Sarasota County Water Utilities: Bill Pay, Login & Phone 2026

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Sarasota County Public Utilities • CSS Portal • Bill Pay • Login • Phone • Water & Sewer

Sarasota County Water Bill Help Desk: Pay, Login, Call or Fix a Utility Problem

Use this page as a fast Sarasota County utilities desk. Pay through the Customer Self-Service portal, use Quick Pay, register with the new account number and activation code, call billing, start or stop service, avoid late/disconnection issues, request leak adjustment, report water or sewer emergencies, and understand current water and wastewater rates.

Official Bill Pay CSS Login / Account Quick Pay Call 941-861-6790

Start Here: Sarasota County Utilities Fast Answer Board

Customer service941-861-6790
Spanish line941-861-6734
Phone payment888-253-1079
Emailutilitybill@scgov.net
Need
Official action
Prepare first
Do not miss
Pay without creating an account
Quick Pay
New Sarasota County utility account number from bill and payment method.
Credit/debit card payments carry a $2.95 transaction fee; online ACH/eCheck avoids the card fee.
Log in / create portal account
Customer Self-Service portal
Email, password, 6-digit email verification code, new account number, 8-character activation code.
Use the bill issued after Nov. 12, 2025, or your new-customer welcome letter for account number and activation code.
Portal, account or bill question
Call 941-861-6790 or email utilitybill@scgov.net.
Name, service address, account number, bill date, screenshot or payment confirmation.
Customers using bank bill pay must update the bank payee/account number after the Nov. 2025 account-number change.
Pay by automated phone
Call 1-888-253-1079.
Account number, card details and bill amount.
$2.95 fee applies to debit/credit card payments made by phone.
Start new water/sewer service
Residential service application
Proof of ownership or signed lease, ID/contact details and service address.
Complete applications received before noon Mon-Thu or before 4 PM Friday may be processed same day.
Water leak / sewer emergency
County Utilities: 941-861-6790; general report line 941-861-5000 or 311.
Address, cross street, water/sewer issue type, photo if safe, when it started.
Inside city limits, use the correct city utility emergency number listed below.

Most common 2026 mistake: using an old account number after Sarasota County moved to the new Customer Self-Service system. If your bank, debit card autopay, or saved payment still uses the old number, payment can be delayed or rejected.

Official Phone, Email, Address and Office Hours

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Billing / Customer Service

Phone: 941-861-6790

Spanish: 941-861-6734

Email: utilitybill@scgov.net

Fax: 941-861-0603

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Sarasota Office

Public Utilities Customer Service
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34240

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 AM-5 PM; Wednesday 9 AM-5 PM.

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Venice Office

Venice location
4000 S. Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 7:30 AM-4 PM; Thursday 7:30 AM-3:30 PM.

Route
Use for
Best next step
Customer Service 941-861-6790
Bill pay, portal trouble, new service, shutoff risk, billing adjustment, payment plan question, watering violation report.
Have account number, service address and exact bill/payment issue ready.
Email utilitybill@scgov.net
Non-urgent billing questions, documentation, forms follow-up, portal/account issue.
Put account number and service address in the subject/body.
311 or 941-861-5000
County contact center, service requests, leak reports, general county routing.
Use for visible water leak reports and ask for a service request number.
Utilities permitting 941-861-6767
New connections, commercial/multifamily, single-family utility permits and capacity-fee questions.
Use for builder/developer connection issues, not normal bill payment.
Utility Deferred Payment Assistance Program
Capacity-fee financing / deferred payment assistance.
Call 941-500-2476 or email UDPAP@scgov.net when the issue is connection/capacity-fee financing.

CSS Portal Login, Quick Pay, Activation Code and Autopay

1. Open portalUse css.scgovutility.com.
2. Verify emailEnter 6-digit code.
3. Add accountUse new number + activation code.
4. Pick paymentCard, ACH/eCheck or autopay.
5. Save proofReceipt + confirmation.

Create new portal account

  • Open the Customer Self-Service portal.
  • Click sign up / create new account.
  • Enter first name, last name and password.
  • Verify email with the 6-digit code from scgovutility.com.
  • Enter new account number and 8-character activation code from a post-Nov. 12, 2025 bill or welcome letter.

