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Stormwater Assessment

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Stormwater  Management Program

As our community continues to face the impacts of sea level rise and aging infrastructure, we need to make significant investments in our stormwater system to prepare for the future, adapt to changing climate conditions, and ensure we can continue to deliver quality services. The City of Fort Lauderdale is updating its approach to stormwater billing and has developed a new stormwater fee structure to fund major infrastructure improvements and create a stronger, more resilient community. 

Proposal to Change Stormwater Fee to Non-Ad Valorem Assessment 

Get Frequently Asked Questions Here  pdf

Based on a study completed by Stantec Consulting Services, it was recommended and approved by the City Commission, that the stormwater fee be moved from the monthly utility bill to the annual property tax bill, as a Non-Ad Valorem assessment. Using the property tax bill is the most efficient and straightforward method of assessing and collecting stormwater fees, especially in Fort Lauderdale, where many high rises and condos have one utility account for multiple properties. Placing the charges on the property tax bill certifies the billing is coming directly from the City rather than a third party, streamlines the administrative process, provides for better accuracy, and ensures the new fee formula is properly applied to each property. Beginning in October 2020, your stormwater rate will be billed annually on your property tax bill instead of monthly on your utility bill. The stormwater management fee will appear as a stormwater assessment in the Non-Ad Valorem Taxes section of your Property Tax bill.

Proposed Stormwater Fee Structure

In addition to the change in the billing approach, the City has adopted a new stormwater fee structure with a methodology based on equitably recovering costs in proportion to the benefit that each property receives from the stormwater system. Depending on the type of parcel, the stormwater utility fee structure considers total square footage of the parcels or dwelling units and the trips generated by various property types. The City’s stormwater management services provide the dual benefits of protecting property from flooding and keeping roads passable. The hybrid rate methodology was presented to the Infrastructure Task Force and the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations, both of which support the program. 

Public Hearing September 14, 2020 for Proposed Stormwater Assessment

The City Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed FY 2021 Non-Ad Valorem Assessment for Stormwater Program Management at 5:01 p.m., Monday, September 14, 2020. On June 16, 2020, the Commission approved an Ordinance establishing procedures and standards for levying assessments to fund the construction, reconstruction, repair, improvement, and extension of stormwater management systems within the City of Fort Lauderdale. If approved, the Stormwater Program Management Assessment will be collected by Broward County’s Records, Taxes, and Treasury Division.

New Stormwater Billing Process

If the City Commission approves the new stormwater rate structure, beginning in late October, neighbors will no longer see the stormwater line item on their monthly utility bill. Instead, the stormwater fee will be charged once a year on the annual property tax bill as a Non-Ad Valorem assessment. Depending on your billing cycle, some neighbors may see a stormwater charge on the October utility bill for the period from the last bill date to the end of September.

Interactive GIS Database

The City worked with Stantec to create a new, interactive, database that allows neighbors to enter a property address and view the proposed stormwater assessment for that property.

For More Information

If you have questions, please call the 24-Neighbor Service Center at 954-828-8000 or email lauderserv@fortlauderdale.gov.

Virtual Public Meetings

Prior to the September 14, 2020 City Commission hearing, the City hosted five informational virtual meetings to explain the proposed assessment. Click on a link below to watch a recording of the meetings..