What if your move to Sunset Key felt like checking into your favorite resort, not wrangling a dozen vendors and schedules? You want the island lifestyle without the stress, with your belongings arriving on time and your services ready when you step through the door. In this guide, you will learn the exact logistics, approvals, and concierge habits that make a Sunset Key move smooth, safe, and efficient. Let’s dive in.

Know the island’s access rules

Sunset Key is a private, gated island just off Old Town Key West. Access is controlled, and most residents and guests travel by the island ferry or an approved watercraft. This makes planning simple once you understand who manages what and how to schedule moves.

Who to contact first

• Sunset Key property management or the HOA for ferry passes, security policies, delivery rules, and vendor approvals.
• The seller or listing agent for any existing access privileges, transfer requirements, and current house rules.
• City of Key West and Monroe County for permits, parking, building codes, and property tax set up.

Expect layered policies

You will follow both island management rules and local regulations. Ask for written policies, fee schedules, and delivery windows so you can share them with your movers and service providers.

Build your move timeline

Every move is unique, but the keys to success are early notice, vendor coordination, and aligning ferry slots with parking and staging in Key West.

8+ weeks before move

• Notify island management of your estimated closing and move date. Request written ferry and delivery rules, plus fee schedules.
• Ask for vendor insurance requirements, liability waivers, and contractor credentials.
• Vet movers and contractors who have island experience. Ask for references for Keys or ferry moves.
• Verify where your trucks can park and load in Key West and whether you need temporary permits.
• Begin utility transfer requests for electric, water, sewer, internet, and cable.

4 weeks before move

• Reserve ferry transfer times. Freight capacity can be limited and often requires advance booking.
• Schedule a furniture walkthrough with your mover to confirm size and weight constraints for the ferry or barge.
• If using your own boat or a hired barge, apply for any marina or county approvals.
• Obtain oversized or commercial vehicle permits for Key West loading zones if needed.

1–2 weeks before move

• Submit vendor paperwork to island management, including insurance certificates and crew lists.
• Finalize parking and loading permits and confirm payment.
• If moving during hurricane season, set contingency dates and communicate your plan to movers and island staff.

Move day

• Arrive early with ID and proof of ownership or closing documents. Label all boxes clearly.
• Give movers copies of ferry approvals and an island contact number.
• Coordinate unloading and on-island staging with your property manager or HOA point person.

First 30 days after move

• Register vehicles or golf carts if permitted by island rules.
• Confirm utilities are active and meters properly read.
• Submit any post-move contractor requests and finalize inspections and payments.

Manage ferry, deliveries, and vendor access

Island moves are efficient when you align ferry reservations, downtown staging, and approved vendors.

Ferry and freight basics

• Confirm the ferry operator, reservation process, and whether freight is handled separately from passenger runs.
• Ask about single-item size and weight limits. Disassemble large pieces and use protective coverings.
• Reserve specific freight windows for heavy items or plan a barge if needed.

Staging and parking in Key West

• Determine if deliveries must route through a centralized staging area or if your items go direct to the dock.
• Apply for temporary loading zone permits, and identify where trucks can wait legally.
• Confirm allowed delivery hours and any restrictions on off-hours or early morning moves.

Vendor access and documentation

• Expect sign in procedures, IDs, and vehicle information. Crews may require an escort.
• Vendors typically must carry specific insurance and list the HOA as an additional insured when requested.
• Large projects like roofing or HVAC may require special approvals or restoration bonds.

Choosing an island-savvy mover

• Prior Florida Keys or private island experience.
• Clear plan for ferry or barge logistics and knowledge of local parking rules.
• Transparent fees that include waiting time, ferry charges, and extra handling.
• Willingness to coordinate with management and provide all required documentation.

Plan for boats and marinas

If boating is part of your lifestyle, make dockage and provisioning part of your move plan.

Dockage and slips

• Confirm whether your property includes dockage rights and review size limits for length and beam.

• If no on-island slip is available, plan for nearby Key West marinas and clarify permanent versus transient policies.

Fuel, provisioning, and pump out

• Bulk fuel deliveries to the island may be restricted. Many owners fuel at mainland marinas.
• Ask about receiving large boat supplies or rigging gear, which may need barge service.
• Confirm availability of pump out services or plan regular mainland stops.

Delivering by private vessel

• If you transport household goods by boat, get island management approval and follow local rules for landing and offloading.
• Identify approved landing points and rules for short term tender tie ups.

Insurance and contracts

• Review insurance requirements in any dockage agreement to ensure they align with your vessel policy.

