PACE water bills go to the county tax collector, not directly to the utility
If you receive water service from PACE (Public Utilities Board of Pace, Florida), your bill arrives as part of your property tax bill, not as a separate utility invoice. This means you pay through your county tax collector's office, using the same methods and deadlines as your property taxes. The bill shows up on your tax notice, usually quarterly or annually depending on your county's schedule.
Because PACE is a small municipal utility serving a limited area in Santa Rosa County, it does not operate its own billing department. Instead, the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector handles all payments. This setup is common for small water systems in Florida and affects where you send money and what payment options are available to you.
Key Takeaways
- PACE water charges appear on your Santa Rosa County property tax bill, not on a separate utility statement.
- You pay the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector, and payment deadlines follow the county's property tax schedule, not a utility billing cycle.
- Online payment through the county tax collector's website is the fastest option and shows confirmation immediately.
- If you pay by mail, send your check to the tax collector's office with your bill stub to ensure the payment reaches the right account.
- Setting up automatic payments through your bank prevents missed deadlines and keeps your account current.
Where to send your PACE water payment
Contact the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector's office directly to pay your PACE water bill. You can reach them by phone, visit in person, or use their online payment portal. The tax collector's office is located in Milton, Florida, and handles all property tax and utility payments for the county.
Before you contact them, have your property tax bill or account number ready. This number appears on your tax notice and helps the office locate your account quickly. If you have lost your bill, the tax collector can look up your account using your property address or parcel number.
Online payment through the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector
The Santa Rosa County Tax Collector's website allows you to pay your PACE water bill online using a credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer. Log in with your account number or property address, enter the amount you owe, and choose your payment method. The system generates a confirmation number immediately, which you should save for your records.
Online payment typically processes within one business day. If you pay before the due date shown on your tax bill, your account will show current status right away. The website also lets you set up a one-time payment or recurring automatic payments, which is useful if you want to avoid missing future deadlines.
Mailing a check or money order
If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector. Include your payment stub from your tax bill, or write your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address listed on your bill — this ensures it reaches the correct department.
Allow 7 to 10 business days for a mailed payment to clear. If your payment is due soon, mail it early or use online payment instead to avoid a late fee. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records in case you need to track the payment later.
Setting up automatic payments from your bank
Your bank's bill pay service can send a check directly to the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector on your behalf. Set up the payment through your bank's website or mobile app, enter the tax collector's mailing address, and choose the date you want the payment sent. This method works well if you prefer not to use online credit card payments.
Schedule the payment to arrive at least five business days before your due date, since mailed checks take time to process. Once you set up the payment, you can repeat it each billing cycle without re-entering information. Your bank will keep a record of every payment sent.
Understanding your PACE water bill and due dates
Your PACE water charges appear as a line item on your Santa Rosa County property tax bill. The bill shows the amount owed for water service, the due date, and any penalties if payment is late. Property tax bills in Florida typically have a deadline of March 31 each year, though your county may offer installment payment options.
If you do not pay by the due date, the county adds a penalty to your account. The penalty amount varies but typically starts at a percentage of the unpaid balance. If the bill remains unpaid for an extended period, the county can place a lien on your property or take other collection action.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
Contact the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector's office as soon as you know you will miss the deadline. Some counties offer payment plans or short extensions for property tax bills, though this depends on your specific situation and the county's policies. Calling ahead is better than ignoring the bill, because it shows good faith and may prevent penalties from being added.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask the tax collector about any programs or options available to you. While PACE itself does not run assistance programs, the county may have resources or may be willing to work with you on timing. Getting in touch early gives you the best chance of finding a solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my PACE water bill on my property tax notice?
PACE is a small municipal utility that contracts with the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector to handle billing and payment collection. This is a common arrangement for small water systems in Florida and keeps administrative costs down. You pay through the same office and on the same schedule as your property taxes.
Can I pay my PACE water bill separately from my property taxes?
No. PACE water charges are combined with your property tax bill and must be paid together. You cannot separate the water portion and pay it on a different schedule or to a different office. The full amount due includes both property taxes and utilities.
What happens if I pay late?
The Santa Rosa County Tax Collector adds a penalty to your account. The penalty amount depends on how late the payment is and your county's specific rules. If the bill stays unpaid for several months, the county can place a lien on your property, which affects your ability to sell or refinance.
How do I know if my online payment went through?
The tax collector's website shows a confirmation number immediately after you submit payment. Save this number. You can also log back into your account within a day or two to see if the payment has posted. If you do not see it after two business days, contact the tax collector's office to confirm.
Can I set up autopay so I never miss a deadline?
Yes. The Santa Rosa County Tax Collector's website allows you to set up recurring automatic payments from a bank account or credit card. You can also use your bank's bill pay service to send a check automatically each year. Both methods prevent missed deadlines without requiring you to remember each payment date.