How to pay your CFPUA bill
The City of Fernandina Beach Public Utilities (CFPUA) offers three main ways to pay your water and sewer bill: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. The online portal is the fastest option and lets you see your balance and payment history immediately. Phone and mail payments take longer to process but work if you prefer not to use the internet.
You will need your account number to pay any way except by mail — it appears on the top right of your bill. If you are paying online, you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments so you never miss a due date.
Key Takeaways
- CFPUA's online payment portal at their website is the fastest way to pay and shows your balance right away.
- You can pay by phone by calling CFPUA's customer service line with your account number and payment method ready.
- Mailed checks should be sent to the address printed on your bill and take 7 to 10 business days to post to your account.
- Setting up automatic monthly payments through the online portal prevents late fees and removes the need to remember due dates.
- Late fees apply if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of when you submit it.
Paying online through the CFPUA website
Go to the CFPUA website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" link on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your account number and either your service address or the amount of your last bill to verify your account. Once logged in, you can see your current balance, past bills, and payment history.
To make a one-time payment, select the amount you want to pay, choose your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), and confirm. The system will give you a confirmation number immediately — save this for your records. If you use a credit card, CFPUA may charge a convenience fee; paying by bank account transfer usually has no extra cost.
For automatic payments, select "Enroll in AutoPay" or a similar option in your account settings. You will choose the day of the month you want the payment to come out and which payment method to use. Automatic payments continue each month until you cancel them, so log in periodically to make sure the amount is correct if your bill changes.
Paying by phone
Call CFPUA's customer service number listed on your bill. Have your account number and payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account information) ready before you call. A representative will verify your account and process your payment over the phone.
Phone payments are processed during business hours, usually Monday through Friday. If you call after hours or on a weekend, your payment may not be recorded until the next business day. Ask for a confirmation number when your payment is complete and keep it with your bill records.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to CFPUA and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — do not send it to a different address even if you find one online, as it may be misdirected.
Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach CFPUA and be posted to your account. If your due date is coming up soon, mail is not a reliable option; use online or phone payment instead. Keep a copy of the check or money order number for your records in case you need to track the payment later.
Understanding due dates and late fees
Your due date is printed on your bill, usually 15 to 20 days after the bill date. CFPUA considers a payment late if it is not received by 5 p.m. on the due date — the date you submit it does not matter. This means a check mailed three days before the due date might still arrive late.
Late fees are added to your account if payment is not received by the due date. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee; check your bill or call CFPUA to learn the exact amount. If you know you will be late, call CFPUA before the due date to ask about payment arrangements or hardship programs.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments are the easiest way to make sure your bill is paid on time every month. Once enrolled, the payment comes out of your bank account or card on the date you choose, and you receive a confirmation by email or through your online account.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account or by calling CFPUA. If your bill amount changes significantly, log in to check that the automatic payment is still the right amount — some systems deduct a fixed amount each month, while others deduct the full bill balance.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you are having trouble paying your water bill, contact CFPUA before your due date. Many utilities offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months, or hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty. Calling early gives you more options than waiting until after a late fee is added.
Ask specifically about a payment arrangement or deferred payment plan. Some programs require you to pay a portion now and the rest over time; others may temporarily reduce or defer your bill. The sooner you reach out, the more likely CFPUA can work with you before your service is at risk of disconnection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my CFPUA bill with a credit card online?
Yes, CFPUA accepts credit cards through their online portal, but they may charge a convenience fee for credit card payments. Paying by bank account transfer usually has no fee, so that is often the cheaper choice if you have the option.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments usually post within 24 hours on business days. You will receive a confirmation number right away, but the payment may not appear in your account balance until the next day. If you need proof of payment immediately, save your confirmation number.
What happens if I pay after the due date?
A late fee will be added to your account if payment is not received by the due date, even if you submit it just one day late. The fee amount depends on your bill size; check your bill or call CFPUA to learn the exact amount for your account.
Can I cancel automatic payments if I want to pay manually some months?
Yes, you can cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account or by calling CFPUA. If you want to pause it for just one month, contact them directly to ask if they can skip a single payment without canceling the whole enrollment.
Is there a way to get my bill lowered if I think I am using too much water?
Contact CFPUA to ask about a water audit or leak detection. High bills are often caused by a hidden leak in your plumbing; CFPUA can help you find it. Some utilities also offer conservation rebates or rate adjustments if you make water-saving upgrades to your home.