A Complete Guide to Paying Your Sarasota Utility Bill

Having reliable water sewer and irrigation services is essential for any Sarasota resident. However, keeping on top of paying your Sarasota utility bill can sometimes be a hassle. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the many options to pay your Sarasota utilities bill conveniently and on time.

Overview of Sarasota Utilities Billing

The City of Sarasota handles billing and payment collection for water, sewer, reclaimed water and trash services in Sarasota Here’s some key info about the billing process

• Bills are issued monthly and are typically due 20 days from the bill date

• The utility bill includes charges for water, sewer, trash and irrigation (if applicable).

• Bills can be received by mail or email. Going paperless saves resources.

• Payments not received by the due date incur a late fee of 1.5% of the unpaid balance.

• Overdue accounts may have services disconnected within 10 days after written notice.

• A variety of payment options are available for convenience.

• Assistance programs are available for qualifying low-income households.

Read on for full details on how to understand and pay your Sarasota utility bill with ease.

Breaking Down a Sarasota Utility Bill

Sarasota utility bills outline the various services and associated charges each month. Here’s what’s included:

Water Usage Fee – This covers the amount of water supplied based on metered usage. Rates are tiered, with per gallon rates increasing with higher usage.

Water Base Facility Charge – This fixed monthly fee helps fund operating and infrastructure costs for water service.

Sewer Usage Fee – You’re billed for sewer based on your metered water usage, as most water used returns to the sewer system.

Sewer Base Facility Charge – Much like the water base fee, this helps cover sewer system operations.

Sanitation Fee – This fixed monthly fee funds trash, recycling, and yard waste collection services.

Stormwater Fee – This set monthly charge funds maintaining storm drain systems.

Reclaimed Water Fee – For properties using reclaimed irrigation water, this covers your metered usage.

Carefully reviewing the detailed charges helps ensure your bill is accurate each month. Be sure to update the utility department if your number of household members changes, as that affects billing rates.

Methods to Pay Your Sarasota Utility Bill

Sarasota offers many payment options to provide maximum convenience:

• Online – Pay via credit/debit card or e-check through Sarasota’s secure online payment system.

• Phone – Call the Utility Billing office at 941-954-4180 and pay by credit/debit card or e-check over the phone.

• Mail – Detach the payment stub from your paper bill and mail with a check or money order.

• Drop Box – Place a check or money order in the drive-up utility payment drop box.

• In person – Bring cash, check, or card to pay at the Utility Billing office.

• Auto-pay – Set up recurring monthly payments from your checking account or credit card.

• Budget Billing – Pay a predictable amount each month based on your average costs.

Choose the most convenient option for you. Many customers appreciate the speed and reliability of automated monthly payments combined with the budget billing program.

Paying Your Bill Online Step-by-Step

Paying online through Sarasota’s payment portal is easy and secure. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to SarasotaFL.SelectPayToday.com

2. Click on “Pay Utilities Bill”

3. Enter your 10 digit customer utility account number

4. Select whether to make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments

5. Enter your payment amount

6. Provide your credit/debit card or bank account information

7. Verify payment details and select “Proceed to Checkout”

8. Review the final charges and submit payment

9. Save the confirmation number for your records

You can also manage autopay enrollments and access billing history from your online account. Opting for paperless billing makes payment even more streamlined.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills

For low-income residents struggling to cover utility costs, Sarasota offers options including:

• Payment plans – Set up monthly installments to pay your balance over time without late fees.

• Project SHARE Aid – This program covers part of eligible customers’ utility bills using donations. You must apply annually.

• Heart Program – Emergency assistance is available for seniors, disabled, veterans, and families with small children to help restore disconnected service.

Don’t hesitate to contact Sarasota Utility Billing at 941-954-4180 if you need help managing payments. They’ll work to find a solution that keeps your water flowing.

With the comprehensive instructions in this guide, paying your monthly Sarasota utilities bill can be a quick and hassle-free process. Choose the most convenient payment method and utilize money-saving programs as eligible. Keeping your account current ensures uninterrupted essential services.