Florida Water Utility Help Desk: Find Your Provider, Pay a Bill or Get Help
Florida water service is not handled by one statewide company. Your bill may come from a city, county, special district, private utility, apartment biller, municipal utility, or well/septic arrangement.
This guide helps you identify the correct provider, pay safely, handle shutoff or high-bill issues, find official state help, and know when to contact the Florida PSC, DEP, DOH, water management district, or your local utility.
Start Here: What Are You Trying to Do?
| User intent | Best official route | What to prepare | Do this first |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Who is my water provider?” | Florida PSC Find Your Utility Service Territories | County, service address, ZIP code, subdivision/community name. | Check your latest bill first. Many Florida addresses are served by county/city utilities not one statewide provider. |
| “I need to pay my Florida water bill.” | Your exact city/county/private provider bill-pay page. | Account number, service address, due date, payment method, past-due notice. | Never pay from a search ad alone. Match the official provider name on your bill. |
| “My water bill is wrong or too high.” | Provider customer service first; PSC complaint if regulated and unresolved. | Bill copy, meter read, leak repair proof, payment proof, photos, prior usage. | Ask for a high-bill review, meter check, leak adjustment, or billing audit before filing a complaint. |
| “I got a shutoff/final notice.” | Call the provider before paying. | Notice, full balance, payment confirmation, hardship details. | Ask which payment method prevents service interruption today. |
| “Water smells, looks brown, or pressure dropped.” | Local utility emergency/service line first; DEP or DOH if not resolved. | Address, tap affected, time started, neighbors affected, photos/video if safe. | Check active boil-water notices and avoid social media-only instructions. |
| “I have a private well.” | Florida DOH / county health department / water management district. | Well location, test result, depth if known, complaint type, permit records. | Private wells are different from public utility accounts; testing and construction rules follow health/water agencies. |
Florida rule of thumb: bill pay is local, consumer complaints may be PSC, drinking-water safety is DEP/DOH, wells and water supply planning may involve water management districts, and sewer/septic problems may route differently from drinking water.
Official Florida Water Utility Contacts
Florida Public Service Commission
Use for: regulated utility complaints, utility service territories, consumer assistance, water/wastewater regulated utilities.
Consumer Assistance: 800-342-3552 or 850-413-6100
Email: contact@psc.state.fl.us
Address: 2540 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0850
Florida DEP Drinking Water
Use for: public water system regulation, lead/copper, CCR reports, drinking-water database, rules and reporting.
Phone: 850-245-8624
Address: 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3520, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400
Florida DOH Water Programs
Use for: private wells, limited-use systems, county health department water issues, boil-water health guidance.
Water Programs: 850-245-4240
Special note: DOH handles public-water oversight in Miami-Dade, Polk, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Palm Beach, and Volusia counties.
Public water system definition: Florida DEP/DOH guidance uses the Safe Drinking Water Act threshold: piped water to 25 or more people for 60 or more days per year, or 15 or more service connections.
Florida Water Provider Shortcuts by Locality
Use this table as a practical shortcut. It is not a full list of every provider in Florida; apartments, private utilities, mobile home parks, districts, and city/county boundary areas can route differently.