Set up utilities and services

Start utility transfers early and align technician visits with ferry reservations.

Accounts to establish

• Electricity, water, sewer, and propane if your home uses bottled gas.
• Internet, cable, and phone. Ask about lead times for installation at your address.
• Trash and recycling. Confirm pickup days and rules for bulk items or contractor debris.

Service setup best practices

• Request technicians who have worked on the island or in Key West.
• Align service appointment windows with your ferry bookings to avoid delays.
• If you plan to add generators or alternative power, secure permits and HOA approval first.

Insurance, flood zones, and storms

• Much of the Keys is in coastal flood zones. Review FEMA flood maps and discuss NFIP and private flood insurance with your agent.
• Expect wind and hurricane deductibles in homeowner policies for the Florida Keys.
• Ask your HOA contact about storm protocols, evacuation procedures, and where to store outdoor furniture when a storm is forecast.

Permits, taxes, and local requirements

A little paperwork upfront prevents surprise delays later.

Renovations and repairs

• Structural work, reroofing, and significant repairs generally need Monroe County and possibly City of Key West permits, plus HOA approval.
• Verify who pulls permits, inspection schedules, and required documentation before work begins.

Taxes and address setup

• Confirm your property tax account with the Monroe County Property Appraiser and update your mailing address.

Registration and schools

• If you are relocating full time, update your voter registration, driver’s license, and vehicle registrations in Florida.
• Public schools are managed by the Monroe County School District. Check school assignments if that applies to your household.

Rental and occupancy rules

• If you intend to rent, confirm HOA policies along with city and county licensing and transient occupancy tax rules.

Concierge playbook for effortless living

Treat your move as a hospitality project. Small details create a calm, resort like arrival.

Use a single point of contact

• Assign a concierge, property manager, or HOA liaison to book ferry slots, manage vendor approvals, and coordinate deliveries.

Create a move packet

• Include proof of ownership, HOA authorization, delivery windows, emergency contacts, and a simple home layout for staging.

Pack for the ferry

• Disassemble large furniture and cushion well. Label each box clearly, and prepare a prioritized first night box with essentials.

Schedule day one services

• Book cleaning and pest control immediately after unloading. Island environments can attract pests if boxes sit outside.

Set a seasonal rhythm

• Arrange recurring landscaping, pool care, HVAC tune ups, and generator tests. Choose calmer months when possible.

Automate what you can

• Set recurring deliveries for propane or water treatment supplies, and enroll in automatic trash pickup payments.

Quick checklists

Pre move checklist (8–2 weeks out)

• HOA and property management contact details
• Ferry operator and reservation process
• Vendor insurance and credential requirements
• Key West parking and loading permits
• Utility transfer requests
• Mover with Florida Keys or island experience
• Marina and boat arrangements if needed
• Flood and hurricane insurance review

Move day checklist

• HOA authorization letter and island contact number
• ID and closing documents
• Ferry reservations and confirmation numbers
• Mover lead’s phone number
• Clearly labeled first night box
• Emergency contact list
• Parking or loading pass for mover

Post move 30 day checklist

• Utilities active and billing set up
• Vehicle or golf cart registration if permitted
• HOA welcome packet complete
• Property tax account and mailing address updated
• Approved vendor list on file with management
• Seasonal maintenance and hurricane prep drill scheduled

Your move to Sunset Key should feel like the lifestyle you came for, serene and well managed. With early coordination, clear paperwork, and the right island experienced vendors, you can step off the ferry into a home that is ready to live in from day one. If you want a discreet, white glove handoff and guidance tailored to your property, connect with Bob Cardenas and Matthew Carlson for on island expertise and concierge support.

FAQs

Can I drive my car onto Sunset Key?

• Private islands typically restrict cars. Golf carts and service vehicles are common. Confirm the current policy with Sunset Key management.

How are mail and packages delivered to Sunset Key?

• Procedures vary by property. Some items route through a centralized area in Key West or an island reception. Confirm your address setup and USPS policies with management.

What should I know about internet and cell coverage on the island?

• Cellular coverage in Key West is generally good. Verify in home reception and ISP availability for your address, and consider a signal booster or wired service as a backup.

How do I plan a move during hurricane season?

• Build in contingency dates, secure outdoor items early, and follow HOA storm protocols. Maintain hurricane and flood insurance and keep an emergency kit on hand.

What approvals do contractors need for on island work?

• Expect written contracts, permits when required, proof of insurance, and check in procedures with the HOA. Large projects may require special approval or a bond.