A Guide to Paying Your Utility Bill in Fort Myers, Florida

As a Fort Myers resident, keeping your utility account current is an essential responsibility. The city’s utilities department handles water, sewer, irrigation and solid waste services for over 80,000 customers Bills are issued monthly and must be paid by the due date to avoid penalties or service interruptions.

Fort Myers offers various payment options to fit different needs and budgets. Read on for a full overview of paying your city utility bill conveniently and on time.

Utility Services Provided by the City of Fort Myers

The city directly provides the following utility services that are billed monthly

• Water – Covers water supply and treatment. Rates based on meter size and consumption.

• Sewer – Covers wastewater collection and treatment. Rates based on water usage.

• Irrigation – Separate meters for landscape irrigation. Billed at lower water rates.

• Solid Waste – Covers garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection. Fixed monthly rate per residential unit.

Meter reading and billing for water, sewer and irrigation is done on a monthly cycle. Solid waste is billed in advance for the upcoming month.

When to Expect Your Utility Bill

Bills are mailed in batches corresponding to different meter read cycles. Fort Myers has eight read cycles staggered throughout each month.

Your specific read date depends on your service area. It will be the same each month. Check your previous bill to see your cycle, or call customer service.

Bills are then mailed approximately 5 days after the meter read date. So if your cycle is the 15th, expect your bill around the 20th.

Payment is due by the due date printed on the statement, typically 20 days after the bill date.

Ways to Pay Your Fort Myers Utility Bill

The City of Fort Myers offers several payment options. Choose the method that works best for your needs:

Online Payments

The city offers online payments through their digital payment portal. You can pay by credit/debit card or e-check. One-time payments can be made without registration.

To enroll for recurring payments, you’ll need to create an account. Your old login will not transfer over to the new system.

Phone Payments

Call 888-288-5613 anytime to pay by credit/debit card or e-check. Operators are available 24/7. Have your account number ready.

In-Person Payments

Bring your payment to the Utility Billing office at 2925 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. They accept cash, check, money order or card. Open 8am-5pm weekdays.

Drop Box

A 24-hour drop box is located outside the utility billing entrance. Only place check or money order payments in the drop box.

Mail Payments

Mail your check or money order with the payment stub to:

City of Fort Myers Utility Billing
PO Box 30185
Tampa, FL 33630

Allow 5 business days for delivery.

AutoPay – Recurring Bank Drafts

For automated payments from your checking account, complete an application available on the city website. Return it by email, mail or in person.

Budget Billing

This payment plan lets you pay a fixed amount each month based on your average annual usage. Call customer service to see if you qualify.

Fort Myers Cares Assistance Program

Low-income residents can receive city utility bill assistance through this program. Call 239-321-6866 for information on applying.

Avoid Late Fees and Service Disruption

Fort Myers charges a late fee if payment is not received by the due date:

• First time late in 12 months – $5 penalty
• Second time late in 12 months – $20 penalty
• Third time late in 12 months – $40 penalty

If an account remains unpaid for one month past the due date, services are subject to disconnection. A $30 fee applies for reconnection once payment is made.

So pay your bill in full by the due date every month to avoid penalties and potential shut-off. Contact customer service immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying on time.

Disputing Suspected Billing Errors

If your utility bill amount seems unusually high, take these steps:

• Compare usage to the same month last year – is it significantly higher for no reason?

• Check for signs of leaks at fixtures or irrigation systems. Small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per month.

• Verify the meter read sequence – are the numbers in the proper order? If not, the read could be estimated incorrectly.

• Inspect your meter – is it damaged? Does it turn with all fixtures off? That could signal it needs replacement.

• Request a meter re-read or accuracy test if errors are suspected.

Bring any billing discrepancies to the utility department’s attention right away before the due date. Provide information on what you discovered and they will investigate. If the bill is incorrect, they will remedy the situation promptly.

Key Takeaways for Paying Fort Myers Utilities

• Check your meter read cycle and know your monthly due date.

• Select a payment option that suits your needs and budget.

• Enroll in AutoPay or Budget Billing for easier payment management.

• Act quickly at the first sign of a leak to avoid wasting water and money.

• Dispute suspected billing errors promptly and provide details.

• Pay balance in full every month by the due date to avoid penalties.

• Contact customer service immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying on time.

Staying on top of your city utility bill responsibilities will ensure you keep essential services flowing smoothly. Utilize the payment methods that provide convenience and reliability. And leverage customer service to address any questions or issues so you can keep your account in good standing.