You live in Ponce‑Davis, but there is no city hall here. So who picks up your trash, answers a non‑emergency call, or signs off on a renovation? If you are buying, selling, or just getting settled, knowing how services work will save you time and stress. This guide breaks down UMSA, who provides each service, and the fastest way to get help. Let’s dive in.
UMSA in Ponce‑Davis: the basics
Ponce‑Davis is an unincorporated neighborhood in Miami‑Dade County. That means you are in the Unincorporated Municipal Service Area, or UMSA, and the County acts as your municipal service provider. Your county taxes and fees fund services like policing, fire, solid waste, water and sewer, permitting, and road maintenance. For non‑emergency help, the County’s 311 Contact Center is your primary gateway.
Public safety: who responds
Law enforcement
In early 2025, Miami‑Dade reestablished an elected Sheriff. The Sheriff’s Office now provides law‑enforcement services in unincorporated neighborhoods like Ponce‑Davis. Call 911 for emergencies. For non‑emergencies, start with Miami‑Dade 311 or consult the County’s page on constitutional offices for Sheriff information.
Fire rescue and EMS
Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue serves Ponce‑Davis for fire protection and emergency medical response. County stations and specialty units support the area. Learn more about services and stations on the Fire Rescue overview. Always call 911 for emergencies.
Water and sewer service
The Miami‑Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) provides retail water and wastewater service for many Ponce‑Davis properties. Use WASD for account setup, billing, leak reports, and development connections. Start with the WASD home page.
Trash, recycling, and bulky items
The Department of Solid Waste Management collects curbside garbage and recycling in unincorporated neighborhoods. Typical service includes automated twice‑weekly trash, scheduled recycling, and two bulky pickups per year. Check pickup days or request a bulky item pickup on the Solid Waste site or through 311.
Permits, zoning, and code
If you plan a renovation, addition, or new build, you will work with the County’s Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER). RER issues permits, performs inspections, handles zoning interpretations, and coordinates reviews with WASD and Fire Rescue. For steps and applications, use the RER county municipal approval portal.
Roads, traffic, and drainage
Miami‑Dade’s transportation and public works teams maintain county roads, traffic signals, and stormwater systems in UMSA. Report potholes, blocked drains, or damaged signs through 311 with the exact location and photos. Some routes may be state roads that fall under FDOT, so 311 will route your request to the right agency.
Parks, libraries, and animal services
You access countywide parks, recreation programs, and library branches through Miami‑Dade’s systems. For stray animals, pet licensing, and sheltering, contact Miami‑Dade Animal Services. Use 311 to get to the correct program and branch.
Private utilities and connectivity
Electricity
Most addresses in 33143 are served by Florida Power & Light (FPL). To confirm the provider for a specific property, check the 33143 profile on ElectricityDB, then verify by address with the utility.
Natural gas
Florida City Gas serves parts of Miami‑Dade where mains exist, but availability varies by street. Confirm service and connection options directly with Florida City Gas.
Internet and TV
Common providers in 33143 include Xfinity (Comcast), AT&T and Breezeline, plus satellite options. Availability and speeds depend on the exact address, so run an address check using this local availability guide.
Privately managed items
Some properties use private or HOA‑managed systems like community gates, private drainage within easements, or septic. Review seller disclosures and recorded documents, and verify details during inspections.
Annexation: why it matters
Annexation can shift who provides services and how much you pay in city versus county millage. A recent example was Coral Gables’ move to annex High Pines and Ponce‑Davis, which the County rejected in 2019. For context, see reporting on the 2019 annexation decision. If annexation resurfaces, expect public hearings and formal notices.
Quick contacts cheat sheet
- Emergencies: 911
- Non‑emergency police information: start with 311 or see the Sheriff details under constitutional offices
- Fire Rescue information: Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue overview
- Water and sewer accounts and leaks: WASD home
- Trash, recycling and bulky pickups: Solid Waste site
- Permits, inspections and zoning: RER permit portal
- Service requests like potholes and missed pickup: 311 Contact Center
If you are planning a move, renovation, or sale in Ponce‑Davis, it helps to have a local advisor who knows both the neighborhood and the County playbook. For thoughtful guidance and a concierge real estate experience, connect with the Cromer Team.
FAQs
How are municipal services delivered in Ponce‑Davis under UMSA?
- Miami‑Dade County provides municipal services in unincorporated Ponce‑Davis, and you can route most non‑emergency needs through the 311 Contact Center.
Who handles police and fire services for Ponce‑Davis homes?
- Law enforcement is provided by the Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office and fire and EMS by Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue, with 911 for emergencies and 311 for non‑emergency guidance.
How do I set up water and sewer for a Ponce‑Davis property?
- Create or manage your account with the Miami‑Dade Water and Sewer Department using the WASD home page for billing, leaks, and service requests.
Who collects trash, recycling, and bulky items in Ponce‑Davis?
- The Department of Solid Waste Management serves unincorporated neighborhoods and posts schedules and requests on the Solid Waste site.
Where do I apply for building permits for a renovation in Ponce‑Davis?
- Use the County’s RER permit portal for applications, inspections, and zoning review.
Who fixes potholes or blocked drains on my street in Ponce‑Davis?
- File a detailed request with location and photos through 311 and the County will route it to the right public works or stormwater team.
Could annexation change who provides services in Ponce‑Davis?
- Yes, annexation can shift providers and tax rates, and a 2019 effort involving Coral Gables was rejected, as reported by the Miami Herald; monitor County and city records for updates.
