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:
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.
- 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.
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.
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:
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.
- 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.
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.
- Alltel - (229) 423-3130
- Verizon - (229) 423-4529