Sarasota Utility Bill Help: Pay, Log In, Call or Report Water Trouble
Use this page when you need the official Sarasota water bill portal, one-time guest payment, customer service phone, billing office, after-hours water/sewer emergency number, County-vs-City routing, rates, meter project, leak adjustment help or watering restrictions.
First: City of Sarasota or Sarasota County?
Most wrong-payment problems start here. If your bill says City of Sarasota, use the City portal and 941-263-6260. If your bill says Sarasota County Public Utilities, use the County portal and 941-861-6790.
| What your bill says | Use this official route | Phone / email | Best next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Sarasota | City Pay My Water/Sewer Bill | 941-263-6260 UtilityBill@sarasotafl.gov |
Pay online, mail to City processing center, visit 1575 2nd St., or call billing. |
| Sarasota County Public Utilities | County Bill Pay | 941-861-6790 941-861-6734 Spanish utilitybill@scgov.net |
Use the County Customer Self-Service portal, one-time payment, login/create account, phone pay or County office routes. |
| Outside City limits but Sarasota address | Check bill logo, account number format and service address provider. | City page points outside-City customers to Sarasota County Utilities at 941-861-6790. | Do not pay the City portal unless the bill is actually from the City of Sarasota. |
| Private well / irrigation / reclaimed / special service | Check provider and restrictions before paying or reporting. | Water restriction questions: 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476. | SWFWMD restrictions can apply even outside normal city utility billing. |
City of Sarasota Utility Action Board
| Need | Official route | Prepare first | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Login or guest payment | City Pay Water/Sewer Bill | Account number, service address, bill amount, payment method. | The City page says you can login or make a one-time payment as a guest. |
| Pay by mail | City of Sarasota PO Box 31510 Tampa, FL 33631-3510 |
Removable bill portion and account number on check/money order. | Allow five days from postmark date to bill due date. |
| Pay in person | Utility Billing Office 1575 2nd Street, First Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 |
Bill, ID if needed, payment method, notice if past due. | Customer service counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. |
| Check/money order dropbox | Utility Billing Office parking lot dropbox. | Check or money order only. | Open 24/7; no receipts; accounts credited next business day. |
| Cash payment | Amscot locations. | Copy of utility bill and cash. | Cash-only route has a $1.50 convenience fee paid to the dropbox/payment location; account credited next business day. |
| Turn service back on after nonpayment | Pay full balance, then call/visit Utility Billing. | Cash or credit payment, account number, service address, confirmation. | City says account holder must contact Utility Billing at 941-263-6260 after paying to activate service again. |
Portal update: City water customers moved to a new billing system for the October 2025 cycle. Autopay customers were told to register in the new system to maintain autopay, and the City announced a 2.95% provider convenience fee for credit/debit card, mobile wallet, PayPal, Venmo, text-to-pay and autopay digital payments.
Official City Phone, Address, Email and Hours
Utility Billing Office
Address:
1575 2nd Street, First Floor
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-263-6260
Fax: 941-316-1890
Email: UtilityBill@sarasotafl.gov
Utilities emergency
After-hours / water / sewer:
941-263-6884
Use for after-hours water or sewer emergencies, leaks from street/manhole/hydrant/meter/backflow, and sewer blockage routing.
Utilities Department
Address:
1750 12th Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone / after-hours: 941-263-6884
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
What the City utility covers: the City Utilities Department provides drinking water, wastewater collection and reclaimed water services, and is regulated by SWFWMD, Florida DEP and the Sarasota County Health Department for groundwater usage, potable water quality and treated wastewater requirements.
City Bill Pay and Login: Fastest Route by Situation
Online guest pay
Use the City’s Pay My Water/Sewer Bill page and choose the online payment route.
Login / autopay
Register in the new system if you want autopay or online account management.
City of Sarasota, PO Box 31510, Tampa, FL 33631-3510.
Past due
Call 941-263-6260 before relying on mail/dropbox if service is at risk.
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Searcher warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online payment | Login or make a one-time guest payment through the City pay page. | Fastest routine payment, login, digital payment, autopay setup. | Digital convenience fee may apply through the payment service provider. |
| In-person counter | Utility Billing Office, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | New account, deposit, reinstatement, account problem, past-due issue. | Bring bill/account details and ID if account action is needed. |
| Parking lot dropbox | Check or money order only, 24/7, accounts credited next business day. | After-hours check or money order payment. | No receipt. Do not use cash. |
| Amscot cash payment | Cash only, $1.50 convenience fee, copy of bill needed, credited next business day. | Cash payment outside City counter route. | Bring bill copy so account is credited correctly. |
| Include removable portion and account number; allow five days from postmark to due date. | Normal bills with no urgency. | Not ideal for shutoff/reinstatement. |
Open, Stop or Final Bill: What to Bring
Homeowner applicant
- Call 941-263-6260 or visit 1575 2nd Street.
