How to Pay Your Utility Bill in Panama City Beach

Paying your utility bill is a necessary part of life in Panama City Beach. The city provides water, sewer, sanitation, and stormwater services to residents and businesses, and staying on top of your utility payments is important. This article will explain everything you need to know about Panama City Beach utility billing, including how to read your bill, payment options, and how to get help if you’re having trouble paying

Understanding Your Panama City Beach Utility Bill

Your utility bill comes from the City of Panama City Beach Utility Billing department. This department handles billing and payment collection for water, sewer, sanitation, and stormwater services.

When you receive your utility bill, it will show charges for the prior month’s usage. It’s important to review the bill closely each month. Here are the key sections:

• Account information: This shows your account number, service address, and billing date. Double check that all the information is correct.

• Previous balance This is any amount carried over from your last bill if it wasn’t paid in full.

• Payments/credits: This section shows any payments or account credits from the previous month.

• Water usage: This shows how much water you used in cubic feet or gallons and the charge based on your usage. The sewer charge is also based on your water usage.

• Solid waste fee This fixed monthly fee covers your garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickup

• Stormwater fee: This fixed monthly fee helps maintain the city’s stormwater system.

• Taxes and fees: You’ll be charged applicable utility taxes and franchise fees.

• Current charges: This is the total of all your usage and fixed charges for the month.

• Total amount due: This is the total you owe for the current month. It factors in any previous balance.

Closely reviewing the details on your bill can help you spot potential errors or usage spikes. Contact customer service if you have any questions.

When and How to Pay Your Bill

Utility bills in Panama City Beach are due by the 1st of each month. You have multiple options for making your payment:

• Mail: You can mail your payment to the address printed on your bill stub. Be sure it is postmarked by the due date.

• Online: The city offers online bill pay through their website. You can pay by e-check for free or with a credit/debit card for a fee.

• Phone: Call the automated payment system to pay over the phone using your credit card or checking account number.

• In person: Take your payment to the Utility Billing office at City Hall. They accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards.

• Automatic bank draft: Sign up to have your bill amount automatically drafted from your bank account each month. This ensures your payment is always on time.

• Drop box: The city has a drop box outside City Hall where you can leave a check or money order payment after hours.

Paying on time is important to avoid late fees, disconnection of service, or additional deposits. If you anticipate having trouble paying your bill, contact customer service right away to set up a payment plan.

Payment Assistance and Billing Disputes

If you’re experiencing financial hardship and are struggling to pay your utility bill, Panama City Beach offers some resources:

• Payment plans: You may qualify for a monthly payment plan that splits your balance into more manageable installments.

• Extensions: One-time due date extensions may be available if you contact the city before your bill is due.

• LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants can help pay a portion of your utility bills. You must meet income requirements.

• Budget Billing: This program averages your payments over the year so the amount due each month is consistent. It can make bills more affordable.

If you believe your bill contains an error, contact customer service right away to dispute the charges. Some common bill disputes involve incorrect meter readings, mistaken account numbers, or improper billing rates. Provide as much detail as possible about the suspected error. The city will investigate and make any necessary corrections.

Ways to Lower Your Utility Bill

Here are some tips to help control utility costs in Panama City Beach:

• Track usage: Monitor your daily water usage and look for waste. Check for leaks and fix dripping faucets.

• Limit irrigation: Adjust sprinkler timers to reduce unnecessary lawn watering. Aim for the early morning or evening when less water evaporates.

• Upgrade appliances: New water-efficient models like washing machines and dishwashers can reduce water and sewer costs.

• Conserve electricity: This lowers your water heater energy use. Take shorter showers, turn off lights, and unplug devices not in use.

• Recycle more: Reducing trash increases recycling pickup, which lowers your solid waste fees.

• Apply for discounts: Ask about senior, veteran, low-income, or disability discounts on your utility bill.

• Share costs: If you have roommates, consider splitting water and solid waste charges evenly each month.

With some adjustments, you can reduce your monthly utility costs in Panama City Beach. But when it comes time to pay your bill, be sure to use one of the payment options and meet the monthly deadline. Contact customer service if you need support managing your utility payments. Consistently paying on time can help avoid penalties or service interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Panama City Beach Utility Bills

Below are answers to some common questions about Panama City Beach utility bills and payments:

How long do I have to pay my utility bill before it’s considered late?
Bills are due by the 1st of each month. There is a grace period, after which late fees apply.

What are the late fees and penalties for a late payment?
A 10% late penalty is applied to the current charges on bills paid after the due date. Late fees increase the longer the bill is past due.

What could cause my bill to suddenly increase one month?
Spikes are often due to leaks, running toilets, irrigation issues, or filling a pool. Compare your usage to previous months and check for problems.

Can I get an extension or delay paying my bill?
Contact the city before the due date to request a one-time extension in case of hardship. Late fees still apply.

How do I read my water meter to check usage?
The meter shows a numbered readout in gallons or cubic feet. Compare it to the previous month’s reading to calculate your usage.

What should I do if I think my bill is wrong?
Contact customer service to dispute the charges. Provide your account number, bill details, and what you believe is incorrect.

Can I pay my utility bill online?
Yes, the city offers online bill pay through their website. You can pay by e-check or credit/debit card.

Where is the utility billing office located?
It is on the first floor of City Hall at 110 South Arnold Road in Panama City Beach, FL.

Following these tips and answers to common questions will help Panama City Beach residents understand and manage their utility account payments. Reach out to the billing department if you need personalized assistance getting your utility bills paid accurately and on time each month.