Sarasota Utility Bill Help Center for Online Payments, New Accounts and High Usage
This page helps City of Sarasota water customers pay a bill, use the new online portal, avoid payment-posting mistakes, open or close a utility account, reinstate service after nonpayment, read the bill, and check whether a high bill may be caused by a leak.
Each section gives the official City link, phone number, address or form beside the step. That way the page works as a practical customer-service board instead of a long paragraph-only article.
Fast answer: City of Sarasota water/sewer bills can be paid online through the City payment portal, by mail to City of Sarasota, PO Box 31510, Tampa, FL 33631-3510, at the Utility Billing Office counter, by 24-hour check/money-order drop box, or at cash-only Amscot locations with a $1.50 convenience fee.
Important 2026 portal note: the City launched a new utility billing portal for the October 2025 billing cycle. Existing autopay customers were told to register in the new system, and a 2.95% convenience fee applies to digital payments such as card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo and text-to-pay. Free payment options remain available for cash, check or ACH.
City of Sarasota or Sarasota County? Check This Before Paying
This URL is written for City of Sarasota water/sewer billing. Sarasota addresses outside City limits may be served by Sarasota County Utilities instead.
City of Sarasota customer
Use the City Utility Billing Office, City online payment portal, City rates, City leak-adjustment rules and the City emergency number.
Pay City water/sewer billOutside City limits
The City Utilities page tells customers outside City limits to contact Sarasota County Utility Department at 941-861-6790.
Sarasota County Public Utilities10 Sarasota Water Bill Attributes Searchers Need First
Sarasota Water Bill Action Board: Click the Right Official Link
Start here. Each card gives the official City action path and the practical detail users usually miss.
I need to pay now
Use the City pay page or the new payment portal. Save your confirmation number and check whether a 2.95% digital convenience fee applies.
Open City pay pageI want to avoid the digital fee
Use cash, check or ACH instead of card/app/text-to-pay. The City says free payment options remain available.
Read fee noticeI need to open service
Homeowners and renters must call or visit Utility Billing and provide ID, proof documents and the required deposit/solid-waste amount.
New account rulesI am moving out
Call the Utility Billing Team at 941-263-6260 to stop service or request a final water bill.
Call Utility BillingMy water was shut off for nonpayment
Pay the full balance by cash or credit, then contact Utility Billing in person or by phone to reactivate service.
Reinstatement ruleI see a leak or sewer issue
For leaking water, manhole, hydrant, meter box, backflow or sewer blockage, call Utilities at 941-263-6884, option 2.
Call 941-263-6884How to Pay a Sarasota Water/Sewer Bill Online
Start from the official City page
Open the City of Sarasota “Pay My Water/Sewer Bill” page, then use the portal button. Avoid search ads and unofficial bill-pay pages.
Official payment pageLogin or pay as guest
The City payment page says customers can log in or make a one-time payment as a guest through the portal.
Open portalCheck payment method fee
Digital options may include credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo and text-to-pay. The provider fee is 2.95% unless you use a free method such as ACH.
New portal fee noticeKeep proof until posted
Save the confirmation, amount, account number, date and payment method. If paying near a shutoff deadline, call Utility Billing after payment.
Call billing after urgent paymentOther Sarasota Utility Payment Options: Mail, Counter, Drop Box and Amscot
| Payment method | Official detail | Best for | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online portal | Login or make a one-time guest payment through the City utility billing portal. | Fast payment, portal account, autopay, digital wallet or ACH. | Pay online |
| Mail to City of Sarasota, PO Box 31510, Tampa, FL 33631-3510. Include account number and allow five days from postmark to bill due date. | Non-urgent check or money-order payment. | Mailing details | |
| Customer service counter | Utility Billing Office counter is open Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm, excluding holidays. | New account, deposit, shutoff/reinstatement, cash/check/credit help. | See office map |
| Check/money-order drop box | Utility Billing Office parking-lot drop box is open 24/7. Checks/money orders only; no receipts; credited next business day. | After-hours non-cash payment when next-business-day posting is acceptable. | See drop box location |
| Cash-only Amscot | Cash only, $1.50 convenience fee paid to the drop-box location, and a copy of the utility bill is needed. Accounts are credited next business day. | Customers paying cash outside City counter hours. | Amscot details |
New Sarasota Utility Billing Portal, AutoPay and Paperless Habits
Re-register old AutoPay
When the new system launched, the City said autopay customers must register in the new system to maintain autopay.
New system noticeKnow the recurring-payment fee
The City notice says the 2.95% convenience fee applies to autopay/recurring payments except ACH.
Convenience fee noticeExpanded digital options
The new system adds options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo and text-to-pay, but fee-free payment methods still exist.
