New Utility Rates
Utility Billing Merchant Fee Notice
As of May 1, 2024, payments made to the City of Fort Lauderdale by credit/debit card will incur a merchant transaction fee. The fees, which are determined by your bank and/or card provider, range from $1.95 to 2.95% of your payment. The fee does not apply to payments made via recurring ACH or one-time EFT. The City does not receive any portion of the fee. This is a city-wide change that will be implemented in phases, beginning with payments to Utility Billing.
New Utility Rates Effective October 1, 2023 Questions and Answers
What utility charges are affected?
Effective October 1, 2023, a 22.5% rate increase will be applied to:
-
Fixed charges for water
-
Water commodity charges
Effective October 1, 2023, a 9.00% rate increase will be applied to:
-
Fixed charges for wastewater
-
Wastewater commodity charges
What are the new Water, and Sewer Rates?
View our 2023-2024 Rate Schedule
What are the new Sanitation Rates?
A recent comprehensive update to the City’s April 18, 2019 Water & Sewer Utility Rate Study revealed that a rate increase is required to ensure adequate revenue is available to offset continued increases in key operating cost components, such as electricity, fuel, and treatment chemicals. In addition, revenue is needed to support the funding of all of the Utility’s operational requirements and maintenance expenses, transfers, equipment, capital improvements, and debt service costs.
When was the utility rate increase approved?
The utility rate increase was approved by the City Commission at the September 13, 2023 public meeting.
When will the new rates take effect?
The new rates will go into effect October 1, 2023.
How much can I expect my bill to increase?
Effect of Adopted Increase on Average Customer
Based on 5,000 gallons/month|
5/8” Meter |
Old Rate |
New Rate |
Increase |
|
Water Charge |
$30.46 |
$37.34 |
$6.88 |
|
Sewer Charge |
$51.68 |
$56.33 |
$4.65 |
|
Total |
$82.14 |
$93.67 |
$11.53 |
How do City of Fort Lauderdale rates compare with other local municipalities? The City of Fort Lauderdale average total bill remains amongst the lowest of surveyed municipalities.
How will the rate structure affect fees for commercial/industrial properties?
Fixed charges and commodity charges for water have increased by 22.5% and wastewater have increased by 9.00%.
How are the collected water and wastewater revenues used?
The City’s Water and Sewer Fund are enterprise funds. This means all funds collected are maintained within the Water and Sewer Fund and used for water and wastewater related expenses only.
Where can I get more information regarding the water rate changes?
For more information about water service or the new utility rates, please contact the Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000 or online at www.fortlauderdale.gov/customerservice.
To view the current utility rate schedule and for answers to frequently asked questions, please visit https://utilitybilling.fortlauderdale.gov.