To open a new residential or commercial utility service account, complete a Utility Service Application and Agreement and submit by E-mail: UtilityBilling@fortlauderdale.gov, Fax: (954) 828-5880, U.S. Mail, or in person at the Development Services Department, 700 N.W. 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Alternatively, you can call a Utility Billing Account Representative at 954-828-5150 Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to assist you.

Requirements for Owners:

• Complete and submit a Utility Service Application and Agreement, signed and dated by Applicant.
  *IMPORTANT: The Utility Service Application and Agreement must be notarized when submitted by mail, fax, or email.
• Government issued photo ID (Examples: Valid driver's license, passport, alien identification card, state-issued ID card)
• Applicant's social security number
• Executed Settlement statement, signed by both the buyer and seller or Warranty Deed.
  *NOTE: This is not needed if the new owner information is already shown on record with the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office.
• The applicable deposit, as required by the City’s Municipal Ordinances. 

Requirements for Tenants:

• Complete and submit a Utility Service Application and Agreement, signed and dated by Applicant.
  *IMPORTANT: The Utility Service Application and Agreement must be notarized when submitted by mail, fax, or email. 
• Government issued photo ID (Examples: Valid driver's license, passport, alien identification card, state-issued ID card)
• Applicant's social security number
• Executed Lease agreement, signed by the tenant and property owner or agent.
  *NOTE: If an agent, a Power of Attorney or management agreement with authorization to execute leases must be provided to the Utility Billing and Collections Division.
• The applicable deposit, as required by the City’s Municipal Ordinances.

Authorized Persons Policy:

If a neighbor cannot physically come to open a utility service account and requests that someone else open the account on their behalf, a Utility Billing Account Representative will review this exception for approval. If approved, the person will need the to bring the following:

• Complete and submit a Utility Service Application and Agreement, signed, dated and notarized by Applicant.
• Copy of the Applicant's Government issued photo ID (Examples: Valid driver's license, passport, alien identification card, state-issued ID card)
• Notarized Letter of Authorization which contains:
  • Applicant's information including name, address, social security number and phone number
  • Statement indicating that the Applicant is authorizing said person to act on behalf of the Applicant to open a utility service account in the name of the Applicant
• For Owners: Executed Settlement statement, signed by both the buyer and seller or Warranty Deed.
• For Tenants: Executed Lease agreement, signed by the tenant and property owner or agent.
• The applicable deposit, as required by the City’s Municipal Ordinances.

Property Managers Policy:

• Utility accounts will not be placed in the name of a property manager or property management company.
• Utility accounts, placed in the owner’s name, can have the bills sent in care of the property manager or property management company, with the proper management agreement provided.

Utility Billing Merchant Fee Notice:

Starting May 1, 2024, payments made to the City of Fort Lauderdale by credit/debit card will incur a merchant transaction fee. The fee, which is determined by the City’s third-party processor, range from $1.95 to 2.95% of your payment. Payments made via reoccurring ACH, or onetime EFT will not be charged a fee. The City does not receive any portion of the fee. This is a city-wide change that will be implemented in phases, beginning with payments to Utility Billing.

Deposit Policy:

A deposit is required for all new and additional utility service accounts. The deposit is based on the size of the meter and the services (i.e. sewer, sanitation) provided to the property.

For deposit information on your specific service address, please contact the Utility Billing and Collections division at 954-828-5150 Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Processing your Request:

Allow three to five business days from the time the request is received (by mail, fax, or email) for processing. Requests are processed during normal business hours.