Open portalOpen a New City of Sarasota Utility Account
The City says a new utility account is required when property ownership changes, the account holder changes, or three days before the date of ownership, tenancy or business change.
| Applicant type | What to bring/provide | Cost detail shown by City | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowner | Two forms of ID, one government-issued photo ID, plus proof of ownership if not already listed on Sarasota County Property Appraiser or if purchased within last 7 days. | Deposit and 1st Month Solid Waste Fee: $210.05. | New account details |
| Renter | Two forms of ID, one government-issued photo ID, plus signed rental lease or management company lease agreement. | Deposit and 1st Month Solid Waste Fee: $210.05. | Renter requirements |
| Commercial/business | Call Utility Billing or visit the counter. Bring corporation and tax ID documents; businesses must be incorporated in Florida to have utility accounts in the corporation name. | Account-specific; call 941-263-6260. | Call Utility Billing |
Stop Sarasota Utility Service and Request a Final Water Bill
Call Utility Billing
The City FAQ says to contact the Utility Billing Team at 941-263-6260 when moving or requesting a final bill.
Call 941-263-6260Provide exact stop date
Use closing date, lease end date, or the date responsibility transfers. Do not simply stop paying the bill.
Stop-service FAQRequest final bill instructions
Ask how the final bill will be issued, where it will be mailed, and whether any deposit or credit will apply.
Email Utility BillingCancel AutoPay after confirmation
Do not assume old AutoPay or portal settings stop automatically. Confirm final balance and payment method before deleting saved payments.
Check portal accountLate Sarasota Water Bill, Grace Period and Reinstatement After Nonpayment
10-day grace period
The Utility Billing page says there is a 10-day grace period before a late fee is charged.
Late fee FAQLate penalty
After the grace period, the City says a late penalty of less than 1% is applied.
Penalty infoIf shut off
For nonpayment reinstatement, the account holder must pay the full account balance by cash or credit only.
Reinstatement detailsCall after paying
Contact Utility Billing in person or by phone at 941-263-6260 to have services activated again in your name.
Call 941-263-6260Past-due call script
City of Sarasota 2025-26 Water, Sewer, Irrigation and Solid Waste Rate Checks
The City’s official 2025-2026 rate brochure says residential customers are charged base charges, tiered water usage, and sewer costs related to water use. Customers outside City limits are charged 120% of the stated rate plus a 25% surcharge.
| Rate item | Official 2025-26 example | Why it matters | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential water base charge | Single-family 5/8-inch meter: $21.27 per house monthly. | Base charges apply even before usage tiers. | Rates PDF |
| Residential water usage | 0–4,000 gallons: $4.30 per 1,000 gallons; 4,001–8,000: $5.06; 8,001–12,000: $7.09; 12,001–24,000: $10.61; 24,001+: $16.46. | Outdoor watering, leaks or pressure washing can push usage into higher tiers. | Tier table |
| Residential sewer base | Sewer base charge listed as $29.28 per dwelling unit monthly. | Sewer can be a major part of the bill even when water use is modest. | Sewer rates |
| Residential sewer usage | 0–4,000 gallons: $8.52 per 1,000 gallons; 4,000 gallons and over: $10.04 per 1,000 gallons. | A leak can raise both water and sewer portions unless the account qualifies for adjustment. | Usage charges |
| Irrigation meter usage | 1–12,000 gallons: $7.09; 12,001–24,000: $10.61; 24,001+: $16.46 per 1,000 gallons. Irrigation does not accrue sewer charges. | Separate irrigation meter billing can explain why one bill has no sewer charge on irrigation usage. | Irrigation rates |
| Solid waste, single-family curbside | One wheeled container curbside residential example: $35.05 monthly. | Solid waste can appear with water/sewer billing and change the total even if water use is steady. | Solid waste rates |
Quick Sarasota Residential Water + Sewer Estimate
This simple planning tool uses selected 2025-26 residential rate examples from the City brochure. It is not the official bill calculator and does not include every possible service line, penalty, deposit, solid waste charge, outside-City surcharge or adjustment.
Outside-City calculations are simplified with a planning multiplier based on the City brochure’s outside-City surcharge note. Use the official bill for exact totals.
High Sarasota Water Bill? Check Leaks Before Disputing the Bill
The City says excessive usage is often caused by a leak at a home or business and points customers to water leak information, meter reading instructions, leak detection kits and adjustment requests after repair.
Inside leak checklist
- Running toilet or bad flapper.
- Water heater leak.
- Slab leak or service-line leak.
- Backflow leak.
- Faucet, appliance or hose leak.
Outdoor-use checklist
- Irrigation running too long.
- Hose left on.
- Pressure cleaning.