- Two forms of ID; one must be government-issued picture ID.
- Proof of ownership unless listed as owner on Sarasota County Property Appraiser.
- If bought in last 7 days, bring closing documents.
- Deposit and 1st Month Solid Waste Fee: $210.05.
Renter applicant
- Call 941-263-6260 or visit the billing office.
- Two forms of ID; one government-issued picture ID.
- Signed rental lease or management company lease agreement.
- Deposit and 1st Month Solid Waste Fee: $210.05.
- Ask whether account must be opened before move-in.
Commercial/business
- Call 941-263-6260 or visit the billing office.
- Bring corporation and Tax ID documents.
- Businesses must be incorporated in Florida to put the utility account in the corporation name.
- Ask about deposits, meter size, solid waste and sewer base charges.
Timing rule: the City says a new utility account is required for change of property ownership, change of account holder, and three days before the date of change of ownership, tenancy or business.
| Moving task | Who to contact | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Stop service | Utility Billing Team: 941-263-6260 | Account number, stop date, forwarding address, final bill question, autopay cancellation. |
| Request final bill | Utility Billing Team: 941-263-6260 | Service address, move-out/closing date, forwarding address, seller/renter details. |
| Reinstate after nonpayment | Pay full account balance, then contact Utility Billing. | Cash or credit payment proof; account holder must contact billing in person or by phone. |
2025–2026 City Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Rates
Water base
Single-family 5/8-inch meter: $21.27/month.
Sewer base
Base charge for sewer services: $29.28/month.
Outside city
Customers outside City limits: 120% of stated rate + 25% surcharge.
Solid waste
Single-family 1 wheeled container curbside: $35.05.
| City rate item | Amount | Plain-English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Residential water base, 5/8" meter | $21.27/month | Common single-family water base charge. |
| Residential water usage 0-4,000 gallons | $4.30 per 1,000 gallons | Lowest listed residential usage tier. |
| Residential water usage 4,001-8,000 gallons | $5.06 per 1,000 gallons | Mid-low usage tier. |
| Residential water usage 8,001-12,000 gallons | $7.09 per 1,000 gallons | Higher usage tier; outdoor irrigation can push bills here. |
| Residential water usage 12,001-24,000 gallons | $10.61 per 1,000 gallons | High usage tier. |
| Residential water usage 24,001+ gallons | $16.46 per 1,000 gallons | Top listed residential usage tier. |
| Sewer base charge | $29.28/month per dwelling unit | Applies even before sewer usage charges. |
| Sewer usage 0-4,000 gallons | $8.52 per 1,000 gallons | Sewer charge related to water use. |
| Sewer usage over 4,000 gallons | $10.04 per 1,000 gallons | Higher sewer usage rate. |
| Late fee | 10-day grace period; late penalty of less than 1% | Call billing if a payment was made but not posted before penalty. |
Why a bill appears when nobody used water: occupied or unoccupied buildings connected to City water or sewer are still subject to monthly unit service availability charges, even in months with no water consumption or service usage.
High Bill, Leak Kit, Meter Reading and Adjustment Rules
High consumption
The City says excessive usage is often caused by a leak at the home or business.
Leak kit / meter
City leak help includes identifying high consumption, requesting a water leak detection kit and learning how to read your meter.
Adjustment limits
Leak adjustments apply only to certain potable drinking water repairs; not toilets, irrigation, pressure cleaning or landscape use.
| Leak / high bill question | City guidance | What to do now |
|---|---|---|
| Possible service line leak | Leak adjustment may apply to potable drinking water service line repairs if conditions are met. | Repair first, keep invoice/photos, then ask for Request for Billing Adjustment Form. |
| Slab leak | Listed as a type of potable drinking water leak that may be considered. | Keep plumber diagnosis, repair date and usage period. |
| Backflow leak | Listed among possible eligible potable-water leak situations. | Document repair and backflow device details. |
| Water heater leak | Listed among possible eligible potable-water leak situations. | Keep repair/replacement receipt. |
| Toilet / irrigation / pressure cleaning / landscape | City page says these are not included in the listed potable leak adjustment category. | Fix quickly, but do not assume adjustment applies. |
| New meter project | City is replacing 17,000 residential meters beginning March 2026 over about two years. | Expect advance mail notice; usage may become visible online after new meter installation. |
Water Leak, Sewer Blockage or After-Hours Emergency
City water/sewer emergency
Call: 941-263-6884
Use for after-hours utilities emergency, water leak, sewer issue, blockage routing or urgent utility repair.
Sewer blockage
City sewer customers are encouraged to call first. City staff can help decide whether the blockage is in City piping or private plumbing.
