ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg residents will receive a reprieve from consequences for late payments on utility bills in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The city announced on Friday that Mayor Ken Welch will temporarily waive late fees and notice fees on utilities. In addition, Mayor Welch is temporarily suspending water meter "lock-offs" due to non-payment.
Lien filings and business tax late fees are also temporarily waived.
"This action aims to alleviate the financial burden on residents and businesses affected by the storms," the city said in a press release.
These emergency waivers and suspensions will last until Dec. 31, 2024, "unless otherwise stated."
St. Petersburg leaders want customers to know that late fee waivers and water meter lock-off suspensions are for utility bills due on or after Sept. 25, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024. If you can pay your bills to avoid following behind, you're urged to do so.
If you run into any trouble affording your bill payments, you can call the St. Petersburg Utility Customer Service Call Center at 727-893-7341. The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"The damage and destruction from back-to-back hurricanes has caused a variety of challenges to citizens and businesses citywide," Mayor Welch said in a statement. "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."
