Where and how to pay your Pinellas County water bill
Pinellas County Utilities serves water and wastewater to most of the county outside city limits. You can pay your bill online through the county's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest route is the online portal at pinellascountyutilities.org — you'll need your account number, which appears on your bill statement.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call Pinellas County Utilities at 727-453-6500. Have your bill and a payment method ready. For mail payments, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill — include the payment stub so the county can match it to your account. In-person payments are accepted at the county's main office and satellite locations during business hours; the website lists current office addresses and hours.
Online payments process immediately if you pay before the due date shown on your bill. Phone and mail payments may take several business days to post to your account, so plan ahead if you're close to the due date. The county does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly through their system.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at pinellascountyutilities.org, by phone at 727-453-6500, by mail, or in person — all methods are free and post within one to three business days.
- Your account number appears on your bill statement and is required for online and phone payments.
- The due date is printed on your bill; late payments may result in a penalty charge added to your next bill.
- If your bill is unusually high, check for leaks inside your home first, then contact the county to request a meter inspection.
- Pinellas County offers a low-income assistance program called the Utility Assistance Program for households meeting income limits.
Reading your Pinellas County water bill
Your bill shows your account number, service address, billing period, and the amount due. The statement breaks down charges into water, wastewater, and any other services. Water charges are based on how many gallons you used during the billing period; wastewater charges are typically based on the same amount (the county assumes most water that enters your home leaves through the sewer).
Look for the "Usage" section, which shows your consumption in gallons or hundred-cubic-foot units (HCF). If this number is much higher than usual, you may have a leak. Check under sinks, around toilets, and in your yard for visible water. A running toilet or slow drip can add hundreds of gallons to your monthly use without you noticing.
The bill also lists any taxes, fees, or adjustments. Stormwater fees appear on some bills depending on your location within the county. If you see a charge you don't recognize, contact the county before paying — they can explain what it covers or correct a billing error.
What to do if your bill is higher than expected
A sudden spike in your water bill almost always points to a leak. Start by turning off all water-using appliances and fixtures, then check your meter. If the meter is still moving, water is leaking somewhere in your home's plumbing. Common culprits are running toilets, leaking water heater relief valves, and cracks in underground supply lines.
If you find no visible leak, request a meter inspection from Pinellas County Utilities. Call 727-453-6500 and ask to speak with someone about a high bill. The county will send a technician to check whether your meter is reading correctly. If the meter is faulty and has been overcharging you, the county may adjust your bill for the previous billing period.
Do not ignore a high bill or assume it's an error without checking. The longer a leak runs, the higher your bill climbs and the more water is wasted. Even a small leak can cost hundreds of dollars over several months.
Setting up automatic payments and budget billing
Pinellas County Utilities offers automatic payment through their online portal. You can set up a one-time payment or recurring monthly payments from a bank account or debit card. Automatic payments ensure you never miss a due date and reduce the risk of late fees.
The county also offers budget billing, which spreads your annual water and wastewater costs evenly across 12 months. This means your bill stays roughly the same each month instead of spiking in summer when usage is higher. To enroll, contact the county at 727-453-6500 or ask about budget billing on the website. You'll still be billed for your actual usage; the county simply divides the annual total into equal monthly payments.
Budget billing works best if your usage is fairly consistent. If you have a major leak or a significant change in your household size, the county will recalculate your budget amount to reflect the new usage pattern.
Utility Assistance Program for low-income households
Pinellas County offers the Utility Assistance Program for households with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. The program helps pay water and wastewater bills for renters and homeowners who are behind on payments or facing disconnection. You must be a Pinellas County resident and have received a notice of disconnection or be unable to pay your current bill.
To learn about the program and the documents you'll need, contact Pinellas County Community Services at 727-453-7604 or visit the county's website. You'll typically need proof of income, a lease or deed, and your current water bill. The program does not cover all outstanding debt, but it can prevent disconnection and help you catch up on arrears.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding may run out during peak months. If the program is temporarily closed, ask when it will reopen and whether you can be placed on a waiting list.
Avoiding late fees and service disconnection
Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 to 30 days after the billing date. If you don't pay by that date, Pinellas County adds a late fee to your next bill. The fee amount varies but typically ranges from 5% to 10% of your unpaid balance. Paying late once won't result in disconnection, but repeated late payments will.
If your bill remains unpaid for 60 days or more, the county will send a disconnection notice. This notice gives you a deadline — usually 10 days — to pay or contact the county to arrange a payment plan. If you don't respond, your water service will be shut off. Reconnection requires payment of the full balance plus a reconnection fee.
If you're struggling to pay, contact the county before you fall behind. They can discuss payment plans, the Utility Assistance Program, or other options. Waiting until after disconnection makes the situation much harder to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Pinellas County water bill with a credit card?
The county's online portal accepts debit cards and bank account transfers but not credit cards. If you need to use a credit card, you may be able to pay through a third-party payment processor, though this typically adds a fee. Call 727-453-6500 to ask about credit card payment options.
What should I do if I think my meter is broken?
Request a meter inspection by calling 727-453-6500. A technician will visit your home to check whether the meter is functioning correctly. If the meter is faulty and has been overcharging you, the county will adjust your bill. There is usually no charge for the inspection if the meter is found to be defective.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments made before the due date process immediately and post to your account the same day or next business day. Payments made after the due date may still be processed but could be marked as late. For time-sensitive payments, pay at least one business day before the due date.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe multiple months of bills?
Contact Pinellas County Utilities at 727-453-6500 to discuss a payment arrangement. The county may work with you on a plan, especially if you're also applying for the Utility Assistance Program. Payment plans are not may provide, but the county prefers to arrange one rather than disconnect service.
What happens if I move out of Pinellas County?
Contact the county at least three business days before your move-out date to request a final meter reading and bill. Provide your forwarding address so the county can send your final bill. You're responsible for all charges up to the date the service is disconnected, even if you've already moved.