Before you arrive (if you still can)
If you haven't traveled yet, these documents will save you weeks of paperwork. Bring the originals and keep a scanned copy in your email or the cloud.
Documents in Spanish will need a certified translation into English. You don’t need to do it before traveling — it costs the same or less here.
Days 1–3: the urgent stuff
The first few days are about being safe, reachable and oriented. Nothing more.
Week 1: documents and money
Almost everything in the U.S. asks for an ID number and a bank account. Start there.
Never pay a “gestor” (fixer) to get your Social Security number or license appointment. You can do both yourself, and the Social Security application is free.
Week 2: home, school and work
Weeks 3 and 4: getting set up with Florida
Florida has specific deadlines for new residents:
- Driver’s license: new residents with a valid license from another state must get a Florida license within 30 days.
- Car: if you brought a vehicle, you must register it in Florida within 10 days of starting a job, enrolling your children in school, or establishing residency.
Know the area: Central Florida in one minute
“Orlando” is really a region of several counties, each with its own schools, offices and utility companies:
- Orange County: the City of Orlando, Pine Hills, Azalea Park, Meadow Woods, Winter Garden, Ocoee and Apopka.
- Osceola County: Kissimmee, Buenaventura Lakes (BVL), part of Poinciana and St. Cloud. One of the most Hispanic counties in Florida.
- Seminole County: Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Oviedo and Lake Mary.
- Lake and Polk: Clermont, Four Corners, Davenport and the rest of Poinciana — newer homes and more space.
- Volusia: Deltona and DeLand, about 40 minutes north, with a large Puerto Rican community.
Before signing a lease, drive to your job at rush hour. I-4 and the 417 can turn 20 minutes into an hour.
The most common scams targeting newcomers
- Phantom apartments: they ask for the deposit by Zelle or Cash App before you see the place. How to spot them.
- Immigration “notarios”: in the U.S. a notary is NOT a lawyer and cannot handle your case. Where to find real help.
- Job offers that charge you: a real employer never asks you to pay for a uniform, “training” or to be hired.
- Calls from the “IRS” or “immigration”: the government never asks for payment in gift cards or over the phone.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when I arrive in Orlando?
Get a U.S. phone number, secure a place to stay for the first few weeks, and save 911, 211 and 988 in your phone. Then come documents (Social Security or ITIN), a bank account and your driver’s license appointment.
How long do I have to switch to a Florida driver’s license?
New residents with a valid license from another state have 30 days to get a Florida license. If you brought a vehicle, you must register it in Florida within 10 days of establishing residency.
Can my children go to school if they are undocumented?
Yes. Every child in the U.S. has the right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status.
This guide is informational and is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer or other professional. Laws and requirements change — always confirm with the official source. See something out of date? Email us at hola@soyorlando.com.