| Area / provider | Official bill-pay / account route | Phone / office detail | Most useful local note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade Water & Sewer | Pay by phone, mail or in person | Customer Care: 305-665-7477; Emergency 24-hour: 305-274-9272; main service center 3071 SW 38th Ave., Miami. | Credit-card phone payments use 1-800-510-0880 and list a $4.49 convenience fee. Pay-station timing can vary. |
| City of Tampa Utilities / Water | Pay Utility Bill | Utilities Call Center: 813-274-8811; after-hours water emergency: 813-274-7400. | Use the call center for payment plans, extensions, auto bill pay, and high-bill questions. |
| Hillsborough County Water Resources | Pay or View My Water Bill | Customer Service / pay-by-phone: 813-307-1000; Brandon center 332 N. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa. | If bank bill-pay fails, verify payee/account details with your bank and call Water Resources if payment was submitted but not credited. |
| Orange County Utilities | Bill Payment Options | Utility bill questions / automated system: 407-836-5515. | If you receive a call or email demanding immediate payment, Orange County says to call 407-836-5515 to confirm legitimacy. |
| OUC — Orlando Utilities Commission | How to Pay My Bill | Customer service / payment plan: 407-423-9018. | OUC serves electric and water accounts; check whether your sewer charge is from City of Orlando or another local agency. |
| JEA — Jacksonville | Billing & Payment Options | Mail: JEA, P.O. Box 45047, Jacksonville, FL 32232-5047. | JEA lists debit/credit-card vendor fees based on payment amount; cash, check, and bank-account payments remain fee-free. |
| Pinellas County Utilities | Water Billing Payment Options | Customer service / emergency automated line: 727-464-4000; office 14 S Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. | Portal supports bill pay, autopay, water-usage insights, and leak alerts. Do not put cash in drop boxes. |
| Palm Beach County Water Utilities | Billing & Payment | Customer Service: 561-740-4600; Western Region: 877-477-1305; emergency option 1. | Drop-box payments received before 9:00 AM are credited same business day; no cash in drop boxes. |
| Broward Water and Wastewater Services | Pay Water Bill | Customer Service: 954-831-3250; email water@broward.org; weekday hours 8:30 AM-4:45 PM. | Online payment requires AccessBROWARD account setup and linking your WWS account. |
| City of Fort Lauderdale Utility Billing | Utility Billing & Collections | Utility Billing: 954-828-5150; office 700 N.W. 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. | Starting March 1, 2026, new utility billing accounts can only be established by property owners. |
| Lee County Utilities | Pay My Bill | Use LCU Customer Portal for online pay, autopay, and paperless billing. | Automatic payments may take 4-6 weeks to take effect; keep paying manually until confirmation appears on the bill. |
Boundary warning: the city name in your mailing address may not be the water provider. Florida has county systems, city systems, special districts, private utilities, community associations, mobile-home park systems, apartment billing companies, and wholesale/retail split arrangements.
How to Pay a Florida Water Utility Bill Safely
| Payment method | Best for | Florida-specific risk | What to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider online portal | Fast bill payment, autopay, paperless billing, usage history. | Convenience fee or payment cap may apply. | “Does this payment post today, next business day, or later?” |
| Pay by phone | Last-minute payment when the provider’s system posts quickly. | Some utilities charge card fees; some cannot take phone payments through staff. | “Can you confirm my payment protects service today?” |
| Bank bill pay | Routine accounts with plenty of time before due date. | Several utilities warn that bank bill pay can delay or fail if payee/account data is outdated. | “Is my provider name, account number, and remittance address correct?” |
| Normal bills, no shutoff risk. | Mail delay can cause late fee or disconnection if close to due date. | “How many days before the due date should I mail?” | |
| Drop box | Check or money-order payment after office hours. | Cash is usually not accepted in drop boxes; posting time varies. | “What time is the drop box collected and credited?” |
| Authorized cash location | Cash customers or emergency payment. | Only official authorized locations count; third-party fees may apply. | “Is this location authorized by my utility and how fast does it post?” |
When to Call the Florida PSC vs DEP vs DOH vs Local Utility
| Problem | First call | Escalation | Proof to keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billing error, disputed charge, deposit, refund, shutoff notice | Your water/wastewater provider customer service. | Florida PSC Consumer Assistance if the utility is PSC-regulated. | Bill, payment proof, notice, staff name, call dates, complaint number. |
| Rate increase or private utility tariff question | Provider billing office. | Florida PSC water/wastewater regulation pages and docket/case records. | Tariff/rate sheet, bill history, written notice. |
| Brown water, taste, odor, pressure loss, boil-water concern | Local utility emergency or water-quality contact. | DEP district office or DOH county health department depending on county. | Photos, date/time, taps affected, neighbor impact, notice link. |
| Private well testing or contamination concern | County health department / Florida DOH. | DEP or water management district depending on contamination/well issue. | Lab results, well location, well permit, maps, property records. |
| Digging a well, irrigation withdrawal, water shortage rules | Your water management district. | DEP water policy / district permitting staff. | Property address, parcel, contractor info, proposed use. |
| Apartment water billing, RUBS, submetering, landlord dispute | Lease/property manager first. | Local code enforcement, tenant/legal aid, PSC only if the provider itself is regulated. | Lease, bills, meter/submeter info, notices, written requests. |
Call PSC Consumer Assistance
Toll-free: 800-342-3552
Local: 850-413-6100
Email: contact@psc.state.fl.us
File a utility complaint
Use the PSC complaint route after you have contacted the provider and can explain what remains unresolved.
Privacy note
Florida public-records law can apply to emails and records submitted to public agencies. Use phone or written mail if you do not want an email address released.
Florida Drinking-Water Oversight by County
Simple split: most public water systems are overseen by Florida DEP district offices. In Miami-Dade, Polk, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Palm Beach, and Volusia counties, Florida DOH county health departments handle the public-water program.
| Agency / district | Counties or use | Official phone / address | Use when |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP Source & Drinking Water Program | Statewide drinking-water rules, policy, data, CCR, lead/copper, public water systems. | 850-245-8624; 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3520, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400. | You need statewide drinking-water program info or data source direction. |
| DEP Northwest District | Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington. | 160 W. Government Street, Suite 308, Pensacola, FL 32502; 850-595-8300. | Panhandle public-water concerns, permitted facilities, district compliance. |
| DEP Northeast District | Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union. | 8800 Baymeadows Way West, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256; 904-256-1700. | North Florida drinking-water or facility district issues. |
| DEP Central District | Brevard, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia. | 3319 Maguire Blvd., Suite 232, Orlando, FL 32803; 407-897-4100. | Central Florida district matters. For Volusia public-water oversight, also check DOH Volusia. |
| DEP Southwest District | Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk. | 13051 N. Telecom Parkway, Temple Terrace, FL 33637; 813-470-5700. | West-central Florida district matters. For Hillsborough/Polk public-water oversight, check DOH county offices. |
| DEP Southeast District | Broward, Dade, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie. | 3301 Gun Club Road, MSC 7210-1, West Palm Beach, FL 33406; 561-681-6600. | South Florida east-coast district matters. Miami-Dade/Palm Beach have DOH delegated public-water roles. |
| DEP South District | Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Sarasota. | 2295 Victoria Ave., Suite 364, Fort Myers, FL 33901; 239-344-5600. | Southwest Florida district matters. Sarasota public-water oversight routes through DOH Sarasota. |
| DOH delegated county | County health department public-water office | Phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | 1725 N.W. 167th St., Miami, FL 33056 | 305-623-3500 | Public water system oversight in Miami-Dade County. |
| Hillsborough | 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602 | 813-307-8059 | Public water system oversight in Hillsborough County. |
| Sarasota | 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941-861-6133 | Public water system oversight in Sarasota County. |
| Palm Beach | 800 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33402 | 561-837-5900 | Public water system oversight in Palm Beach County. |
| Polk | 2090 E. Clower St., Bartow, FL 33830 | 863-519-8330 | Public water system oversight in Polk County. |
| Volusia | 717 W. Canal St., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 | 386-822-6250 ext. 5436 | Public water system oversight in Volusia County. |
Florida Water Management Districts: Which One Covers Your Area?
Water management districts are not usually your bill-pay office. They handle regional water supply, water quality work, flood protection, natural systems, consumptive use, well construction, and environmental resource permitting.
| District | Headquarters / phone | Counties / region shortcut | Use for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Florida Water Management District | 81 Water Management Drive, Havana, FL 32333; 850-539-5999 | Panhandle counties including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Leon, Wakulla and nearby counties. | Regional supply, floodplain/flood protection, permits, water resource questions. |
| Suwannee River Water Management District | 9225 CR 49, Live Oak, FL 32060; 386-362-1001; 800-226-1066 in Florida. | Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and portions of nearby counties. | North Florida/Suwannee basin water resources, permits, drought and supply planning. |
| St. Johns River Water Management District | P.O. Box 1429, Palatka, FL 32178-1429; 386-329-4500; 800-451-7106. | Brevard, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Nassau, Seminole, St. Johns, Volusia and portions of central/north counties. | East-central/northeast water supply, irrigation/watering rules, permits. |
| Southwest Florida Water Management District | 2379 Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34604; 352-796-7211; 800-423-1476 in Florida. | Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Sumter and portions of nearby counties. | Water restrictions, regional supply, well/permitting, conservation programs. |
| South Florida Water Management District | 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406; 561-686-8800; 800-432-2045 in Florida. | Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Monroe, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and portions of central/south counties. | Flood control, regional water supply, canals, permits, water shortage orders. |
Water Emergency, Boil Notice or Hurricane Utility Problem
Active main break / no water
- Call your local utility emergency line first.
- Give address, cross street, pressure status, start time.
- Ask whether a boil-water notice is active.
Boil-water notice
- Use official city/county/utility notice, not social media rumors.
- Follow provider instructions for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, ice, and baby formula.
- Wait for official rescission before normal use.
Hurricane season
- Save provider emergency number before a storm.
- Fill clean containers if instructed.
- Know whether sewer pumps, lift stations, or private wells need power.
If water pressure drops suddenly
Stop using unnecessary water, check if neighbors are affected, avoid opening every fixture at once, and call the emergency number on your bill. Pressure loss can trigger precautionary boil-water procedures.
If sewer backs up
Stop running water, avoid contact with wastewater, keep children and pets away, document damage only when safe, and call the sewer emergency line. Ask whether the issue is public main, private lateral, lift station, or storm-related.
If you use a private well
After flooding, storm surge, or suspected contamination, use bottled water until testing guidance is followed. Contact your county health department for private-well testing direction.
High Florida Water Bill: Fast Checks Before You Pay
Toilet leak
Silent toilet leaks are common. Dye-test the tank and bowl before assuming billing error.
Irrigation
Check sprinkler schedule, stuck zones, broken heads, rain sensor, reclaimed-water settings.
Pool / hose
Pool fills, outdoor hoses, pressure washing, and landscaping can spike usage quickly.
Meter read
Photograph the meter, compare current read to bill, and ask whether usage was estimated or actual.
| What searchers ask | Quick answer | Useful next step |
|---|---|---|
| “Can I get a leak adjustment?” | Many local providers offer leak-adjustment forms, but rules vary by provider and repair proof. | Ask for the form, deadline, eligible leak types, plumber receipt requirement, and whether irrigation leaks qualify. |
| “Why is sewer so high?” | Sewer is often based on water use, winter average, or local formula. Irrigation meters/reclaimed water may change billing. | Ask how sewer is calculated and whether a cap, average, or irrigation credit applies. |
| “Can they shut off water?” | Rules vary by provider, account type, and notice status. | Call before paying. Ask exact amount, deadline, posting method, reconnection fee, and same-day restoration rules. |
| “Is a huge jump always a leak?” | No. It can be meter read error, crossed meter, irrigation, pool fill, estimated bill catch-up, or private leak. | Request read verification and compare usage history. |
| “Can I dispute while service stays on?” | Some providers require paying undisputed or full amount while reviewing. | Ask for written dispute process and whether payment arrangement protects service. |
Start, Stop or Transfer Florida Water Service
Start service
- Service address and unit number.
- Owner or tenant status.
- Lease, deed, closing disclosure, or settlement papers if required.
- Photo ID and SSN / tax ID if required.
- Deposit and connection-fee rules.
Stop service
- Stop date.
- Forwarding address.
- Final meter read question.
- Refund/deposit question.
- Autopay cancellation proof.
Transfer service
- Old and new service addresses.
- Overlap dates.
- Whether provider is the same.
- Whether landlord/HOA/submetering changes billing.
- Final bill plus new deposit question.
Tenant warning: some Florida providers require property-owner approval or owner-only account creation for new or reconnected service. Always read the local utility’s service rules before moving day.
Help Paying Utility Bills in Florida
Ask the provider first
- Payment extension.
- Payment arrangement.
- Hardship program.
- Leak adjustment.
- Deposit review.
LIHEAP / energy help
LIHEAP is mainly for home energy costs, but Florida assistance agencies may also guide households to crisis, utility, weatherization, or local support resources.
Call 2-1-1
Dial 211 for local nonprofit, county, crisis, rent, food, and utility-assistance referrals. Availability varies by county and funding cycle.
| Need | Best route | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Past-due water bill | Provider payment arrangement + local 211/community assistance. | “Which agencies are currently helping with water/sewer bills in my county?” |
| Electric + water hardship | Florida LIHEAP/local agency for energy; provider and 211 for water/sewer. | “Can my energy approval or crisis status help support a utility hardship request?” |
| Leak caused high bill | Local provider leak-adjustment form. | “What proof, deadline, eligible leak types, and adjustment formula apply?” |
| Medical or elderly household | Provider hardship team, county social services, 211, nonprofit agencies. | “Is there a medical, elderly, disability, or crisis hold process?” |
Florida Water Bill Scam and Wrong-Payment Warnings
Immediate shutoff call
Do not pay by gift card, crypto, wire, or unknown payment app. Call the number on your official bill or provider website.
