Florence Water and Sewer New Service Guide for Account Setup, Service Fee, Renters and First Bill
Starting a Florence water bill is not only about paying online. New customers must use the correct water/sewer service application, know whether the address is inside or outside city limits, understand the non-refundable service fee, and submit the right documents before service can be placed in the customer’s name.
This guide explains how to set up City of Florence water and sewer service in 2026, what fee applies, why renters need extra documents, how temporary service works, where to send the application, how the first bill is handled, and which official contacts to use.
Inside city limits
$50The official Florence application lists a $50 non-refundable service fee for addresses inside city limits.
Outside city limits
$100The official application lists a $100 non-refundable service fee for addresses outside city limits.
Temporary service
$15Temporary service is listed as $15 for ten days and may be extended two additional times.
Best first step before applying
Call or email Utility Billing if you are not sure whether the property is inside city limits, whether you need owner/buyer or rental/lease service, or whether the service fee can be billed on the first month’s bill.
Florence Water Bill Deposit vs Service Fee: What New Customers Should Know
Many people search for a “Florence water deposit,” but the City of Florence water/sewer application describes the required setup amount as a non-refundable service fee. That means you should not treat it like a refundable security deposit unless Utility Billing tells you otherwise for your exact account.
| Customer / service type | Official amount listed | Refundable? | What to do before paying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner / buyer inside city limits | $50 service fee | Listed as non-refundable | Submit owner/buyer application and confirm payment method. |
| Owner / buyer outside city limits | $100 service fee | Listed as non-refundable | Confirm the address category with Utility Billing. |
| Rental / lease inside city limits | $50 service fee | Listed as non-refundable | Apply in person and bring required ID and lease details. |
| Rental / lease outside city limits | $100 service fee | Listed as non-refundable | Confirm whether service is available at the address. |
| Temporary service | $15 for ten days | Service period charge | Ask whether your temporary need qualifies and whether extension is allowed. |
How Owners and Buyers Set Up a Florence Water/Sewer Account
Owners and buyers have the simplest application route because the official procedure allows the completed owner/buyer application to be delivered by fax, U.S. mail, email, or office visit.
Download the owner/buyer service application
Use the official City of Florence water and sewer application. Fill in the account name, service address, billing address, phone numbers, service location type, and owner/buyer or business details.
Mark inside or outside city limits
The form asks whether the service location is inside city limits or outside city limits. This matters because the listed service fee changes from $50 to $100.
Choose how the service fee will be paid
The form allows the service fee to be paid by check/cash, credit card, or included on the first month’s bill. If you email or fax the form and want to pay by credit card, call the office after submission for security.
Submit the completed application
The owner/buyer application may be delivered by fax, U.S. mail, email, or by visiting the Utility Finance office at 324 W. Evans Street.
How Renters and Lease Customers Set Up Florence Water Service
Renters need to be more careful because the official procedure says the lessee must apply in person at 324 W. Evans Street. The rental/lease form also asks for driver’s license or valid ID, Social Security number or Federal ID, lease start date, lease copy, property owner or management company information, and occupant details.
Bring these documents
Before you visit
Call Utility Billing if your move-in date is close, if the landlord still has service in their name, or if you are unsure whether the address is inside or outside city limits.
Complete the rental/lease application
Fill out the name to appear on account, service location and type, service address, billing address, ID information, lease start date, owner/management company details, and number of occupants.
Go in person to 324 W. Evans Street
The official procedure says renters/lessees must apply for service in person. Do not wait until move-in day if you can apply earlier.
Pay or arrange the service fee
Ask whether the service fee must be paid immediately or can be included on the first month’s bill for your account. Confirm this with the clerk before leaving.
Temporary Florence Water Service: 10-Day Service and Extensions
Temporary service is different from a regular account. The official procedure lists $15 for ten days of water service, with temporary service allowed to be extended two additional times at $15 for ten days for each extension.
Initial temporary service
$15Listed for ten days of water service.
Extension limit
2xTemporary service may be extended two additional times.
Each extension
$15Additional temporary service is billed at $15 for ten days per extension.
When temporary service may help
Temporary service may be useful for inspections, short-term property access, cleaning, repairs, or property-management situations. Call before assuming you qualify because the clerk may need the property status, master account information, or exact start and end date.
First Florence Water Bill: Billing Date, Due Date, Late Fee and Past-Due Risk
The application language says water/sewer charges are based on water used as established by meter readings. Cost of services is billed monthly on or about the first of the month, and payment is due by the 15th of each month or the next business day thereafter.
| First bill item | What it means | Why it matters | Customer tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meter-based billing | Water/sewer charges are based on water used by meter readings. | Your first bill may include actual usage plus setup/service fee if selected. | Check the scheduled meter read date on the bill. |
| Billing timing | Bills are generated monthly on or about the first of the month. | A move-in date near billing may create partial-cycle questions. | Ask Utility Billing if your first bill looks unusual. |
| Due date | Payment is due by the 15th or next business day thereafter. | Late payment can add fees and past-due risk. | Set a calendar reminder around the 10th. |
| Late fee | The application references a $6 late fee after due date processing. | Even a small missed payment can create avoidable fees. | Use bank draft if you often forget due dates. |
| Past-due interruption | Service for past-due accounts may be interrupted until paid in full with penalties/costs. | Do not ignore a bill you did not receive by mail. | Call Utility Billing if your first bill does not arrive. |
How to Pay Your Florence Water Bill After Service Starts
After the account is active, the City of Florence lists multiple payment options, including online payment, phone payment, bank draft, bank bill pay, drop boxes, and mail. New customers should choose a method that gives enough time before the due date.
