How to Pay Your Sarasota Water Bill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Paying your water bill in Sarasota is easy and convenient with the county’s online payment options. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to pay your Sarasota water bill online, by phone, by mail or in person.

Online Payment

Paying your Sarasota water bill online is the quickest and most convenient option Here’s how to do it

1. Go to the Sarasota County Public Utilities website at https://www.scgov.net/government/public-utilities/paymentus.

2. Click on the “Pay Water Bill” button. This will take you to the Sarasota County online payment portal powered by Paymentus.

3. If it’s your first time using the online payment system, you’ll need to create an account. Click on “Register” and enter your account information including your Sarasota water account number, address email, phone number and password.

4. Once registered, you can log into your account. Enter your email and password and click “Sign In.”

5. On the payment portal homepage, click on “Pay Bill.” Select Sarasota County as your payee from the dropdown menu.

6. Enter your Sarasota water account number and the amount you owe for your water bill. Click “Add to Cart.”

7. Review your shopping cart to ensure the amount is correct. Then click “Check Out” to proceed to the payment page.

8. Enter your credit card or debit card information and complete the checkout process.

9. You will receive an email confirmation with your payment details once the transaction is complete.

Paying online is fast, easy and secure. Your payment will post to your water account immediately. You can also set up recurring payments so your water bill is paid automatically each month.

Pay by Phone

If you prefer to speak to a representative, you can pay your Sarasota water bill over the phone. Here are the steps:

1. Call the Sarasota County Utility Billing phone number at (941) 861-6790.

2. Specify that you want to make a payment on your water account.

3. Provide your Sarasota water account number and the amount you owe for your bill.

4. Have your credit card or debit card ready. The representative will take your card information securely over the phone.

5. Confirm the amount and card details back to the representative before the payment is processed.

6. The payment will immediately post to your account. Ask for a confirmation number for your records.

Paying by phone is convenient if you prefer speaking directly to a billing representative. However, hold times can be long during peak hours. Calling early in the day or later in the evening can help minimize wait times.

Pay by Mail

If you don’t have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can mail in a payment for your Sarasota water bill.

1. Write your Sarasota water account number on your check or money order. Make it payable to Sarasota County Utilities.

2. On the memo line, write that the payment is for your water bill.

3. Include your payment stub from your water bill, if available, or write your account address.

4. Mail your payment to the address printed on your water bill:

   Sarasota County Utilities
   PO Box 31379
   Tampa, FL 33631-3379

5. Allow 5-7 business days for your mailed payment to reach the utility billing office and post to your account.

Paying by mail is a simple option for those who prefer checks or money orders. Just make sure to mail your payment several days before the due date to ensure on-time delivery.

Pay in Person

You can also pay your Sarasota water bill in person at one of the county’s designated locations:

• Sarasota County Administration Building: 1660 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236

• Sarasota County Operations Center: 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

To pay your bill in person:

1. Bring your water bill or know your Sarasota water account number.

2. Have your payment ready in the form of cash, check, money order or credit/debit card.

3. Get in line to speak with a billing representative at the customer service counter.

4. Provide your account information and payment to the representative.

5. Receive a printed receipt confirming your payment.

Paying in person ensures same day posting to your account. However, be prepared for long lines during peak times of the month when bills are due.

Payment Assistance Options

If you are having trouble paying your Sarasota water bill, contact the county right away to ask about payment assistance options:

• Payment arrangements – Set up a monthly installment plan to pay your outstanding balance over time.

• Billing adjustments – If you have a water leak, provide evidence for a possible billing adjustment.

• Payment extension – Request a due date extension if you need a few extra days to pay.

• Hardship assistance – Low-income residents can inquire about hardship assistance programs.

Being proactive is key. Call Sarasota County Utilities as soon as possible if you anticipate having difficulty paying your water bill.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

To avoid late fees and service disconnection, make sure to pay your Sarasota water bill by the due date printed on your statement. Late fees are 10% of your balance. Unpaid accounts are subject to water service shut off.

You can receive bill reminders by email or text to help remember your due date. Set up notifications through your online account portal.

Understanding Your Water Bill

Navigating your Sarasota water bill can be confusing at first. Here’s what the various charges mean:

• Water service – Based on the amount of water usage in gallons as recorded by your meter.

• Wastewater service – Covers sewer service and treatment. Based on water usage.

• Stormwater fee – A flat monthly fee to fund stormwater management and local waterway cleanup.

• Solid waste fee – Covers trash, recycling and yard waste pickup. Rate based on trash cart size.

• Taxes and franchise fees – Various local taxes and fees imposed by the county.

Review your bill carefully each month to check for errors. Report any issues immediately to Sarasota County Utilities.

Water Conservation Tips

Saving water around your Sarasota home or business helps the environment and reduces your monthly water bill costs. Here are some tips:

• Install water-efficient fixtures like low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Upgrade to high-efficiency toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines
• Check pipes and faucets for leaks and repair promptly
• Take shorter showers and turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving
• Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines
• Water plants and lawn sparingly early morning or evening
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than hosing them down
• Collect rainwater for irrigation using rain barrels
• Replace grass lawns with Florida-friendly landscaping

Every drop counts in Florida. Adopting water-saving habits keeps money in your wallet and conserves precious resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the business hours for Sarasota County Utilities?

The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, except on county holidays. Extended hours are 8:00am-5:30pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

How long does an online or phone payment take to process?

Online and phone payments post instantly to your account upon approval of the transaction.

When is my water bill due?

Bills are due 20 days after mailing. The due date is printed on your statement.

What do I do if I’m moving?

Contact the utility billing office at least 3 days before your move date to arrange final meter reading and billing. Provide your forwarding address.

How do I sign up for paperless billing?

Log into your online account and change your preferences to go paperless. Make sure your email is up to date.

Paying your Sarasota water bill doesn’t have to be a chore. Follow this guide for quick and easy payment options. And be sure to take advantage of water conservation programs to manage costs. Contact Sarasota County Utilities if you ever have questions about your water service or billing account.