing details or with the seller, landlord or HOA.
Internet and TV
Spectrum and AT&T serve many parts of Seminole County, and fiber availability varies by street. Check availability by exact address and schedule your install early, especially if you work from home.
HOA and home care
If your community has an HOA, request gate access instructions, amenity registration and rule summaries. Consider scheduling lawn, pool and pest control services during your first week, especially in single‑family homes.
Commuting and getting around
Major routes and tolls
Lake Mary offers multiple routes to Orlando‑area employers. I‑4 is the primary corridor to downtown and major job centers, with peak congestion at standard commute hours. SR‑417 is a tolled alternative that can save time based on destination. Most toll facilities use SunPass, which helps you avoid higher toll‑by‑plate fees.
SunRail commuter rail
SunRail runs weekday commuter service and includes the Lake Mary station on its north–south corridor. It aligns with peak travel windows and offers station parking at select stops. Review schedules and station details on SunRail.
LYNX bus network
LYNX provides regional bus service that connects parts of Seminole County with downtown Orlando and other destinations. Verify routes and frequencies near your address on LYNX, and consider mixed‑mode commutes with SunRail.
Parking and timing
Travel times vary widely by time of day. Test your preferred route at typical commute hours and add parking fees to your budget if you work downtown or in a paid‑parking campus.
Florida residency and homeowner tasks
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Once you establish residency, Florida requires timely updates to your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Review identification, residency and Social Security document requirements on the Florida DHSMV site, and plan your visit.
Homestead exemption and property taxes
If you purchase a primary residence in Lake Mary, you can apply for Florida’s homestead exemption to lower your property taxes. Filing deadlines are typically in early spring for that tax year. Review forms and instructions with the Seminole County Property Appraiser. Property tax rates and millage vary by year, so consult the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector for current figures.
Family life and local resources
Lake Mary offers parks, playgrounds, trails and lakes, plus seasonal events through the city’s parks and recreation programs. Explore youth sports, classes and facility passes with the City of Lake Mary. For broader county programs and libraries, visit Seminole County Government.
Work with a local guide
Relocating is easier when you have a clear plan and a local advocate. If you want help aligning neighborhoods, schools and commute needs with the right home, connect with Tara Mruk for personalized, family‑focused relocation support in Lake Mary and Seminole County.
FAQs
How far is Lake Mary from downtown Orlando during rush hour?
- Commute times vary based on route and time of day, but expect peak‑hour congestion on I‑4 and consider SR‑417 or SunRail to help manage timing.
Which utilities serve my exact Lake Mary address?
- Electricity is commonly Duke Energy, while water and trash may be city or county; verify by address with the City of Lake Mary or Seminole County Utilities.
How do I find my child’s assigned public school in Lake Mary?
- Use the address‑based tools on the Seminole County Public Schools website and confirm with the school office before finalizing housing.
What documents do I need to enroll in Seminole County schools?
- Plan for proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization records, prior transcripts, parent photo ID and any IEP or 504 plans.
When should I apply for Florida’s homestead exemption after buying?
- Review deadlines and forms with the Seminole County Property Appraiser and apply as soon as you close and establish the home as your primary residence.
Is SunRail a realistic option from Lake Mary?
- Yes, SunRail serves Lake Mary with weekday commuter schedules; check the current timetable and station parking details on the SunRail site.
