Utilities Account Setup
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A deposit is required to start City utilities service – deposit amounts are based on the property location and begin at $100. Alternatives to cash deposits are offered to eligible utility customers (see below). Residents may request a usage average for the address based on the prior resident to estimate monthly service costs.
To begin service, residents will need to provide their name, date of birth, social security number, phone number, and the property address where they would like to start service.
Turn On Utility Service by Calling Customer Service
To start City Services, call the Utility Customer Service Center at 727-893-7341, then choose option 0.
Set Up Online Utility Account Access
To set up an online account, residents must have an active utility account and an email address.
- Follow the Account Login link and click "Create New User." Fill out the online form and all its required fields to create a new user account. The email address given during this step will be used to access and manage the account.
- Check the email address provided for an activation link.
- Click the link to access the newly activated user account.
- Next, link the utilities account to the user account. Choose Select Account > Edit Master Account then add the appropriate account by entering the utility account number (123456-123456), which can be found in the upper left-hand corner of the utility bill. In order to validate the request, residents may also need to provide other account information such as the last due date.
- Once the account has been added, click Select Account to view the account.
Paperless Billing
Sign up to switch to paperless utility bill delivery. Paperless statements are emailed out monthly when the account bills. Paperless statement subscribers will no longer receive mailed paper bills. To pay online, visit the Manage Utilities page.
Enroll in Auto Pay
Alternative Deposits
As an alternative to cash deposits, the City offers the option for single-family residential customers to provide a utility reference letter. Similarly, multi-family residential customers and commercial customers can provide a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit as an alternative to a cash deposit to start utility services.
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Single Family Residential Customers
Utility Reference Letter
A utility reference letter provides written documentation of a customer's payment history with another water utility service provider. To be considered to waive a security deposit, customers must activate new service at a single family residence and the utility reference letter must: be from a water utility service provider; be on the utility service providers letterhead; include the phone number of the utility service provider; be in reference to the same person initiating the new utility account; cover a credit history no older than one year from the initiation date of the new utility account; and, meet the City’s good credit criteria. For additional information, contact the Utility Accounts Coordinator at 727-893-7341.
Multi-Family Residential & Commercial Customers
As an alternative to making a cash deposit, full-service multi-family and commercial accounts may provide a deposit through an acceptable irrevocable bank letter of credit or surety bond. Accounts with less than full-service activity, such as water only, or new construction accounts, are not eligible for alternative deposit coverage.
Surety Bonds
Surety bonds are issued by insurance companies. The terms for obtaining a surety bond are determined by the issuing insurance company. Customers usually pay an insurance premium based on the amount of surety bond coverage, but the cost of the bond varies on an annual basis. Surety bonds have to be issued in the name of the account owner and coverage must be equivalent to the account owner's full-service deposit requirement. The surety bond makes the insurance company liable for payment in case of default on any utility bills of the customer acquiring the surety bond.
If the customer fails to pay, the City of St. Petersburg will file on the bond for payment up to the limit of the bond. Additionally, surety bonds are reviewed every six months to ensure adequate coverage. Should an additional amount be required, the original bond is amended by a rider to reflect the required total coverage. On an annual basis, a letter of confirmation is sent to the insurance companies to ensure continuous coverage. The Utility Accounts Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the bonds. Questions regarding a surety bond may be directed to the Utility Accounts Coordinator at 727-893-7341.
The City of St. Petersburg requires surety bonds to be on the City’s original form, which can be obtained from the Utility Accounts Coordinator by calling 727-893-7341 or downloaded below. Once completed, return the original document to the Utility Accounts Coordinator at PO Box 33037, St. Petersburg, FL 33731-8037.
Surety Bond
Irrevocable Letters of Credit
An irrevocable letter of credit is similar to a surety bond. Irrevocable letters of credit are obtained from financial institutions (banks or credit unions). The terms for obtaining an irrevocable letter of credit varies depending on the issuing financial institution. In addition, some issuing financial institutions will require a line of credit, liquid assets, or certificate of deposit in order to issue a letter of credit. A fee is typically charged on an annual basis. The letter is issued on the institution's letterhead and must be drawn upon a local bank (within Pinellas, Hillsborough, or Sarasota Counties). Although there is no special form required, the letter must be automatically renewable unless the bank advises in writing by certified mail 60 days in advance of their intent to cancel. Letters of credit must be issued in the utility account owner’s name and must be for the amount of the full-service deposit requirement. If the customer defaults on payment of their final utility bill, the City of St. Petersburg is allowed to present a claim to the issuing institution for payment of an amount not greater than the amount specified on the letter of credit. In essence, the bank guarantees payment of the deposit amount towards unpaid final utility bills. The Utility Accounts Coordinator maintains Letters of Credit. Questions regarding a Letter of Credit may be directed to the Utility Accounts Coordinator at 727-893-7341.
The City of St. Petersburg requires letters of credit to be on the City’s original form, which can be obtained from the Utility Accounts Coordinator by calling 727-893-7341 or downloaded below. Once completed, return the original document to the Utility Accounts Coordinator at PO Box 33037, St. Petersburg, FL 33731-8037.
Letter of Credit
Stop Service
To stop City Services, determine what date water service should be terminated. Call the Utility Customer Service Center at 727-893-7341, then choose option 0. A reading will be taken on the termination date and a final bill mailed out, minus the customer's original deposit.
Note: Accounts billed for the "Utility Lien Filing Fee" are also required to pay any remaining lien principal and accrued interest owed, which may not be displayed on the account billing information at the time of payment. In order to determine any applicable lien/interest due, please call Special Collections/Utility Liens at 727-893-7824. Failure to pay any lien principal and interest due may result in additional charges to subsequent accounts or will delay any applicable lien release.