Street leak
Call if you see water leaking from the street, manhole, fire hydrant, meter box or backflow area.
| Problem | What to say | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| All or most fixtures backing up | “Most fixtures in the building are not draining; please help determine if this is City piping.” | City says if the blockage is in City pipelines, crews dispatch and clear it free of charge. |
| Only one toilet/drain/shower affected | “Only [fixture] is affected.” | City guidance says this typically points to private plumbing. |
| Possible City sewer blockage | “The issue affects most fixtures and may be outside my private plumbing.” | City says crews typically are on site within about 30 minutes when City-pipe blockage is suspected. |
| Street water leak | “Water is leaking from [street/manhole/hydrant/meter box/backflow] at [location].” | Call any time of day, including holidays and weekends. |
| Storm water or street flooding | Call 311 or 941-861-5000. | City Click-2-Fix page routes storm water/street flooding to Sarasota County contact center. |
Do this before calling a plumber for sewer backup: call the City first if most fixtures are affected. If the issue is in City pipes, the City says it is not obligated to reimburse plumber costs if the City was not first given the chance to investigate and correct the problem.
Watering Restrictions and Sarasota Conservation Rules
Current 2026 drought rule
SWFWMD extended Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage restrictions through Oct. 1, 2026.
One-day-per-week
All residents, including private wells, remain under one-day-per-week watering restrictions with stricter watering hours.
Penalty risk
City page says noncompliance can lead to enforcement, including civil penalties up to $500 per violation.
| Restriction item | Current useful detail | Who to call |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed watering windows | Unless stricter local hours apply, watering hours are 12:01 a.m.-4 a.m. or 8 p.m.-11:59 p.m. | SWFWMD: 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476. |
| Small properties | Properties less than one acre may use only one of the allowed windows. | Ask SWFWMD if you are unsure. |
| City ordinance questions | City page lists 941-263-6224 for ordinance/watering restriction questions. | 941-263-6224 |
| Wasteful water use | Residents are asked to fix irrigation leaks and avoid hosing down driveways/surfaces or allowing unattended water flow. | Use City guidance or Click-2-Fix for local reporting when appropriate. |
Backflow, New Meters, Utility Locates and Construction
Backflow program
Non-residential City water properties must install and maintain an approved RPZ backflow prevention device. Residential customers need approved backflow prevention when actual or potential cross-connections exist.
Backflow test forms
Email test form:
Backflow.Utilities@sarasotafl.gov
Phone: 941-263-6884
Fax: 941-365-4840
Meter replacement
All 17,000 residential water meters citywide are being replaced starting March 2026. National Metering Services installs between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with limited water interruptions.
| Need | Official contact / place | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Backflow prevention | 1750 12th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Cross-connection can connect drinking water to irrigation, wells, reclaimed water or other non-potable sources. |
| Meter replacement question | National Metering Services: customerservice@nmsnj.com or 888-449-0009 | Advance notice is sent by U.S. mail; new meters may slightly increase or decrease some bills due to accuracy. |
| New service connection / tap / utility construction | Utilities Permitting and Field Services, 1750 12th Street | Payments are made at Utility Billing Office, 1575 2nd Street. Once issued, crews typically need 4-6 weeks to complete work. |
| Locate before digging | Call 811 | Use before digging, fencing, landscaping, irrigation work or driveway work. |
Sarasota County Utilities: If Your Bill Is Not City of Sarasota
County customer service
Phone: 941-861-6790
Spanish: 941-861-6734
Email: utilitybill@scgov.net
County Sarasota office
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34240
Customer service phone center hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
County Venice office
4000 S. Tamiami Trail #2070
Venice, FL 34293
Cashier window has weekday hours and closes midday; verify before visiting.
| County task | Official detail | Searcher action |
|---|---|---|
| One-time payment | County Customer Self-Service portal allows one-time payment without creating an account. | Use if your bill is Sarasota County Public Utilities. |
| Portal account | Use Account Number and Activation Code from current bill; customers were assigned new account numbers after Nov. 12, 2025. | Use current bill, not an old saved bank bill-pay number. |
| Autopay / paperless | Portal supports autopay, paperless billing, bill reminders, payment history and multiple accounts. | Register in the County portal if you want these features. |
| Mail payment | Sarasota County Public Utility, P.O. Box 31320, Tampa, FL 33631-3320. | Write account number clearly and allow five days. |
| Correspondence | S.C.P.U. Customer Service Office, P.O. Box 2553, Sarasota, FL 34230-2553. | Use for correspondence, not normal payment when payment address is provided. |
| New County service | Owner needs proof of ownership; renter needs signed lease or owner/property-management email. | Submit complete application before noon Monday-Thursday for same-day turn-on; Friday after 4 p.m. is next business day. |
| Estimated bill | An “E” may appear next to days in service period if bill was estimated. | Check for blocked meter, heavy rain or landscaping preventing read. |
County rate update: Sarasota County’s bill-pay page says Rate Resolution 2025-177 was approved August 26, 2025 and new water/sewer rates went into effect October 5, 2025.
