St. Petersburg leaders consider utility rate increase

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Families in St. Petersburg could see the cost of their utilities jump by nearly 10% before the end of the year.

The city council is considering a rate increase. They said the adjustment supports aging infrastructure and reliability of the system. It applies to water, wastewater, reclaimed water, stormwater and sanitation rates.

If approved, average utility customers will see the following increase in their bill:

• Without reclaimed water – 8.29% average monthly increase
• With reclaimed water – 9.21% average monthly increase

According to city staff, utility rates and charges are evaluated on a yearly basis and updated by the city council.

Important dates moving forward in the process:

• Aug. 15 – City Council’s first reading
• Sept. 5 – Public hearing
• Oct. 1 – Rate changes take effect if approved

Customers struggling with utility payments can contact the Utility Customer Service Call Center at 727-893-7341.

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