Guide to Paying Your Sarasota County Utility Bill Online

If you’re a resident or business in unincorporated Sarasota County Florida you likely receive water, wastewater, and solid waste services from Sarasota County Utilities. Paying your utility bill promptly each month is important to maintain uninterrupted service. This guide will walk you through how to easily pay your Sarasota County utility bill online.

Overview of Sarasota County Utilities

Sarasota County Utilities provides water sewer, and trash collection services to around 60000 customers across 285 square miles of unincorporated areas of Sarasota County.

The utility operates and maintains over 1000 miles of water distribution lines, 13 water treatment plants and 750 miles of wastewater collection pipes. Their team of professionals works hard to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility services.

The Sarasota County Commission sets policies and rates while the Public Utilities Department handles day-to-day operations and customer service.

Why Pay Your Bill Online

Paying your utility bill through the Sarasota County online payment system provides many benefits:

• Convenience: Pay anytime, 24/7, without visiting an office

• Efficiency: Takes just minutes to log in and pay

• Payment proof: Get instant confirmation and records

• Auto-pay: Schedule recurring payments to avoid late fees

• Paperless billing: Save paper and clutter with e-bills

• Mobile access: Pay on your smartphone, tablet or computer

• Payment options: Use credit/debit cards, bank accounts

• Account management: View usage, update info, report issues

With a few clicks you can securely pay your bill from home in your pajamas!

How to Pay Your Bill Online

Sarasota County offers a user-friendly website to pay your utility bill online. There are two options:

One-Time Payment

To make a single bill payment, go to the Payments webpage and select “Pay Without Registering.” Enter your 10-digit account number and exact total due. You’ll be redirected to securely enter payment details. Payment will instantly post to your account.

Register an Account

For the full range of online features, register for an online customer account. Visit the Payments page and choose “Sign Me Up.” Provide your account number, email, phone and password.

Once registered, you can:

• View real-time account balance and payment history
• Schedule one-time or recurring payments
• Go paperless by opting out of mailed bills
• Update account information and contact details
• Monitor water usage and sewer charges
• Report emergencies or service issues

Storing your information makes future payments and account management a breeze.

Payment Methods Overview

In addition to secure online payments, Sarasota County offers other ways to pay your utility bill if you prefer not to pay online:

• By phone: Call 941-861-6790 to pay by credit/debit card.

• Mail: Send a check or money order to the address listed on your bill.

• In person: Visit the billing office at 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd and pay with cash, check or card.

• Drop box: Place a check or money order in the drop box at the billing office.

Make sure payments are received by the due date to avoid late fees. Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments.

Set Up Automatic Payments

Forget late payments for good by enrolling in auto-pay. This convenient feature deducts your balance due from your specified bank account or card each month on the due date.

When registering your online account, simply check the box to authorize recurring payments and enter your preferred payment method. You can update your auto-pay details anytime.

You can also complete an auto-pay authorization form available on the county website and return it by email, mail or in person. Provide your account number, signature and payment information.

Activating auto-pay gives peace of mind knowing your bill is always paid on time.

Go Paperless with Online Statements

Tired of paper clutter from mailed bills? Save trees and hassle by opting for electronic statements instead.

When setting up your online account, uncheck the box to receive paper bills. Your monthly statements will be available to view and download online.

You’ll get an email when your new e-bill is ready. Log in anytime to check your balance due, view PDF statements, and make payments. No more misplacing mailed bills or forgotten due dates!

Going paperless cuts waste while keeping billing details handy in your account dashboard.

Review Current Rates and Fees

Understanding Sarasota County’s utility rates, payment policies, and fees helps ensure your bill is accurate and avoid penalties.

Review the current water, sewer, trash collection, and stormwater rates on the county website. Rates vary based on factors like meter size, location, and customer type.

Important bills are due dates, late fees, returned check fees, and deposit amounts for new customers. Know the policies to keep your payments on track.

Being informed on the charges and requirements helps you budget for your utility bill and avoid issues.

Receive Payment Reminders

To prevent lapsed payments and service disruptions, Sarasota County offers both email and phone reminders when your bill is coming due.

When setting up your online account, opt to receive email reminders about upcoming bills. Emails go out approximately 10 days prior to your due date.

You can also call 941-861-6790 to add your phone number to the county’s automated reminder call system. Helpful pre-recorded calls provide advance notice your payment is approaching.

Payment reminders help you pay on time, avoid late fees, and prevent shutoffs.

Compare Usage Trends in Your Account

Wondering if you used more water this month vs. last? The online account dashboard makes it easy to compare your monthly usage.

When logged in, you can view charts showing your water consumption in gallons for the last 12 months. Compare totals month-over-month to identify trends and outliers.

You can also see charts of your monthly sewer charges over the past year. Sewer rates are based on your water usage.

Monitoring usage over time helps you understand your household patterns, note variances, and potentially identify leaks.

Avoid Shutoffs with On-Time Payments

Having your utilities disconnected due to non-payment causes major disruptions. Avoid shutoffs by paying your bill in full and on time every month.

If your account becomes delinquent for nonpayment, a shutoff notice will be issued when approximately 30 days past due. Unless the full balance is paid, service may be disconnected 10 days after notices are mailed.

Reconnection requires paying all past due charges plus a $30 reconnection fee per utility. Protect yourself by paying by the due date shown on your monthly bill. Keeping your account current prevents shutoffs.

Payment Assistance for Struggling Customers

If you are having difficulty paying your utility bill, Sarasota County offers programs to help qualified low-income customers:

• Payment arrangements: Call to set up a flexible payment plan.

• LIHEAP funding: Federal assistance program helping with utility bills.

• Project SHARE: Helps pay bills for seniors or hardships.

Don’t hesitate to contact the billing office if you need help paying your bill on time. They’ll work with you on options to maintain service.

Update Account Info and Report Issues Online

Managing your utility account is quick and easy through the Sarasota County online portal. Log in anytime to:

• Change your billing address if moving
• Update phone number or email
• Start or stop utility service
• Report emergencies like leaks
• Ask questions about billing

Your virtual account makes managing utilities convenient on your schedule.

Paying bills on time takes responsibility. Fortunately, Sarasota County offers a user-friendly website to securely pay your utility bill online in minutes. Sign up for e-bills and auto-pay to simplify the process. Contact customer service if you need payment help or have account issues. Maintaining positive payment habits ensures uninterrupted essential services.