- Landscape watering during restrictions.
- Pool refill or outdoor washing.
Adjustment reality
Leak adjustments apply to potable drinking water leaks such as service line, slab, backflow and water heater leaks. The City says no adjustment for toilets, irrigation, pressure cleaning or landscape.
Leak adjustment formHigh-bill call script
Call Utility Billing at 941-263-6260 for billing review. Call Utilities at 941-263-6884 for active leak or sewer issues.
Water Leak, Sewer Blockage, Manhole, Hydrant or Meter Box Problem
Water leaking in street or meter area
The City asks residents to call Utilities if water is leaking from a manhole, fire hydrant, meter box, backflow or somewhere it should not be.
Utilities leak infoSewer blockage
Call the City first if you are a City sewer customer. The City says crews can investigate and, if the issue is in City piping, clear it free of charge.
Sewer blockage helpEmergency phone
For water/sewer emergencies after hours, weekends or holidays, call 941-263-6884. For leak/sewer issue menus, use option 2 where directed.
Call 941-263-6884Outdoor Watering Restrictions and Sarasota Water-Waste Warnings
SWFWMD restrictions
The City says it has adopted Southwest Florida Water Management District water restrictions.
District water restrictionsPenalty risk
The City page says noncompliance with watering restrictions, when in place, can lead to enforcement and civil penalties up to $500 per violation under City code.
City restriction infoWhat to check
Inspect irrigation leaks, avoid hosing down driveways or other surfaces, and do not allow water to flow unattended.
Water leak tipsWater Quality Report, Reclaimed Water and Construction Questions
Water quality report
The City publishes an annual Water Quality Report for customers and links it from the Utilities Department page.
Water Quality Report linkNew connections and construction
For new service connections, new construction, sewer/water tap locates, irrigation meters and reclaimed water service, contact Utilities Engineering.
Utilities PermittingEngineering / Utilities office
Utilities pages list Utilities Department functions at 1750 12th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236, while billing payments are handled through Utility Billing.
Utilities DepartmentCity of Sarasota Utility Billing Office Map and Visit Plan
Use this map for the Utility Billing Office at 1575 2nd Street, First Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236. The City lists the customer service counter Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm, excluding holidays.
Bring
Water bill, account number, photo ID, payment method, lease or ownership proof, shutoff notice, deposit amount, payment confirmation, and repair proof if asking about a leak adjustment.
Ask
“Is my account current, is any service action pending, and which payment method will post fastest today?”
Call first
Use 941-263-6260 for billing/new accounts and 941-263-6884 for water/sewer emergencies or utility repair issues.
Official Sarasota Water Bill Links Used in This Guide
Sarasota Water Bill FAQ
How do I pay my City of Sarasota water bill online?
Use the official City of Sarasota Pay My Water/Sewer Bill page, then choose the online portal to log in or make a one-time guest payment.
What is the Sarasota Utility Billing phone number?
Call City of Sarasota Utility Billing at 941-263-6260 for billing questions, payments, new accounts, high consumption and final bill questions.
Where do I mail a Sarasota water bill payment?
Mail payment with the removable bill portion and account number to City of Sarasota, PO Box 31510, Tampa, FL 33631-3510. Allow five days from postmark to bill due date.
Where is the City of Sarasota Utility Billing Office?
The Utility Billing Office is listed at 1575 2nd Street, First Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236. Counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm, excluding holidays.
Does Sarasota charge a fee for online card or digital payments?
Yes. The City’s new billing system notice says a 2.95% convenience fee is applied by the electronic payment service provider for credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo and text-to-pay. ACH, cash and check options remain available without that digital convenience fee.
How do I open a new Sarasota utility account?
Call 941-263-6260 or visit the Utility Billing Office. Homeowners and renters need two forms of ID, one government-issued photo ID, and ownership or lease documents. The City lists deposit and first-month solid waste fee as $210.05.
What happens if Sarasota water service is turned off for nonpayment?
The account holder must pay the full balance by cash or credit only, then contact Utility Billing in person or by phone at 941-263-6260 to have utility service activated again in their name.
How do I stop Sarasota utility service when moving?
Call the Utility Billing Team at 941-263-6260 to stop or terminate service and request the final water bill.
What should I do if my Sarasota water bill is high?
Check for leaks, compare usage tiers, read the meter, inspect service lines, water heater, slab/backflow, irrigation and outdoor use. Eligible leak adjustments are limited; toilets, irrigation, pressure cleaning and landscape use are not included in the City’s leak-adjustment description.
Who do I call for a Sarasota water leak or sewer blockage after hours?
Call City of Sarasota Utilities at 941-263-6884. The City says water/sewer emergency help is available after hours, weekends and holidays.