St. Pete Mayor Kenneth T. Welch Waives Utility Late Fees Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch Waives Utility Late Fees Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Nov. 1, 2024 - In response to the widespread impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch has announced a temporary emergency waiver of late fees and notice fees for utility accounts, as well as a temporary suspension of water meter lock-offs due to non-payment. Additionally, lien filings and business tax late fees have been suspended temporarily. This action aims to alleviate the financial burden on residents and businesses affected by the storms.

The suspension of fees will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2024, unless otherwise stated.

"The damage and destruction from back-to-back hurricanes has caused a variety of challenges to citizens and businesses citywide," said Mayor Welch. "When the City is able to do so, we strive to lessen the economic hardship facing our utility customers. Waiving late fees and suspending water meter lock-offs for those unable to make timely payments on their utility bills is one way we can provide financial relief during this difficult time."

What utility customers should know:

• The waiver of fees and lock-offs applies to any utility bill for which payment is due on or after Sept. 25, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024.

• If able, utility customers are encouraged to continue paying their bills to prevent their accounts from falling behind.

• Utility customers having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to call the Utility Customer Service Call Center at 727-893-7341 to make payment arrangements. The Utility Customer Service Call Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• The City of St. Petersburg asks utility customers for their patience as City teams work through all requests and nuances associated with the hurricanes.

More information about utility billing can be found at stpete.org/Utilities.