St. Petersburg residents will see higher utility bills beginning October 1, 2025, after the City Council approved a series of rate increases during a public hearing Thursday night.

The adjustments affect water, wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater, and sanitation services for the 2026 budget year.

City officials say the updated fees are necessary to maintain reliable service and strengthen the city’s aging infrastructure. Revenue from the increases will fund daily operations, system maintenance, and major capital projects designed to modernize water, stormwater, and sanitation systems.

“Much of St. Pete’s infrastructure has reached or exceeded its original design lifespan, making sustained investment crucial,” the city said in a statement. “Updated utility rates help fund multi-year projects aimed at preventing service disruptions and reducing the risk of costly emergency repairs.”

On average, residents without reclaimed water will see monthly bills rise about 8.53 percent, while customers with reclaimed water will see an average increase of 8.78 percent.

More details on current and upcoming rates are available at stpete.org/residents/utilities/current_utility_rates.php.

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