Living and working in the City of Sarasota? You likely receive monthly utility bills for services like water, sewer, sanitation, and stormwater Paying these city utility bills on time is important to avoid late fees and disruption of your essential services
Read on for a full overview of payment options to pay your Sarasota utility bill conveniently and on time every month.
Sarasota Utility Billing Services
The City of Sarasota Utility Billing Services office handles billing and payment collection for city-provided utilities including:
- Water and sewer
- Sanitation (garbage/recycling)
- Stormwater
Bills are sent monthly and payment is due by the due date printed on your statement to avoid penalties.
You have various ways to pay your Sarasota utility bill, outlined below. You will need your 7-digit account number to reference your account.
Pay Online
The fastest and most convenient way to pay your Sarasota utilities bill is online through the city’s web payment portal:
https://IPN2.paymentus.com/rotp/sarasotaf
The online payment system accepts Visa, MasterCard, DiscoverCard, or electronic check at no extra fee. You can also view past statements.
Pay by Phone
Call the Utility Billing’s automated telephone payment system at 941-263-6800 to pay over the phone using your credit/debit card or checking account.
This system is available 24/7 for payments and account balance checks.
Pay by Mail
Mail signed checks or money orders along with your payment stub to:
City of Sarasota Utility Billing
PO Box 1028
Sarasota, FL 34230
Please allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to process.
Pay In Person
You can pay your Sarasota utility bill in person at the Utility Billing office located at the City Auditorium:
City Auditorium
801 N Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, excluding holidays.
In-person payment methods accepted are cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
Enroll in AutoPay
For easy automated payments, enroll in AutoPay through the online bill pay system. On your due date each month, your utility bill amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account.
Avoid Late Fees
Pay your utilities bill by the due date to avoid a late fee penalty. Online and phone payments process quickest, so take advantage of these options.
Maintaining an on-time payment history also allows you to qualify for utility billing service programs like Budget Billing, which averages costs over the year.
Sarasota Utility Billing: Understanding Your Monthly Bill
When you receive your utility bill from the City of Sarasota each month, you may have some questions about the various line items and fees. Here’s an easy guide to understanding your Sarasota utility bill:
Water Charges
This section shows your water consumption and related fees. Includes:
- Water usage fee based on gallons
- Fixed water base charge
- Water infrastructure surcharge
Sewer Charges
This covers wastewater treatment. Includes:
- Sewer usage fee based on water consumption
- Fixed sewer base charge
Sanitation Charges
For garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection services.
Stormwater Charges
Pays for stormwater system operation and projects to control flooding.
Taxes and Fees
- Utility tax on water and sewer
- Franchise fee on water and sewer
- 10% late fee if not paid on time
Review the Utility Billing department’s website for current utility rates. Understanding each charge will help you manage costs.
Read Your Sarasota Utility Bill Meters
Ever wonder how the City of Sarasota calculates your monthly utility charges? Usage for water, sewer, and irrigation is determined by reading your utility meters located on your property.
Here’s what you should know about Sarasota utility bill meters:
Water Meter
Measures your water usage in gallons or cubic feet. Usually found near the front curb or property line.
A low-flow indicator on the meter helps detect leaks. Spinning when no water should indicates a possible leak.
Sewer Meter
Measures wastewater discharged into the sewer system. Often paired with water meter in single unit.
Sewer usage is estimated as a percentage of water usage.
Irrigation Meter
Dedicated meter for outside watering use not discharged into sewer system. Keeps sewer charges lower.
Meter Reading
- Meters read monthly by city technicians
- Transmits data remotely using advanced technology
- Data used to calculate utility usage charges
- Available online for customer monitoring
Checking your home’s meters periodically can help you stay informed on usage and catch any issues early. Pay attention to the meter readings on your monthly bill too.
Enroll in Paperless Billing for Sarasota Utilities
Tired of incoming piles of mailed paper bills and reminders each month? The City of Sarasota offers a convenient paperless billing option for utility customers.
