Where and how to pay your Sarasota water bill
Sarasota's water and sewer service is run by the City of Sarasota Utilities Department. You can pay your bill in three ways: online through the city's website, by mail, or in person at the utility office. The online method is fastest and lets you set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows your water usage, sewer charges, and any other utility fees. The due date is printed on the front of your bill. If you pay after that date, a late fee applies — the amount depends on how far past due your account becomes.
Most residents choose online payment because it's immediate and you get a confirmation number right away. If you prefer not to use the internet, the other two methods work just as well, though mail takes longer to reach the city.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the City of Sarasota's website using your account number, which appears on your bill.
- Mail payments to the address printed on your bill; allow at least 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post to your account.
- Pay in person at the Sarasota Utilities Department office during business hours with cash, check, or card.
- Set up automatic payments online to avoid late fees and ensure your bill is paid on the due date every month.
- Late fees begin immediately after the due date, so paying on time saves money even if you pay by mail.
Paying online through the city website
Go to the City of Sarasota's official utilities payment page. You'll need your account number, which is on the front of your bill. Enter that number, your name, and the amount you want to pay.
You can pay with a debit card or credit card. The city processes the payment immediately, and you'll see a confirmation number on your screen. Write down or save that number — it's your proof of payment. The money typically posts to your account within one business day.
If you want to set up automatic payments so the bill is paid the same day every month, you can do that on the same page. You'll provide your bank account information or card details once, and the city will charge you automatically on a date you choose. This removes the risk of forgetting and paying late.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order for the amount due. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this is the Sarasota Utilities Department mailing address.
Allow at least 10 business days for your payment to arrive and be processed. The city posts the payment based on when it receives it, not when you mail it. If your due date is coming up soon, mailing a check is risky because it may not arrive in time.
Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the front and back for your records. If there's ever a question about whether the payment was received, you'll have proof you sent it.
Paying in person at the utility office
The Sarasota Utilities Department office is located at 1800 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34236. You can walk in during business hours and pay with cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards may have a fee for in-person payment, so ask before you pay.
Bring your bill or your account number. The staff will process your payment on the spot and give you a receipt. This is the fastest way to pay if you're in the area and want immediate confirmation.
Call ahead to confirm the office hours, especially during holidays or if you're planning a trip specifically to pay in person. Hours may change seasonally.
Understanding your bill and due dates
Your Sarasota water bill shows the billing period (usually one month), your water usage in gallons, the sewer charge, and any taxes or fees. The due date is clearly marked on the front. This is the last day you can pay without a late fee.
If you don't pay by the due date, a late fee is added to your next bill. The longer your account stays past due, the larger the fee becomes. After a certain number of days unpaid, the city may shut off your water service.
If you're struggling to pay, contact the Sarasota Utilities Department directly. They may have options for payment plans or temporary relief, depending on your situation.
What to do if you can't pay on time
Call the Sarasota Utilities Department at the number on your bill as soon as you know you'll be late. Explain your situation. The city sometimes works with residents to set up a payment plan that spreads the cost over several months instead of requiring full payment at once.
Waiting until after the due date or ignoring the bill makes the situation worse. Late fees add up quickly, and water shutoff can happen without much warning. Reaching out early gives you the best chance at options.
If you're facing a hardship — job loss, medical emergency, or other crisis — ask specifically whether the city has any assistance programs or hardship provisions. Not all utilities offer these, but it's worth asking.
Avoiding common payment mistakes
Don't assume your payment is late just because you mailed it close to the due date. Mail takes time. If you're paying by check, mail it at least two weeks before the due date to be safe.
Don't pay a bill that doesn't have your account number on it. If you receive a bill without your account number, contact the city before paying — it may be a scam or a misdirected bill.
Don't ignore a shutoff notice. If the city sends you a notice saying your water will be shut off, that's your last warning. Pay immediately or call to set up a plan. Once water is shut off, reconnection fees apply on top of what you already owe.
Don't use a payment service or third-party app unless you're certain it's authorized by the City of Sarasota. Scammers sometimes pose as utility companies and collect payments that never reach the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the account number and where do I find it?
Your account number is a unique identifier for your water service. It's printed on the front of your bill, usually near the top. You need this number to pay online or by phone. If you can't find your bill, call the Sarasota Utilities Department and they'll give you the number.
Can I pay my bill over the phone?
The City of Sarasota's website doesn't list a phone payment option, but call the Utilities Department directly at the number on your bill to ask. Some utilities offer phone payment, and policies can change. If they do offer it, have your account number and payment method ready.
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is added to your account. The amount grows the longer you stay past due. If your account reaches a certain number of days unpaid, the city can shut off your water service. Once that happens, you'll owe a reconnection fee in addition to your bill and late charges.
Is there a fee for paying online with a credit card?
The City of Sarasota's website doesn't charge a fee for online payments made with a debit card. Credit card fees vary — check the payment page when you're ready to pay, or call the Utilities Department to confirm current fees.
How do I set up automatic payments?
Log into the City of Sarasota's utilities payment portal and look for the automatic payment or recurring payment option. You'll enter your bank account or card information and choose the date each month when you want the bill paid. Once it's set up, the payment happens automatically until you cancel it.