What PACE water billing is and how to pay it
PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy, a financing program that lets Florida property owners borrow money for energy-efficient upgrades — solar panels, insulation, HVAC systems, and similar improvements. The loan amount gets added to your property tax bill, not your water bill. If you received a PACE loan, your water utility company is not involved in the repayment; instead, you pay through your county property tax assessment.
This matters because many people confuse PACE financing with their regular water bill. Your water bill from your city or county water department stays separate. You pay water charges for the water you use. PACE repayment is a separate line item on your property tax bill, handled by your county tax collector's office.
If you are looking to pay a PACE assessment, you will contact your county tax collector, not your water provider. The payment methods and deadlines follow property tax rules, not utility billing rules.
Key Takeaways
- PACE financing appears on your property tax bill from your county tax collector, not on your water bill from your utility company.
- You pay PACE assessments through the same office and methods you use to pay property taxes — online, by mail, in person, or by phone.
- PACE repayment deadlines follow the property tax calendar, which varies by county but typically has installments in November and May.
- Your regular water bill and your PACE assessment are two completely separate charges from two different government offices.
Where to find your PACE payment information
Your PACE assessment appears on your property tax bill, which your county tax collector mails to you or makes available online. Look for a line item labeled "PACE" or "Property Assessed Clean Energy" on that bill. The amount, due date, and payment instructions will be listed there.
If you cannot find the PACE line on your tax bill, log into your county tax collector's online portal using your property address or parcel number. Most Florida counties offer online account access where you can view all charges, including PACE assessments. The county tax collector's website also lists payment deadlines specific to your county.
You can also call your county tax collector's office directly and provide your property address or parcel number. They will tell you the exact PACE balance, when it is due, and which payment methods they accept.
How to pay your PACE assessment through your county tax collector
Payment methods vary slightly by county, but most Florida tax collectors accept online payments, mail, phone, and in-person payments. Online payment is usually the fastest and most convenient option.
To pay online, visit your county tax collector's website and look for a "Pay Taxes" or "Make a Payment" button. You will enter your property information and choose which charges to pay — you can pay just the PACE portion or your entire tax bill at once. Most online systems accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, though some charge a processing fee for credit or debit cards.
If you prefer to mail a check, write your property address or parcel number on the check and mail it to the address listed on your tax bill. Include the payment stub if one came with your bill. Payment by phone is also available in most counties; call the tax collector's office and have your property information and payment method ready.
PACE payment deadlines and what happens if you miss one
PACE assessments follow the property tax payment schedule in your county. Most Florida counties have two installment periods: one due in early November and one due in early May. Some counties allow a grace period of a few days after the official due date before penalties apply. Check your county tax collector's website or your tax bill for the exact dates.
If you miss a PACE payment deadline, your county will add a penalty and interest to the balance. The penalty amount varies by county but is typically a percentage of the unpaid amount. Interest accrues daily on the unpaid balance. The longer you wait to pay, the more you owe.
If PACE payments remain unpaid for an extended period, the county can place a lien on your property or take other collection action. This can affect your ability to sell or refinance the property. If you are having trouble making a payment, contact your county tax collector immediately to discuss options — some counties offer payment plans or deferrals in hardship situations.
Distinguishing PACE payments from your water bill
Your water bill and your PACE assessment are sent by different offices and paid to different places. Your water bill comes from your city or county water utility and covers the cost of water service to your home. Your PACE assessment comes from your county tax collector and covers the loan repayment for your energy-efficient upgrades.
Water bills are usually due monthly or bimonthly and are paid directly to the water utility. PACE assessments are due twice a year (or sometimes annually, depending on your county) and are paid to the tax collector. If you set up automatic payments, make sure you are paying each bill to the correct office.
If you receive a notice about an unpaid PACE assessment, it will come from the tax collector's office, not the water company. Similarly, if your water service is shut off for non-payment, it is because of unpaid water charges, not PACE. Keep these two bills separate in your records to avoid confusion.
Setting up automatic PACE payments
Many Florida counties allow you to set up automatic payments for property tax bills, including PACE assessments. This ensures you never miss a deadline. To set up automatic payments, log into your county tax collector's online account or call their office to ask about automatic payment options.
Some counties offer automatic withdrawal from your bank account on or before the due date. Others allow you to enroll in a payment plan that spreads the balance across multiple months. The specific options depend on your county's system.
Automatic payments do not change the due date or reduce the amount owed — they simply move the money from your account to the tax collector on schedule. Review your bank statements after setting up automatic payments to confirm the correct amount is being withdrawn on the correct date.
What to do if you have questions about your PACE bill
Contact your county tax collector's office directly. They handle all PACE-related questions, payment issues, and account details. You can reach them by phone, email, or in person at their office. Have your property address or parcel number ready when you call.
If you believe there is an error on your PACE assessment — such as an incorrect amount or a charge you do not recognize — the tax collector's office can investigate. They can also explain what upgrades are included in your PACE loan and confirm the remaining balance.
If you are struggling to pay, ask the tax collector about hardship options. Some counties offer payment deferrals, extended payment plans, or other relief. The sooner you contact them, the more options may be available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PACE the same as my water bill?
No. PACE is a separate charge that appears on your property tax bill from your county tax collector. Your water bill is a separate charge from your water utility. They are billed by different offices and paid on different schedules.
Can I pay my PACE assessment online?
Yes, most Florida counties allow online payment through their tax collector's website. You will need your property address or parcel number. Some counties charge a processing fee for credit or debit card payments, but bank transfers are usually free.
What happens if I do not pay my PACE assessment on time?
Your county will add a penalty and interest to the unpaid balance. If the debt remains unpaid, the county can place a lien on your property, which can affect your ability to sell or refinance. Contact your tax collector immediately if you cannot pay by the due date.
How do I find out what my PACE balance is?
Log into your county tax collector's online account using your property address or parcel number, or call the tax collector's office directly. Your property tax bill also shows the PACE assessment amount and balance.
Can I pay just the PACE portion of my tax bill, or do I have to pay everything?
Most online payment systems let you choose which charges to pay. You can pay only the PACE assessment and leave other taxes unpaid, though unpaid taxes will accrue penalties and interest. If you pay by mail or phone, specify which portion of the bill you are paying.