New Residents

NEW RESIDENTS

Adopt a Pet · Hospital · Library · Pet Regulations · Sanitation Services · Taxes · Things To Do · Utilities · Voter Registration

Welcome!

In 1896, some 2600 families from throughout the country were newcomers to this area. Together they built our community. We continue to pride ourselves on the tradition of welcoming and working with newcomers, whether you are here to live, work, or play. We have compiled a collection of resources that we believe will be helpful to you as you become acquainted with your new community. Our Community Resource Guide is a wonderful source of information as well. If you need further assistance, please contact the City of Fitzgerald's Tourism Office or the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Chamber of Commerce.

automobile tags

Georgia tags must be purchased within 21 days of establishing residency. To purchase a tag, the following information is necessary:

Title of car OR name and complete mailing address of lienholder and date lien was created OR copy of lease agreement and power of attorney to transfer title to a Georgia title.
Current tag registration.
Valid insurance card.
Current mileage on the vehicle.

The cost of the tag is $20 plus an $18 title fee and ad valorem tax if moved by January 1 of the current year. Passenger cars/trucks with gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 pounds and that are 1982 year models or earlier are not required to transfer a title. However, a title can be transferred, if desired, by the above provisions.

Tags are renewed from January 1 through May 1 of each year at the Tax Commissioner's Office in the Ben Hill County Courthouse at the corner of Sheridan Street and Central Avenue. (Mobile home decals are also renewable there during the same period.) For more information, please contact (229) 426-5144.

cable tv & internet

There are two providers of cable TV & internet services:

Mediacom - 708 South Grant Street - offers a wide selection of regular, pay, and pay-per-view channels. Three levels of service are available: basic, expanded, and pay. For more information, please call (229) 423-3800.
Windstream - 112 E. Central Ave - offers several different internet options for both residential and business purposes. For more information, call them at (229) 423-7050.

driver's license

New residents must apply for a Georgia driver's license as well as turn in any out-of-state licenses within 30 days of establishing residency. Declaration of residency occurs when one starts employment, purchases a home, enrolls children in school, or registers to vote.
A written test, eye test, and birth certificate are required when applying for a Georgia license.
The fee is $15.00.
First time applicants, as well as those with expired licenses (including out-of-state), must pass a driving test.

For further information, please call or visit the Georgia State Patrol Office, Driver's License Division, 455 Fulwood Boulevard Tifton, Georgia 31794, (229) 386-3530.

satellite tv

There are two providers of satellite TV:

Direct TV - (800) 280-4388
Windstream (Dish) - (800) 225-8356

school registration

All school-age children should be registered with the Ben Hill County School System. Students enrolling in Georgia schools will need:

an immunization record (for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus),
their birth certificate,
a report/transfer form from the previous school (if applicable)
eye, ear, and dental examinations for students entering first grade must be completed by September 1 under Georgia law.

For more information, please contact the Ben Hill County Board of Education at (229) 426-5500.

Wiregrass Technical College now offers accredited core curricula, in addition to multiple programs training students for direct entry into local industrial, medical, and service jobs.

Telephone service

Residential & Business Services:

Windstream serves Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County. For further information, please contact the business office at (800) 501-1754 for residences and (800) 501-1776 for businesses.

Cellular Services: