Sarasota County Water Utilities Help Desk: Pay, Login, Call or Fix an Account Issue
Use this page like a utility counter: pick your problem, open the official route, prepare the right account details, and avoid late fees, rejected bank payments, or wrong emergency numbers.
Start Here: Best Route by Problem
| User need | Official action | Have ready | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay without account | Use Quick Pay | New account number from your bill. | No portal account is needed for one-time payment. |
| Log in / create account | Open Customer Self-Service portal | Name, email, account number, activation code from bill after Nov. 12, 2025. | Registration sends a 6-digit verification code by email. |
| Forgot activation code | Call 941-861-6790 | Customer name, service address, bill copy. | County says contact customer service for secure assistance. |
| Bank bill pay | Update bank/payee account number after your first bill after Nov. 12, 2025. | New account number from bill. | Old account numbers can delay or reject payment. |
| Past due / disconnect | Call before paying if service risk is active. | Notice, account number, full balance, payment method. | If disconnected for non-pay, full balance must be paid by 3 p.m. via cash or credit card; restoration is next business day. |
| Sewer leak / backup | County utilities: 941-861-6790 | Address, exact issue, where backup/leak is seen, time started. | Inside city limits, call the municipality listed below. |
Official Contact, Offices and Payment Locations
Customer service
Phone: 941-861-6790
Spanish: 941-861-6734
Email: utilitybill@scgov.net
TTY: 7-1-1 or 1-800-955-8771
Sarasota office
Public Utilities Customer Service
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone center: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Venice office
Venice payment location
4000 S. Tamiami Trail #2070
Venice, FL 34293
Hours: Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
| Payment/contact route | Exact official detail | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Automated phone payment | 1-888-253-1079 | Debit/credit card phone payment. |
| Mail payment | Utility Payment, P.O. Box 31320, Tampa, FL 33631-3320 | Check/money order when not near due date. |
| Sarasota drop box | 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240 | Checks only. Write account number clearly. |
| Venice drop box | 4000 S. Tamiami Trail #2070, Venice, FL 34293 | Checks only. Confirm office schedule before visiting. |
| In-person Sarasota | Credit cards, checks, or money orders during business hours. | Receipt, account help, payment problem. |
| Cashier closure note | Sarasota cashier window closed daily 1-2 p.m.; Venice cashier closed approximately 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Avoid arriving during cashier closure window. |
Locality warning: not every Sarasota County address is billed by Sarasota County Public Utilities. If the property is inside North Port, City of Sarasota, City of Venice, or Longboat Key, emergency and billing routes may be municipal.
Bill Pay and Login: What to Do First
Use your newest bill
Use the account number and activation code shown on your current bill. Existing customers received new account numbers after the portal change.
Choose Quick Pay or portal login
Quick Pay is for one-time payment. Portal login is for account history, payment history, consumption, autopay, service requests, payment plans, and eBill reminders.
Watch the $2.95 card fee
Credit/debit card payments have a $2.95 transaction fee, including online, phone, office, and recurring/autopay card payments.
Use fee-free options when possible
Fee-free routes include ACH/eCheck auto draft, checks by mail, check drop box payments, and in-person payment at county offices.
| Portal task | What the county says | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Create account | Enter first/last name, password, email, then 6-digit email verification code. | Check inbox/spam for scgovutility.com verification email. |
| Add account | Use account number and activation code from current bill sent after Nov. 12, 2025. | Do not use an old number from bank bill pay history. |
| Autopay customers | Use “Forgot Password” if you were on autopay with email on file; then re-enroll in autopay. | Card autopay has $2.95 fee; ACH/eCheck avoids fee. |
| Forgot password | Click “Forgot Password” on login page. | Call 941-861-6790 if verification fails. |
| Paper bill | Portal defaults to paperless during account creation, but you can change the toggle. | Check billing preference before finishing setup. |
| Usage history | Two years of historical monthly meter readings are available in the usage tab. | Use this before calling about high usage. |
Past-Due Bill, Payment Plan or Disconnect Risk
Partial payment risk
A partial payment is not enough to continue service unless Utilities Customer Service made satisfactory payment arrangements in advance.
After disconnection
If non-pay disconnection happened, the full balance must be paid by 3 p.m. via cash or credit card; service restoration is the following business day.
Portal request
The new portal can support service requests such as payment plans, bill adjustments, and move-in requests when eligible.
| Situation | Do this | Ask this exact question |
|---|---|---|
| Late only | Pay by official route and save proof. | “Will this payment prevent late action?” |
| Disconnect notice | Call 941-861-6790 before paying. | “What exact amount and payment method protects service today?” |
| Bank bill pay sent | Verify the bank used your new account number. | “Can you see this payment, or is it delayed/rejected?” |
| Need arrangement | Use portal service request or call customer service. | “Am I eligible for an installment/payment plan?” |
| Service already off | Pay full balance by 3 p.m. via required method. | “What is the restoration timing after payment?” |
Start, Stop, Move or Change Water/Sewer Service
Start service
- Owner: proof of ownership, closing statement, deed/title, certificate of sale, settlement statement, or property record.
- Renter: signed lease or owner/property-management email.
- Submit complete application with all documents.
- Call 941-861-6790 or Spanish 941-861-6734 for help.
Turn-on timing
- Mon-Thu complete applications before 12 p.m.: same-day turn on.
- Mon-Thu after 12 p.m.: next business day.
- Friday before 4 p.m.: same-day turn on.
- Friday after 4 p.m.: next business day.
- Closed weekends and most major holidays.
Security deposit
- Required to establish a new account unless waived after identity check/requirements.
- Not negotiable or transferable between individuals.
- Credited after 24 months of on-time consecutive payments with approved interest.
- County may require a new/increased/cash deposit for unsatisfactory payment history.
Official start/change links:
Current Water and Wastewater Rates People Check First
Sarasota County says updated water and sewer rates under Resolution 2025-249 went into effect Nov. 18, 2025.
Monthly billing charge
$3.20 per account.
Water readiness-to-serve
$19.58 monthly readiness-to-serve charge.
Wastewater readiness
$23.60 monthly readiness-to-serve charge for individually metered accounts.
| Rate item | Effective 11/18/2025 | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Water 0-4,000 gallons | $3.36 per 1,000 gallons | First tier of metered water use. |
| Water 4,001-8,000 gallons | $4.23 per 1,000 gallons | Second usage tier. |
| Water 8,001-12,000 gallons | $7.33 per 1,000 gallons | Higher household usage tier. |
| Water 12,001-18,000 gallons | $12.13 per 1,000 gallons | High usage tier. |
| Water over 18,000 gallons | $16.94 per 1,000 gallons | Highest listed usage tier. |
| Wastewater quality fee | $1.00 per equivalent dwelling unit | Monthly wastewater-related fee. |
| Wastewater consumption | $11.96 per 1,000 gallons | Wastewater usage charge. |
High Bill, Estimated Bill or Usage Spike
Estimated bill marker
If a bill is estimated, Sarasota County says an “E” appears next to the number of days in the service period.
Why bills get estimated
Possible reasons include a vehicle over the meter, heavy rainfall on reading day, or landscaping that blocked the meter reader.
Usage history
The portal provides account history, consumption, payment history, and two years of historical monthly meter readings.
| Check first | What to collect | Ask customer service |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated read | Bill image showing “E,” service days, previous/current usage. | “Was my bill estimated, and what prevented the read?” |
| Leak repair | Repair date, receipt, plumber note, photos, usage before/after. | “Can I request a bill adjustment?” |
| Irrigation use | Sprinkler schedule, rainfall, pool fill, landscape work. | “Does this usage match my meter history?” |
| Meter access | Photo showing meter access clear of car/landscaping. | “Will clearing access prevent future estimates?” |
| Portal usage graph | Monthly usage from portal after Nov. 12, 2025. | “Which month caused the spike?” |
Water or Sewer Emergency: County vs City Numbers
Use the correct utility. Sarasota County says to contact county utilities for sewer leaks/backups/emergencies, but city-limit problems should go to the municipality.
| Area / utility | Emergency phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Sarasota County Utilities | 941-861-6790 | Sewer leaks, sewer backups, sewer emergencies, county utility account/service issues. |
| City of North Port | 941-426-9500 | 24-hour water or sewer emergency inside North Port. |
| City of Sarasota | 941-263-6884 | 24-hour water or sewer emergency inside City of Sarasota. |
| City of Venice | 941-486-2770 | 24-hour water or sewer emergency inside City of Venice. |
| Town of Longboat Key | Normal hours: 941-316-1988 After hours: 941-316-1201 | Water/sewer repairs in Longboat Key. |
Sewer backup safety: stop using water if backup worsens, avoid contact with wastewater, keep children and pets away, and document damage only when safe.
Service Area, Water Source, Quality and Service-Line Info
System size
Sarasota County Public Utilities lists about 104,530 water connections, 91,989 wastewater connections, and 129 reuse connections.
Customers served
The county says it provides drinking water to 268,026 customers in unincorporated Sarasota County.
Water sources
Sources include wells on the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Reserve, Manatee County, and the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority.
| Concern | County guidance | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Discolored water | Often caused by utility work or flushing of water lines. | Run water in the tub, not the toilet, for a few minutes. Call 941-861-6790 if it persists. |
| Particles in water | Can come from fixtures breaking down, water-heater sediment, utility work, main break, or shutdown. | Flush water heater and clean faucet aerators first; call if particles continue. |
| Boil-water concern | County says if system pressure remains above 20 PSI, a precautionary boil-water advisory is not required. | Check official service outage notices before sharing rumors. |
| Consumer Confidence Report | County posts the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report and PFAS/PFOS summary. | Use official water division links for quality data. |
| Lead/copper service line inventory | County has a public/private service-line inventory effort. | Review inventory and self-report privately owned service-line information if requested. |
Water Restrictions, Utility Connections and Permits
Water restrictions
Sarasota County links customers to SWFWMD water restrictions. Check before irrigating, installing landscape, or setting sprinklers.
Utility connections
For capacity fees and connection estimates, contact the Utility Connection Intake Unit at 941-861-6767.
Connection email
UtilitiesConnections@scgov.net
Use for connection questions, EDU conversion, and capacity-fee estimates.
Map: Sarasota County Public Utilities Customer Service
| Location | Address | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service / Sarasota payment office | 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240 | Billing questions, in-person payment, drop box, customer service. |
| Venice payment office | 4000 S. Tamiami Trail #2070, Venice, FL 34293 | In-person/drop-box payment and utility customer service access. |
| Public Utilities “Find Us” address | 1 Apex Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240 | County public utilities facility/address reference. |
| Mail payment | Utility Payment, P.O. Box 31320, Tampa, FL 33631-3320 | Mail check/money order with account number clearly written. |
Sarasota County Water Utilities FAQ
What is the Sarasota County Water Utilities phone number?
For utility customer service, call 941-861-6790. For Spanish assistance, call 941-861-6734. For general county contact, call 311 or 941-861-5000.
How do I pay my Sarasota County utility bill online?
Use the Sarasota County Customer Self-Service portal. You can make a one-time payment through Quick Pay or log in/create an account to manage payments, history, autopay, and service requests.
Do I need an account to make a one-time payment?
No. Sarasota County says customers can make one-time payments using Quick Pay without creating a portal account.
What do I need to create a portal account?
You need your name, email, password, the new account number, and activation code from your current bill sent after Nov. 12, 2025.
What is the card payment fee?
Credit and debit card payments have a $2.95 transaction fee, including online, office, phone, and recurring/autopay card payments.
How can I avoid the $2.95 fee?
Use ACH/eCheck auto draft, checks by mail, drop box checks, or in-person payment at county offices.
What is the automated phone payment number?
Call 1-888-253-1079 to use the automated payment system.
Where do I mail Sarasota County utility payments?
Mail payments to Utility Payment, P.O. Box 31320, Tampa, FL 33631-3320. Write your Sarasota County Public Utilities account number clearly on the payment.
Where are the Sarasota County Utilities payment offices?
The Sarasota office is 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240. The Venice office is 4000 S. Tamiami Trail #2070, Venice, FL 34293.
What happens if my service is disconnected for nonpayment?
If disconnection has occurred, the full balance must be paid by 3 p.m. via cash or credit card. After payment, service is restored the following business day.
Who do I call for a sewer leak or sewer backup?
For Sarasota County Utilities, call 941-861-6790. If the issue is inside North Port, City of Sarasota, City of Venice, or Longboat Key, use the municipal emergency number listed in this guide.
Why does my bill show an “E”?
Sarasota County says an “E” next to the days in the service period means the bill was estimated. Reasons may include a vehicle over the meter, heavy rainfall, or landscaping blocking meter access.
How do I start new water or sewer service?
Submit a complete application with proof of ownership or signed lease. Complete applications received before the county’s cutoff time may be processed for same-day turn on; missing documents delay service.
Is this the official Sarasota County Public Utilities website?
No. This is an informational guide. Confirm live account balance, payment status, service notices, fees, outages, and emergency instructions with official Sarasota County Public Utilities sources.
30-Second Sarasota County Utilities Checklist
Pay: Quick Pay or portal login → use new account number → check $2.95 card fee → save confirmation.
Login: current bill after Nov. 12, 2025 → account number + activation code → email verification → paperless toggle check.
Call: 941-861-6790 for billing/service; 941-861-6734 Spanish; 311 or 941-861-5000 for county contact.
Emergency: county utilities 941-861-6790; North Port 941-426-9500; City Sarasota 941-263-6884; Venice 941-486-2770; Longboat Key after-hours 941-316-1201.
Past due: call first. Partial payment does not protect service unless an arrangement is approved in advance.