Autopay customers

  • Autopay customers with email on file can use “Forgot Password.”
  • Previous autopay customers need to re-enroll in autopay after accessing the new portal.
  • Update debit/credit card or ACH details if payment method changed.
  • Confirm autopay is active before the next due date.
  • Keep payment history screenshot if the bill is near past-due status.

Portal features

  • Instant one-time or scheduled bill payment.
  • Autopay setup and management.
  • Real-time usage, balance and payment-plan review.
  • Current and past bill download.
  • Move/transfer service and contact/billing preference updates.

Fee note: all credit and debit card payments now carry a $2.95 transaction fee, including online, in-office, phone and card autopay payments. Online ACH/eCheck payments do not carry that card transaction fee.

Login-help script: “I need help with the Sarasota County CSS portal for account [new account number]. I have / do not have my activation code. My service address is [address], and the error says [message]. Can you help me register or pay before the due date?”
Bill Pay Page CSS Portal Login Quick Pay Portal Help

How to Pay a Sarasota County Water Utilities Bill

Payment method
Official detail
Best for
Watch out for
Quick Pay
One-time payment in the Customer Self-Service portal without creating an account.
Fast payment when you have the account number.
Card payment fee applies; confirm account before submitting.
Portal login
Create account, view usage/balance/history, download bills, manage autopay and payment plans.
Customers who want full account control.
You need new account number and activation code unless your autopay/email path applies.
ACH/eCheck / autodraft
Online eCheck / ACH route avoids credit/debit card transaction fee.
Fee-conscious recurring or one-time payment.
Confirm bank information carefully before submitting.
Credit/debit card
Available online, by phone, in office and for card autopay.
Fast payment and card records.
$2.95 fee applies per transaction.
Automated phone payment
Call 1-888-253-1079.
Payment without portal login.
Keep confirmation; call Customer Service if payment is for disconnection protection.
Mail
Utility Payment, P.O. Box 31320, Tampa, FL 33631-3320.
Check payment when not urgent.
Write Sarasota County Public Utilities account number clearly; delayed mail is customer risk.
Drop box
Venice or Sarasota drop box locations, checks only.
After-hours check payment.
Do not use cash; include account number on payment.
In person
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd. accepts credit cards, checks and money orders during business hours.
Documentation, direct help, and non-online payment.
Card fee still applies for credit/debit card payments.

Past-due payment warning: if your account is already disconnected or close to disconnection, do not rely on mail or bank bill pay. Call 941-861-6790 with the confirmation number and ask what payment route restores or protects service.

Start, Stop, Transfer, Reactivate or Seasonal Turn-Off

Start new service

  • Submit residential or commercial water/sewer service application.
  • Owners need proof of ownership, such as closing statement or property appraiser record.
  • Renters need signed lease or owner/property-management email.
  • Mon-Thu complete applications before 12 PM may be processed same day.
  • Friday complete applications before 4 PM may be processed same day.

Security deposit

  • Deposit is required to establish a new account.
  • Deposit may be waived subject to identity check and requirements.
  • Deposit is not negotiable or transferable between people.
  • Deposit is credited after 24 months of on-time consecutive payments with approved interest.
  • County may require a new or increased deposit after unsatisfactory payment or location history.

Stop / move / seasonal

  • Use the portal or official terminate-account form for move-out.
  • Seasonal customers can request vacation water meter turn-off while away.
  • Reactivate account through the official reactivation form.
  • Keep confirmation number or submitted-form email.
  • Ask whether any final balance, deposit credit or new activation step remains.
Move-in script: “I need Sarasota County water/sewer service at [service address] starting [date]. I am the owner/renter and have [closing statement/property record/lease]. Please confirm deposit, same-day eligibility, and whether anything else is required.”
Residential Service Application Commercial Service Application Terminate Account Reactivate Account Vacation Turn On/Off

Late Bill, Payment Arrangements and Disconnection Rules

When bills become late

  • Bills are due upon receipt.
  • Bills become past due 15 days after the bill date.
  • Late fee is $2 or 1.5% of the past-due balance, whichever is greater.
  • Late fee applies to active accounts with past-due balances over $5 if not paid by close of business on the 25th day after bill date.

