St. Petersburg officials have kicked off their annual review of utility rates and fees ahead of the new fiscal year. The process involves evaluating rates for water, wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater, and sanitation services—fees that help fund both daily operations and long-term infrastructure upgrades across the city.

The City Council will hold the first reading of proposed rate adjustments on Thursday, August 14 at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall (175 5th St. N). A public hearing is scheduled to follow on Thursday, September 4 at 5:01 p.m. at the same location.

New Rates May Begin October 1

City staff will present the proposed changes during the public hearing, where residents can ask questions and share feedback. If approved, the new utility rates would go into effect on October 1, 2025, and be reflected in that month’s utility bills.

St. Pete officials say these rates are essential to keep water, stormwater, and sanitation services running reliably. Many parts of the city’s utility infrastructure are aging, with some systems surpassing their expected lifespan—making ongoing investment critical to avoid breakdowns and emergency repairs.

Help for Residents Facing Financial Hardship

The updated rates will also help fund modernization projects and prepare the city for continued growth. For households facing financial strain, extended payment plans are available. Residents can call the City’s Utility Customer Service Center at 727-893-7341 or email Utility.Bill@stpete.org to explore options and avoid late fees or service disruptions.

Additional local support can be accessed by dialing 211 or visiting 211tampabay.org.

The City also encourages residents to take advantage of water conservation programs—such as rebates and workshops—to help lower their bills. More details are available at stpete.org/WaterConservation.

For comprehensive information on proposed rate changes, assistance programs, and upcoming meetings, visit stpete.org/Rates.

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