Google Map, Billing Office and Utility Locations
| Location | Address | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| City Utility Billing Office | 1575 2nd Street, First Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236 | City bill pay, new accounts, deposits, billing questions, reinstatement after nonpayment. |
| City Utilities Department | 1750 12th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Utilities repair, engineering, backflow, field services, water/sewer emergencies. |
| City Hall | 1565 1st Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Main City contact and general city services. |
| Sarasota County Customer Service Phone Center | 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240 | County utility account service, County payments, County new service questions. |
| Sarasota County Venice office | 4000 S. Tamiami Trail #2070, Venice, FL 34293 | County utility cashier/dropbox/service questions for south county customers. |
Sarasota Water Utilities FAQ
What is the City of Sarasota water bill phone number?
Call City of Sarasota Utility Billing at 941-263-6260. The City rates brochure also lists 941-263-6261 for Utility Billing customer services.
What is the City of Sarasota after-hours water or sewer emergency number?
Call 941-263-6884 for water and/or sewer emergencies after hours. The City also uses this number for utilities emergency, leaks and sewer blockage routing.
How do I pay my City of Sarasota water/sewer bill online?
Use the official City Pay My Water/Sewer Bill page. It lets users log in or make a one-time payment as a guest.
Where do I mail a City of Sarasota utility payment?
Mail payment with the removable bill portion to City of Sarasota, PO Box 31510, Tampa, FL 33631-3510. Include the account number and allow five days from postmark date to due date.
Where is the City of Sarasota Utility Billing Office?
The Utility Billing Office is at 1575 2nd Street, First Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236. Counter hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
Can I pay with cash?
The City lists Amscot locations as a cash-only payment route with a $1.50 convenience fee. A copy of the utility bill is needed, and accounts are credited the next business day.
What do I do if service was turned off for nonpayment?
Pay the full account balance by cash or credit, then contact Utility Billing in person or by phone at 941-263-6260 to have services activated again in the account holder’s name.
What is the late fee?
The City page says there is a 10-day grace period before a late fee is charged. After the grace period, a late penalty of less than 1% is applied.
Why do I have a monthly charge even with no water use?
City-connected buildings and dwelling units are subject to monthly water and/or sewer availability charges even if there is no water consumption or usage during the month.
What is the City’s small residential water base charge?
The 2025–2026 City rates PDF lists the single-family 5/8-inch meter potable water monthly base charge at $21.27 per house.
What is the City sewer base charge?
The City rates PDF lists the sewer base charge for sewer services at $29.28 per dwelling unit.
Does the City offer leak adjustments?
The City page says leak adjustments apply to potable drinking water issues such as service line, slab leaks, backflow leaks and water heater leaks, and not to toilets, irrigation, pressure cleaning or landscape usage.
Who should I call for a sewer blockage?
Call 941-263-6884, option 2. The City says the service is available any time, including holidays and weekends, and staff can help determine whether the issue is City piping or private plumbing.
What is Sarasota County Utilities phone number?
Sarasota County Public Utilities Customer Service is 941-861-6790. Spanish customer service is 941-861-6734, and the email is utilitybill@scgov.net.
How do I know if I am City or County?
Check the bill logo, account number, payment portal and service provider name. City of Sarasota uses the City Utility Billing office and 941-263-6260; Sarasota County Public Utilities uses 941-861-6790 and the County Customer Self-Service portal.
What are Sarasota watering restrictions in 2026?
SWFWMD extended Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage restrictions through Oct. 1, 2026. Current guidance includes one-day-per-week watering with stricter hours. Call SWFWMD at 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 for restriction questions.
Is this the official Sarasota utility website?
No. This is an informational guide. Confirm live balance, shutoff status, forms, current rates, notices, payment deadlines and emergency instructions with the City of Sarasota or Sarasota County Public Utilities.
30-Second Sarasota Utility Checklist
City bill: pay online through the City Pay My Water/Sewer Bill page or call Utility Billing at 941-263-6260.
County bill: use Sarasota County Public Utilities portal or call 941-861-6790.
Emergency: City after-hours water/sewer emergency and sewer blockage help: 941-263-6884.
Mail: City payment goes to PO Box 31510, Tampa, FL 33631-3510; County payment goes to PO Box 31320, Tampa, FL 33631-3320.
High bill: check leaks, meter change notice, usage tiers, irrigation, and adjustment eligibility before assuming a billing error.