Before service is at risk

  • Disconnection may occur if previous balance is not paid by due date.
  • Partial payment is not enough unless satisfactory arrangements are made with Customer Service in advance.
  • Utilities is not responsible for delayed mail delivery.
  • Call before paying if you are not sure how much is required.

If disconnected

  • Balance must be paid in full by 3 PM.
  • Payment must be by cash or credit card per county disconnect policy.
  • After payment, service is restored the following business day.
  • Call Customer Service with payment confirmation after paying.
Disconnection call script: “My account number is [account number] at [service address]. I have a past-due balance of [amount] and paid / can pay [amount] today. What exact amount and payment method are required to avoid disconnection or restore service?”
Disconnect Policy Pay / Check Account Call Customer Service

Current Sarasota County Water and Wastewater Rate Snapshot

Billing unit: Sarasota County’s current rate table uses charges per 1,000 gallons. The current rate page lists rates effective Nov. 18, 2025 under Resolution 2025-249. Use your bill and the official rate page for final billing.

Water charge
Current listed amount
What it means
Monthly billing charge, per account
$3.20
Fixed monthly billing line.
Monthly readiness-to-serve charge
$19.58
Fixed water availability/service charge.
0-4,000 gallons
$3.36 per 1,000 gallons
Lowest water-use tier.
4,001-8,000 gallons
$4.23 per 1,000 gallons
Normal higher-use tier.
8,001-12,000 gallons
$7.33 per 1,000 gallons
Check irrigation, guests, pool filling or leak activity.
12,001-18,000 gallons
$12.13 per 1,000 gallons
High-use tier; investigate fast.
Greater than 18,000 gallons
$16.94 per 1,000 gallons
Very high usage tier; check hidden leaks, irrigation or meter readings.
Wastewater charge
Current listed amount
What it means
Monthly wastewater quality fee
$1.00 per equivalent dwelling unit
Fixed wastewater-quality related charge.
Monthly readiness-to-serve charge, individually metered
$23.60
Fixed wastewater service availability charge.
Wastewater consumption charge
$11.96 per 1,000 gallons
Usage-related wastewater charge.
Water facilities capacity fee
$4,250 per EDU
New connection capacity fee, not a normal monthly bill line.
Wastewater facilities capacity fee
$4,480 per EDU
New connection capacity fee, usually builder/connection-related.
Water & Wastewater Rates EDU Table Rates, Fees & Charges

High Bill, Estimated Bill, Leak Adjustment or Pool Fill

Check the bill first

  • Review usage and payment history in the Customer Self-Service portal.
  • Check whether bill was estimated or based on actual reading.
  • Separate water, wastewater, readiness-to-serve, billing charge, loan, capacity or non-ad valorem items.
  • Compare gallons against normal household use.
  • Check whether a new rate tier was reached.

Adjustment eligibility

  • Water adjustment: concealed leak or abnormal event that caused substantial increased water usage.
  • Wastewater adjustment: concealed leak, initial pool fill or abnormal event where water did not enter sewer system.
  • Written request due within three months of repair, event or initial pool fill.
  • Include cause, repair/fill date and paid receipt for supplies or labor.
  • Make a good-faith payment of average regular monthly bill while decision is pending.

Likely leak causes

  • Running toilet or flapper leak.
  • Irrigation timer after power outage or daylight savings.
  • Hose bib, pool fill, softener or water heater leak.
  • Underground customer-side service line.
  • Abnormal event or repair that used water outside normal pattern.
Adjustment script: “My Sarasota County utility bill increased from [normal gallons/amount] to [new gallons/amount]. The cause was [concealed leak / abnormal event / initial pool fill]. It was repaired or completed on [date], and I have a paid receipt. Can you confirm which adjustment form applies and what average monthly amount I should pay while it is reviewed?”
Bill Adjustment Requests Estimated Water Bills Call Billing

Water Leak, Sewer Backup, Water Main Break or City-Limit Emergency

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Sarasota County service area

For county utility water/sewer emergencies, billing-linked utility issues, sewer leaks and sewer backups, call 941-861-6790.

For general water leak service requests, call 311 or 941-861-5000, or email ContactCenter@scgov.net.

