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Utility Billing & Water

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1. What do I need to open an account?

A copy of your lease or settlement statement, a photo ID issued by a government authority and a completed City of Oakland Park application for service. You will be required to pay the appropriate deposit based on the utility service.

2. Are there deposit requirements when opening a new account?

All applicants for water and solid waste are required to make a deposit based on the size of the service for both commercial and residential accounts:

Water Service -

Owner Renter Service
100.00 150.00 5/8 - 1"
290.00 435.00 1 1/2"
460.00 690.00 2"
750.00 1,125.00 Hydrant meter

Solid Waste -

Owner Renter Service

270.00 540.00 2,3,4 cubic yard dumpster 1 - 2 pickups weekly
450.00 900.00 6, 8 cubic yard dumpster 1 - 2 pickups weekly

540.00 1,080.00 2,3,4 cubic yard dumpster 3 - 5 pickups weekly
900.00 1,800.00 6, 8 cubic yard dumpster 3 - 5 pickups weekly

3. Why is a deposit necessary when a customer already has an account in good standing with the City or has a good credit record?

This is a standard among most municipalities, particularly where a significant portion of the population is somewhat transient as it is in South Florida. It also recognizes that people's financial situations may change over time and affords the City some financial protection in this type of situation.

4. What is the $40 administrative fee on my first bill?

An administrative fee of $40 shall be charged to open new water service in accordance with our municipal ordinance. This one-time fee is assessed to offset the cost of establishing new utility service.

5. Can I pay using automatic bill payer through my bank?

Yes. You may arrange payment through your financial institution's online bill pay service.

6. When will my deposit be returned?

The deposit is to remain with the City throughout the term of service and may be refunded upon termination of the account. The deposit is applied to the account during the final billing process and may be refunded if there is a credit balance.

7. Can I receive my bill by e-mail?

Yes, electronic bills (e-bills) are available. You may sign up for e-billing by using the Utility Billing Citizen Self-Service portal to update your account or contact one of our representatives to have them update your account to receive e-bills. Utility Billing Citizen Self-Service

8. Why are the utility payments mailed to a post office box in Orlando?

The City partners with SunTrust Bank which provides payment processing through a lockbox service in Orlando, Florida.

9. Do you accept credit or debit cards in the office?

Our office accepts the following debit and credit cards: MasterCard, American Express, Discover
You may pay using VISA on our website payment portal.

10. Do you accept payment by phone?

Not at this time. However, we hope to make this feature available in the future as part of our ongoing commitment to providing customers with an array of different payment options.

11. Can I view my utility account information on this website?

You may view your account payment, billing and charges history by registering with Citizen Self-Service on the Utility Billing webpage. To register, you will need your utility account-customer number. Citizen Self-Service

12. Why is my water bill so high?

High water consumption can be a function of several factors. The period between successive water meter reads can vary from 27 to 34 days. An estimate of monthly consumption and the meter read on the following month will adjust for any inaccuracies in the prior month's estimate.

Occasionally there may be a leak, either in the ground between the meter and the building or inside the building, such as a malfunctioning bathroom fixture. Finally, on rare occasions the meter may be defective, although in most instances defective meters report low consumption.

The customer has the right to request testing of the meter, but must pay a fee if the meter proves to be no more than 2% higher than what it should have been reporting.

13. How is my bill calculated?

Base charges for water, sprinkler and solid waste are a fixed rate according to the fiscal year and do not fluctuate from month to month. Consumption charges for water and sewer are determined by the amount of water used and may vary each month. The utility statement will also include a 10% utility tax on water charges.

14. How many days do I have to pay my utility bill?

Invoices are presented monthly and are due when rendered. Current charges become past due if payment is not received in the Utility Billing office within 25 days after the invoice date.

15. Do you assess late fees on utility charges?

A 1.5% late fee is assessed to an account when charges remain unpaid at the end of 25 days from the invoice date.

16. Do you send a notice before water is disconnected for non-payment?

Past due notification is provided on the utility statement if current charges are past due and have not been paid before the subsequent month's billing statement is generated. A disconnection date is provided on the statement advising when disconnection may occur.

17. Can I have my water service reconnected after hours?

Water service may be reconnected after hours if the service cannot be restored during normal hours. The customer may elect to pay the after hour fee of $100 by calling the emergency number presented on the utility statement and Utility Billing webpage. Proof of utility payment is required before restoring service.

18. What are the most common causes of increased water usage?

A leak can cause higher usage. Seasonal usages such as lawn watering, filling pools, additional laundry and washing automobiles can be the cause. To check for plumbing leaks, turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and water operable appliances. Go to your meter and open the meter box lid. Write the meter reading down (from left to right) and mark where the sweep hand is on the face of the meter. Wait approximately 15 minutes without using water. Return to the meter box and check to see if the hand moved or if the reading has changed.

19. Can I make payment arrangements?

Payment arrangements are available for customers with high bills who are unable to pay the entire amount or if there is temporary financial hardship. All payment arrangements must meet eligibility requirements.

20. What are "stormwater" fees?

Storm water fees are assessed to every property within the City as their equitable portion of the fees needed to pay for the storm water drainage system and the infrastructure that maintains it. Please call 954-630-4280 to find out more.

21. Who do I call to receive a replacement cart for solid waste?

Public Works Solid Waste division will deliver a replacement cart and/or recycle bins.
954-630-4452