Wrong provider
Florida addresses can sit near city/county boundaries. A nearby city name does not prove that city is your provider.
Bank bill-pay delay
Bank bill pay may mail a check or use outdated payee data. Confirm the payee name, address, and account number.
Florida PSC Map and State Utility Help Location
This map points to the Florida Public Service Commission office in Tallahassee. For actual bill payment or service emergencies, use your local provider’s office or emergency number.
| Place | Address | Phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Public Service Commission | 2540 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0850 | 800-342-3552 / 850-413-6100 | Consumer assistance, utility complaints, service territory lookup, regulated water/wastewater issues. |
| Florida DEP Source & Drinking Water Program | 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3520, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 | 850-245-8624 | Public water system rules, drinking-water data, CCR, lead/copper, DEP district routing. |
| Florida DOH Water Programs | Statewide program with county health department offices | 850-245-4240 | Private wells, limited-use systems, county health department water support. |
Official Florida Water Utility Links
Statewide official routes:
Major local utility routes used in this guide:
Florida Water Utilities FAQ
Is Florida Water Utilities one company?
No. The phrase often means water utilities across Florida. Your actual provider may be a city, county, private regulated utility, utility authority, special district, apartment biller, or well/septic setup.
How do I find my Florida water provider?
Start with your latest bill, then use the Florida PSC utility territory map, your county/city utility page, or your property manager if you are in an apartment or HOA community.
Who regulates Florida drinking water?
Florida DEP has the primary role for public water systems. Florida DOH handles the public-water program in Miami-Dade, Polk, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Palm Beach, and Volusia counties.
When should I contact the Florida PSC?
Contact the PSC for unresolved utility complaints, regulated utility questions, service territory help, or consumer assistance after you have contacted your utility first.
What is the Florida PSC consumer assistance number?
The PSC Consumer Assistance Line is 800-342-3552 toll-free or 850-413-6100 local. The PSC also lists contact@psc.state.fl.us.
Can the PSC fix every water bill?
No. Many municipal and county utility issues are handled locally. The PSC can help with regulated utilities and consumer routing, but you should always start with the provider listed on your bill.
What should I do if I receive a shutoff notice?
Call the provider before paying. Ask the exact amount needed, payment method that posts fastest, reconnection rules, fees, and whether service will be protected once you pay.
Who handles private wells in Florida?
Private-well testing and health concerns usually route through Florida DOH or the county health department. Well construction and water withdrawal questions may involve the water management district.
What should I do during a boil-water notice?
Follow the official notice from your utility, city, county, DEP, or DOH. Use provider instructions for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, ice, formula, and when the notice is lifted.
Why did my Florida water bill suddenly increase?
Common reasons include toilet leaks, irrigation, pool filling, outdoor hose leaks, meter-read changes, estimated-bill catch-up, sewer calculation, deposit/fee changes, or provider rate changes.
Can I get a water leak adjustment in Florida?
Possibly. Leak-adjustment rules are local. Ask your provider for the form, deadline, repair proof required, eligible leak types, and how the adjustment is calculated.
Where can I get help paying a Florida utility bill?
Ask your provider for payment arrangements first. Then check 211, county assistance, local nonprofits, and Florida LIHEAP for energy-related support. Water-specific aid depends on local funding.
What do Florida water management districts do?
They handle regional water supply, water quality projects, flood protection, natural systems, permits, well construction, consumptive use, and water shortage planning. They are usually not your water bill office.
How do I avoid Florida water bill scams?
Do not pay from a threatening call, gift-card demand, search ad, or unknown app. Call the phone number on your official bill or the official provider website to verify account status.
Is this the official Florida PSC or DEP website?
No. This is an informational guide. Use the official links in this page for live account payment, complaints, provider lookup, water-quality data, and emergency instructions.
30-Second Florida Water Utility Checklist
Paying a bill? Match provider name → open official portal → confirm account number → check fee/posting → save receipt.
Don’t know provider? Check bill → PSC territory map → county/city utility page → property manager/HOA if submetered.
High bill? Test toilets → check irrigation/pool/hose → photograph meter → ask for leak adjustment and meter review.
Complaint? Utility first → PSC if regulated/unresolved → keep bill, call log, notices, photos, and payment proof.
Water safety? Utility emergency line first → DEP district or DOH county office if unresolved or health-related.