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How county prioritizes leaks

High priority means no water or immediate action needed to protect health, safety or property. Medium priority can include reduced pressure above regulatory minimums or non-immediate leaks. Low priority is visual leak without service interruption or immediate threat.

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Leak yard sign

If a Sarasota County water leak sign with QR code is in the yard, county staff inspected the location, assigned a priority level and will return based on priority scheduling.

Where the problem is
Emergency / reporting phone
Use for
Sarasota County Utilities service area
941-861-6790; 311 or 941-861-5000 for service request
County water/sewer leaks, sewer backups, visible county-side water leaks, billing-linked utility issues.
City of North Port
941-426-9500
24-hour city water/sewer emergency.
City of Sarasota
941-263-6884
24-hour city water/sewer emergency.
City of Venice
941-486-2770
24-hour city water/sewer emergency.
Town of Longboat Key
941-316-1988 normal hours; 941-316-1201 after hours
Longboat Key water/sewer repairs and emergency repairs.
Emergency report script: “This is [name]. I’m reporting [water main break / sewer backup / visible leak / low pressure] at [address and nearest cross street]. It started at [time]. The issue is [street/yard/inside/basement]. My callback number is [phone].”
Water Leaks & Breaks FAQ Water/Sewer Emergency Reporting Call 941-861-5000

Water Quality, Sources, Service Line Inventory and Restrictions

Water sources

Sarasota County uses wells on the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Reserve, Venice Gardens well fields, and purchased water from Manatee County and the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority.

System scale

The county reports more than 104,000 water connections and over 1,400 miles of watermains. Public Utilities also operates wastewater and reclaimed-water infrastructure.

Consumer Confidence Report

The Consumer Confidence Report explains where Sarasota County water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares with EPA standards.

Topic
Official-style detail
Customer action
Service line inventory
Sarasota County has a public/private potable water service line inventory related to EPA Lead and Copper Rule revisions.
Review the inventory and respond to county service-line material requests if applicable.
Water restrictions
Year-round landscape/irrigation restrictions apply in unincorporated Sarasota County for well, pond or utility-system irrigation, with exceptions for low-volume irrigation, spot treatment, drip lines, soaker hoses and reclaimed water.
Check timer settings after daylight savings, power outages and storms.
Rain sensors
Automated irrigation systems require rain sensor shut-off devices.
Confirm sensor still works after storms.
Watering violation report
Report to 941-861-6790 or utilitybill@scgov.net with day, date, time and address.
Florida law generally requires complainant name and address unless narrow imminent-threat exceptions apply.
Water quality questions
Use the Consumer Confidence Report and county water-quality pages for official testing context.
Call customer service for account/service-area concerns; call 311/941-861-5000 for visible field issues.
Consumer Confidence Reports Water Restrictions Public Utilities Main Page

Sarasota County Utilities Map and Visit Plan

Use this map for Sarasota County Public Utilities Customer Service at 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd. Bring your bill, ID, account number, activation code, payment confirmation, lease/ownership proof, disconnect notice, or leak-adjustment receipt.

Place
Address / route
Use for
Sarasota Customer Service Office
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240
Bill payment, customer service, new service help, documentation and account questions.
Venice Customer Service Office
4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293
South-county bill/customer-service assistance and check drop-off route.
Mail payment
Utility Payment, P.O. Box 31320, Tampa, FL 33631-3320
Non-urgent mailed check payment. Write account number clearly.
County contact center
311 or 941-861-5000
County service request, leak report and routing assistance.
Utilities permitting
941-861-6767
Utility connection, capacity fee and building/connection permit questions.

Sarasota County Water Utilities FAQ

How do I pay my Sarasota County water bill online?

Use the official Sarasota County Bill Pay page or the Customer Self-Service portal at css.scgovutility.com. You can log in, create an account or use Quick Pay for a one-time payment.

Can I pay without creating a portal account?

Yes. Use the Quick Pay option in the Customer Self-Service portal. You need the current Sarasota County utility account number and should verify the account before submitting payment.

What is the Sarasota County Utilities phone number?

Call Sarasota County Public Utilities Customer Service at 941-861-6790. Spanish-language customer service is listed at 941-861-6734.

What is the automated phone payment number?

Call 1-888-253-1079 to use the automated payment system. Credit and debit card payments have a $2.95 transaction fee.

