Hurricane Impact to Utilities Customer Accounts

We understand that many of our customers have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and are currently preparing for Hurricane Milton. As a result, Pinellas County Utilities has implemented the following steps to assist you with your utility bill during these challenging times. Please note the following information is applicable to any impact resulting from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Impacted Utility Customer Registry

We know there are a wide range of impacts that have occurred during Hurricane Helene, some of which may not have manifested yet, and we anticipate additional impacts from the approaching Hurricane Milton.

Pinellas County Utilities has created a registry documenting hurricane-related impacts affecting account holders. This registry will be used to track needed repairs on customer water, sewer, or reclaimed water systems. It will enable us to work efficiently with you on any billing issues resulting from the storms.

The registry opened on October 7, 2024, and will remain open until March 1, 2025.

The Account Owner must call Pinellas County Utilities to request being added to the registry.

Financial Hardship Assistance

If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to the hurricane, we want to help. We are offering flexible payment options, including:

• Payment Deferral: You may defer your payment to allow additional time to get back on track.

Installment Plans: We can set up an installment plan, allowing you to spread your bill across multiple payments (up to six installments). No written documentation is required—simply let us know that you are unable to pay due to financial hardship

Late Fees and Account Turn-Offs Due to Delinquent Accounts

• Due to weather conditions, we are unable to access your meter to get a reading. We will be estimating your utility bill until further notice. Estimations are based on your typical annual water usage history (previous 6 invoices). Our estimation will not exceed that historical water usage data or increase your typical billing amount. Your billing information will be readjusted once we are able to accurately read your meter.

• All late fees and delinquent account deactivations are suspended through January 1, 2025.

• No new account late fees will be assessed during this period.

• Any existing late fees that were in place prior to September 23, 2024, will be due again starting January 1, 2025.

• Upon completion of repairs, we will waive the reconnection fee(s) for both potable water and reclaimed water services, if applicable.

Plumbing Leaks & Pool Fill Adjustments

• Plumbing Leaks: If you experienced a leak at your property due to hurricane damage and have had it repaired, we are offering an Administrative Adjustment to reduce the impact on your bill. Please provide proof of repair for our review. If the high usage period exceeds 2,000 gallons over your average bimonthly consumption, you will receive a credit for all water, sewer, utility tax, and conservation fees over your annual average.
• Swimming Pool Fill: If you need to drain and refill your swimming pool due to saltwater intrusion or damage, we will credit the sewer and conservation fees associated with refilling. To qualify, simply submit documentation of the approximate gallons used and the date the pool was refilled.

What You Need to Do

If you need assistance, please contact us by phone at (727) 464-4000 or email us at custsrv@pinellas.gov. You can also visit our pinellas.gov/utilities or log in to your utilities Customer Portal to learn more about the options available to you.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this together. Our goal is to provide you with the support you need to manage your utility services during this recovery period.

Thank you for being a valued customer.