Emerald Coast Utilities & Services Guide
Setting up utilities on the Emerald Coast can vary depending on the city, subdivision, or county where the property is located. In many cases, neighboring communities may use completely different utility providers.
This guide is designed to help new residents, second-home owners, and investors quickly identify common utility providers throughout Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview, and surrounding areas.
Note: Utility providers, fees, deposits, and setup requirements can change over time. Contact providers directly for the most current information.
Electric Providers
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Service Areas: Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Okaloosa Island, Shalimar, Navarre, Crestview, and many surrounding areas.
Phone: 800-225-5797
Notes:
- Formerly Gulf Power
- Most accounts can now be established online
- Fees and deposits may vary
CHELCO (Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative)
Service Areas: Santa Rosa Beach, Freeport, and portions of Walton County.
Phone: 850-892-2111
Notes:
- Co-op electric provider serving many South Walton communities
- Some areas near Mack Bayou may fall under FPL instead
- Application requirements may vary
Water & Sewer Providers
South Walton Utility Company
Service Areas: Miramar Beach, Sandestin, portions of South Walton County
Phone: 850-837-2988
Notes:
- Separate applications may be required for Sandestin properties
- Online account management may be available
Regional Utilities
Service Areas: Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, Freeport, portions of 30A
Phone: 850-231-5114
Okaloosa County Water & Sewer
Service Areas: Portions of Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Niceville, Crestview, and unincorporated Okaloosa County.
Phone: 850-651-7171
Trash, Recycling & Yard Waste
Trash collection varies throughout the Emerald Coast. Depending on the property location, service may be provided by a city, county, contracted waste company, condominium association, HOA, or private commercial provider.
Waste Management (WM) — City of Destin
Service Area: City of Destin
Phone: 850-301-2822
Notes:
- The City of Destin contracts with Waste Management for residential solid-waste service.
- Services include household garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulk-waste collection.
- Owners should verify pickup schedules and service requirements for the property address.
Waste Management — Unincorporated Okaloosa County
Service Area: Many unincorporated areas of Okaloosa County
Phone: 850-301-2822
Notes:
- Okaloosa County contracts with Waste Management for residential garbage and related collection services in designated areas.
- Properties located inside incorporated cities may use a different provider or municipal service.
- Service should be verified by property address.
City of Fort Walton Beach Sanitation
Service Area: Properties within the City of Fort Walton Beach
Phone: 850-833-9655
Notes:
- The city provides residential garbage, recycling, and yard-waste collection.
- Collection schedules vary by property address.
City of Niceville / Waste Management
Service Area: City of Niceville
Phone: 850-279-6436 ext. 1100
Notes:
- Household garbage and recycling services are provided through Waste Management.
- The City of Niceville handles certain yard waste, furniture, appliances, and other debris.
- Verify that the property is located within Niceville city limits before establishing service.
Adams Sanitation — City of Crestview
Service Area: City of Crestview
Phone: 850-537-3282
Notes:
- Adams Sanitation provides contracted solid-waste service for the City of Crestview.
- Collection schedules and service requirements vary by property address.
Waste Management — Walton County
Service Areas: Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, much of 30A, Freeport, and other areas of Walton County
Phone: 850-389-6121
Notes:
- Walton County uses Waste Management for residential household-waste collection.
- Service levels and pickup schedules vary by collection district and property address.
- Owners should verify the exact collection schedule for their property.
Condominiums, HOAs & Vacation Rentals
Many condominiums, gated communities, and vacation-rental developments provide trash service through the association or a private commercial contract rather than requiring an individual curbside account.
Before establishing service, check with the condominium association, HOA, property manager, or closing agent to determine whether trash collection is already included in association dues or assessments.
Natural Gas
Okaloosa Gas District
Service Areas: Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Shalimar, Crestview, Valparaiso, and surrounding areas.
Phone: 850-729-4700
Internet & Cable Providers
Cox Communications
Service Areas: Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview, and many surrounding communities.
LiveOak Fiber
Services: Fiber Internet Service
Phone: 888-396-1243
Notes:
- Fiber internet provider expanding service throughout portions of the Emerald Coast
- Availability varies by neighborhood and subdivision
- High-speed fiber can be especially valuable for remote workers, streaming, and smart-home systems
CenturyLink / Quantum Fiber
Services: Internet, Fiber, and Phone Service
Phone: 833-250-6306
Notes:
- Fiber availability varies greatly by neighborhood
- Buyers working remotely should verify internet speeds before purchasing
Helpful Tips for New Owners
- Some utility providers require service to be transferred before closing.
- Vacation rental properties may require upgraded internet service for guest usage.
- Internet and utility availability can vary significantly even between nearby neighborhoods.
- Buyers purchasing in unincorporated areas should verify utility providers during the inspection period.
- Some newer communities may offer fiber internet, while older neighborhoods may have limited provider options.
DiscoverEmeraldCoast.com Insight
One of the most common surprises for relocating buyers is how fragmented utility coverage can be across the Emerald Coast. Two homes located only minutes apart may use completely different providers for electric, water, sewer, internet, and gas service.
That’s why we always recommend verifying utility providers, internet availability, and service options early during the home buying process — especially for remote workers, second-home owners, and vacation rental investors.
Additional Emerald Coast Resources
- Area Guide to the Emerald Coast
- Emerald Coast Local Dictionary
- Emerald Coast Shopping Guide
- Destin Restaurant Guide
- Destin Golf Courses
- Emerald Coast Schools Guide
- Establish Florida Residency
- Real Estate Glossary
- Pros & Cons of Living on the Emerald Coast
- Emerald Coast Lawn Care Guide
© Ed and Terri Smith. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or duplication prohibited.