What is the Sarasota County utility payment fee?

Credit and debit card payments made online, by phone, in office or through card autopay carry a $2.95 transaction fee. Online ACH/eCheck, check by mail, checks in drop box and qualifying non-card routes can avoid that card fee.

Where do I mail a Sarasota County water bill payment?

Mail payment to Utility Payment, P.O. Box 31320, Tampa, FL 33631-3320. Write the Sarasota County Public Utilities account number clearly on the payment.

How do I start water or sewer service?

Submit the official residential or commercial service application. Owners need proof of ownership, while renters need a signed lease or owner/property-management documentation. Complete applications received before the stated cutoff may be processed the same day.

What happens if my Sarasota County utility bill is late?

Bills are due upon receipt and become past due 15 days after the bill date. A late fee of $2 or 1.5% of the past-due balance, whichever is greater, may apply if not paid by close of business on the 25th day after the bill date.

How do I request a bill adjustment for a leak?

Submit a written bill adjustment request within three months of the concealed leak repair, abnormal event or initial pool fill. Include the cause, repair or fill date, and paid receipt for materials or labor.

Who do I call for a water leak or sewer emergency?

For Sarasota County Utilities service-area issues, call 941-861-6790. For visible leak service requests, call 311 or 941-861-5000. Inside municipal limits, use the applicable city emergency number for North Port, Sarasota, Venice or Longboat Key.

30-Second Sarasota County Water Checklist

Pay/login: CSS portal → new account number + activation code → Quick Pay or login → choose ACH/eCheck to avoid card fee → save confirmation.

Billing help: call 941-861-6790 or email utilitybill@scgov.net with account number, service address and exact issue.

Start service: submit application with ownership proof or signed lease before same-day cutoff.

Past due: call before partial payment; if disconnected, full balance must be paid by 3 PM by cash or credit card for next-business-day restoration.

Emergency: county utilities 941-861-6790; general report 311 or 941-861-5000; city-limit customers should call their municipality.

Water Bill Payment, Leak & Utility Help Toolkit

Use this free helper to find the official water bill portal, avoid unsafe payment pages, handle late bills, troubleshoot high usage, prepare start/stop service documents, and contact the utility office with the right details.

Find official payment pages safely
Prepare before late fees or shutoff
Check high bill and leak causes
Useful on every city water guide

Official Water Bill Portal Finder

Enter your city, state, and utility name. This tool creates safe search shortcuts for the official bill pay portal, customer service page, outage line, and start/stop service page.

Safety tip: Use the official city, county, or utility website when paying a water bill. Do not enter card or bank details on a page that only looks like a payment portal but does not clearly identify the official utility.

Safe Water Bill Payment Checklist

Before paying online, use this checklist to reduce the risk of wrong payment, duplicate payment, missed receipt, or third-party confusion.

Important: Some official utilities use third-party processors. That can be normal, but the payment processor should be linked from the official utility website and show clear fee/payment details.

Late Bill, Shutoff Notice & Reconnection Action Plan

Select your situation and get practical next steps. This helps users act quickly without guessing.

Do not wait: If you received a shutoff notice, online payment alone may not stop disconnection. Call the utility billing office and save your confirmation number.

High Water Bill & Leak Troubleshooter

A high bill can be caused by leaks, irrigation, estimated readings, seasonal use, or account/meter issues. Choose the closest problem below.

Quick leak test Turn off all water, then check whether the meter still moves.
Toilet check Put food coloring in tank. If color reaches bowl without flushing, there may be a leak.
Ask utility Request usage history, meter reread, leak adjustment policy, and payment arrangement options.

Start, Stop or Transfer Water Service Checklist

Moving in or out? Choose your situation and prepare the details most utilities commonly request.

Your preparation checklist

Move-out tip: Ask for a final meter read, final bill date, refund/deposit process, and confirmation number when stopping service.

Payment Assistance & Arrangement Finder

If you cannot pay the full water bill, this guide helps you decide what to ask before disconnection or extra fees.

Helpful document list: Keep your account number, photo ID, service address, bill copy, shutoff notice, income proof if needed, repair receipt if leak-related, and payment confirmation numbers.

Water Department Call Script Generator

Generate a clear call or email script before contacting the utility billing office.

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