Utility Bill Payment Options

Important Announcement: The Sarasota County Board Commission has approved Rate Resolution 2025-249, passed and effective on November 18, 2025.

Upcoming Utility Bill Payment Changes

We are making important updates to improve your service. As part of our larger initiative to transition to a new customer information system, we are excited to introduce the customer self-service portal, which launched Nov. 12, 2025. This new online tool is designed to give you greater convenience, flexibility and control over managing your utility account. Through the portal, you’ll be able to make one-time payments, set up autopay, view account details, track usage, and submit service requests — all in one secure and easy-to-use location.

Please review the changes below so you know what to expect and what actions to take:

Credit/Debit Card Fee

  • A $2.95 fee per transaction will apply to all credit or debit card payments.
  • To avoid fees,
    • Pay by auto draft (eCheck)
    • Check by mail
    • Drop box (Checks Only)
    • In person at our offices (Venice or Sarasota)

Loan servicing system upgrade (November 2025)

Sarasota County Public Utilities will be upgrading our loan servicing system in November 2025.

  • What does this mean for you?
    • No action is required at this time.
    • In most cases, loan payment amounts will remain unchanged. If an adjustment is necessary to ensure accuracy, you will receive a separate notice with details no later than December 2025.

Check or Money Order

  • Drop off your payments in the drop box at the Venice or Sarasota drop box locations (Checks Only), with your Sarasota County Public Utilities account number clearly written on your payment.
  • Pay in person at 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota. You may walk in to pay your bill using credit cards, checks, or money orders during business hours.
  • Mail your payment to Utility Payment, P.O. Box 31320, Tampa, FL 33631-3320. Make sure your Sarasota County Public Utilities account number is clearly written on your payment.

Credit/Debit Card

There are several ways to pay with a debit/credit card. You can pay by phone, online or by setting up a debit/credit card autopay account. 

Utility Loan Payment Options

Sarasota County Public Utilities loan customers can now pay their loans using a debit or credit card through the Customer Self-Service portal. 

Online:  Using your new loan account number provided on statements dated after November 2025, you will need to register for the Customer Self-Service Portal. 

New Water/Wastewater Service

If you are new to Sarasota County and have just purchased or leased a home, or you have moved to a new location, you will need to activate water and sewer service. 

Please note:

  • Monday through Thursday - Fully completed applications with all required documents received BEFORE 12 p.m. will be processed and water turned on that day. Applications received AFTER 12 p.m. will be processed and turned on the following business day.
  • Friday - Fully completed applications with all required documents received BEFORE 4 p.m. will be processed and water turned on that day. Applications received AFTER 4 p.m. will be processed and turned on the following business day.
  • Incomplete applications or missing documentation may/will result in delay of setting up account.
  • We are closed on weekends and all major holidays.

Please call the Utility Customer Service Office at 941-861-6790 or 941-861-6734 (Spanish).

To start new service, the following documents are required with this application:

  • If you are the owner of the property, proof of ownership is required to set up new service.
  • If you are renting the property, a copy of the signed lease or email from the owner or property management company will be required to start new service.
    • Attach a copy of the signed lease before submitting the application.

     

    TO START A NEW SERVICE ONLINE: Apply to set up an account for new service. Proof of property ownership (i.e., deed, title, certificate of sale, settlement statement) or a signed tenant/landlord lease agreement is required to set up service

    FOR UTILITY PERMITTING SERVICE ONLINE: Apply for a utility permit. Call 941-861-6767.

Security Deposit

A security deposit is required to establish a new account with the department; however, the deposit may be waived subject to an identity check and various other requirements.

  • The deposit is not negotiable or transferable between individuals.
  • Deposits are credited on the account after 24 months of on-time consecutive payments along with accrued interest at a rate approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
  • The Department reserves the right to require a new deposit, increase a deposit amount due to an unsatisfactory payment either by the customer or the location history or require a cash deposit in advance.

About Our Services

Sarasota County has approximately 106,307 water connections and 94,843 wastewater connections. Our water services include:

  • Wells on the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Reserve (including our treatment plant that uses electrodialysis reversal processing);
  • Venice Gardens well fields (including our treatment plant that uses reverse osmosis processing); and
  • Purchased water from Manatee County and Peace River/Manatee Regional Water Supply Authority.

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