Going paperless allows you to view and pay your Sarasota utility bill online while reducing clutter and waste.
Sign up in just a few quick steps:
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Log into your online utility account
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Click on “My Profile”
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Check the box to “Go Paperless”
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Save your changes
Once enrolled, you’ll receive email notifications when your new e-bills are ready to view and pay.
Key benefits of paperless utility billing include:
- Instant access to bills anytime
- Added security of electronic statement
- Eliminate misplaced bills
- Environmental savings from less paper
- Easier record keeping with digital copies
- Faster processing of online payments
Simplify your bill management and go green by enrolling in paperless billing today!
Avoid Water Shutoff: Pay Sarasota Utility Bill
Having your water service shut off due to non-payment of your City of Sarasota utility bill can significantly disrupt your life. Don’t get caught by surprise without running water.
Follow these tips to avoid potential water service interruption:
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Enroll in paperless billing to ensure you never miss a bill
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Mark your calendar with due dates for easy reminders
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Select auto-pay to have payments processed automatically
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Check your account status online frequently
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Pay online, by phone, or at a drop box for fastest processing
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Contact Utility Billing immediately if you fall behind
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Ask about payment plans or assistance programs
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Make partial payments to slowly catch up if needed
Keeping your city utility account in good standing ensures uninterrupted essential services. Communicate with the billing office for help getting back on track.
Apply for Sarasota Utility Billing Assistance
Falling behind on paying your City of Sarasota utility bills? Ask about available financial assistance programs and resources if you are struggling to afford your monthly payments.
The Utility Billing department administers several programs for residents in need:
Bill Payment Assistance
Provides aid paying city water/sewer bills for qualified low-income households.
Medical Hardship Program
Provides temporary bill relief for customers with medical hardship.
Payment Arrangements
Set up a payment plan tailored to your financial situation.
Budget Billing
Pay a monthly average amount versus actual usage charges.
Conservation Audits
Identify fixes to help lower your utility costs through conservation.
In addition, other local non-profit agencies may offer utility financial assistance. Reach out to the United Way Suncoast’s 211 helpline to learn about available resources.
Applying is easy – just call or visit the Utility Billing office to get started. Get the help you need to maintain your vital utility services.
Utilities Monitoring
What does the city of Sarasota utility department do?
The City of Sarasota Utilities Department works to enhance the quality of life of all residents by providing safe, reliable drinking water, wastewater collection, and reclaimed water to our customers. This involves daily operational and maintenance activities and Utility Construction Projects.
How do I contact Sarasota County sewer?
Sarasota County Utilities: 941-861-6790 City of Sarasota sewer customers are encouraged to call the City of Sarasota if a sewer blockage occurs at their home or business. This service is available to all customers any time of day, including holidays and weekends, free of charge. The phone number is 941-263-6884.
What if I pay by check at Sarasota County Public Utilities?
Sarasota County is committed to providing the best possible experience for its Public Utilities customers. We are steadfast in our commitment to the ongoing enhancement and refinement of our technology and infrastructure, ensuring seamless access for residents to enjoy unparalleled service excellence. If you pay by check, this does not affect you.
Does Sarasota have water & sewer service availability charges?
All occupied or unoccupied buildings and dwelling units which are connected to the City of Sarasota’s water or sewer services shall be subject to the monthly unit service availability charges for water and sewer, or both, even in months when there is no consumption of water, or no usage of water or sewer services by the customer.
What does the Sarasota Water Department do?
The office is part of the City of Sarasota Utilities Department, which is responsible for providing water, sewer, and reclaimed water services to the city’s residents and businesses. Information about water and sewer services, including emergency contact information.
How do I contact Sarasota tax collector?
Call 941.861.8300 or email [email protected]. website, choose your county. Under Florida law, information sent to our office is public record. If you do not want your information released in response to a public records request, please do not email our office or submit an online form. Instead, you may contact us by phone or in person.