| Payment method | Best for | Official detail | Direct action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online payment | Fast bill payment and online account access. | Use City of Florence online utility bill payment. | Pay online |
| Phone payment | Customers who prefer phone payment. | Call 843-665-3155, option 1. | Call payment line |
| Bank draft | Avoiding late fees. | Request bank draft form and return with voided check. | Read bank draft info |
| Bank bill pay | People using their bank’s bill-pay system. | Bank transfer through your bank’s bill pay is listed. | Use correct account number and allow time. |
| Drop boxes | Local check/money order drop-off. | Drop boxes are located in rear parking lot of City Center. | Use before due date, not last-minute. |
| Non-urgent payments. | Use detachable payment stub and official mail address from the bill/pay page. | Mail early enough to arrive before due date. |
Common Mistakes That Delay Florence Water Service Setup
Most new-service delays happen because the wrong form is used, the renter does not apply in person, the address type is not confirmed, or the customer assumes the setup fee is a refundable deposit.
Mistake 1: Calling the service fee a deposit
The official form lists a non-refundable service fee. Ask Utility Billing directly if you are told about any other deposit requirement for your specific situation.
Mistake 2: Renters trying to finish everything by email
The official procedure says the lessee must apply in person. Email may help start communication, but do not skip the in-person requirement.
Mistake 3: Not confirming inside vs outside city limits
The listed service fee changes from $50 to $100 based on location. Confirm the property category before budgeting.
Mistake 4: Waiting until move-in day
If documents are missing or card payment needs a phone follow-up, same-day setup can become stressful. Apply early when possible.
Florence Utility Billing Contact, Office, Map and Call-First Guidance
For new service, renter service, service fee questions, first bill questions, bank draft, online payment, and emergency reporting, use official City of Florence utility contacts. Call before visiting if your move-in date is urgent.
City of Florence Utility Billing / New Service
Office: 324 W. Evans Street, Florence, SC 29501
Utility Billing phone: 843-665-3155
Billing email: utilitybilling@cityofflorence.com
New service email: newserviceapplication@cityofflorence.com
Fax: 843-665-3171
Business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Before you contact the office
Map: City of Florence Utility Finance / New Service Office
Use this map for directions. If you are a renter, bring required identification and lease documents because the official procedure requires in-person application.
Official Florence Water Bill and New Service Resources
| Need | Official resource | Use it for | Direct action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start water/sewer service | Water and Sewer Application for Service | Owner/buyer, rental/lease, and temporary service application details. | Download form |
| Utility billing information | Water and Sewer Services | Billing phone, email, bank draft, emergency contacts, account setup questions. | Call 843-665-3155 |
| Pay bill online | City of Florence online bill pay | Online utility payment after account setup. | Pay online |
| Payment methods | Water Bill payment page | Online, bank draft, phone, bank bill pay, drop box and mail payment guidance. | View pay options |
| New service email | newserviceapplication@cityofflorence.com | Sending new service application or asking setup questions. | Email application team |
| Emergency line | 843-665-3236 | Water line breaks and sewer backups, including after-hours routing. | Call emergency line |
Florence Water Bill New Service FAQs
How do I set up a new Florence water bill account?
Use the official City of Florence water and sewer application. Owners/buyers may submit the completed form by fax, mail, email, or office visit. Renters/lessees must apply in person at 324 W. Evans Street.
Does Florence charge a water deposit for new service?
The standard City of Florence application lists a non-refundable service fee, not a normal refundable deposit. The listed fee is $50 inside city limits and $100 outside city limits.
How much is the Florence water new service fee?
The official application lists a $50 non-refundable service fee for addresses inside city limits and a $100 non-refundable service fee for addresses outside city limits.
Can the Florence water service fee be added to the first bill?
The owner/buyer form allows the service fee to be paid by check/cash, credit card, or included on the first month’s bill. Confirm with Utility Billing for your exact account.
What documents do renters need for Florence water service?
Renters should prepare the completed rental/lease application, valid ID or driver’s license copy, lease agreement copy, lease start date, property owner or management company information, and occupant details.
Do renters have to apply in person?
Yes. The official procedure says the lessee must apply for service in person at 324 W. Evans Street.
Where do I email the Florence new water service application?
The official new service application email is newserviceapplication@cityofflorence.com. If you email or fax the form and want to pay by credit card, call 843-665-3155 after submission.
What is Florence temporary water service?
Temporary service is listed at $15 for ten days of water service. It may be extended two additional times, with each ten-day extension billed at $15.
When is the Florence water bill due?
The application language says payment is due by the 15th of each month or the next business day thereafter.
What is the Florence water bill late fee?
The application references a $6 late fee after due date processing. Always confirm current account-specific fees with Utility Billing.
What phone number do I call for Florence water billing?
Call Utility Billing at 843-665-3155. For billing/account setup questions, use option 2. For payment by phone, use option 1.
Where is the Florence utility billing office?
The Utility Finance location listed on the application is 324 W. Evans Street, Florence, SC 29501.