Where to pay your Broward water bill depends on which utility serves your address

Broward County has two main water utilities: Broward County Environmental Resources Management (ERM) serves most of the county, while city utilities

Once you know your utility, you have several payment methods available. Most utilities in Broward accept online payments, phone payments, mail, and in-person payments at drop boxes or offices. The fastest and most convenient option for most people is online payment through the utility's website or app, which processes immediately and gives you a confirmation number.

Key Takeaways

  • Broward County ERM and individual city utilities each have their own billing and payment systems, so check your bill to see which one serves you.
  • Online payment through your utility's website or mobile app is the fastest method and shows a confirmation number right away.
  • Phone payment is available from most utilities and takes about five minutes; have your account number and payment method ready.
  • Mail and in-person payments work but take longer to process, so send mail at least ten days before your due date.
  • Late fees and service disconnection begin after the due date shown on your bill, so set a reminder if you pay by mail.

Paying Broward County ERM water bills online

Broward County ERM's online payment portal is at broward.org/myutility. Create an account using your account number (on your bill) and the service address. Once logged in, you can view your current balance, payment history, and due date. To pay, select "Make a Payment," enter the amount, and choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer.

Bank account transfers (ACH) are free and process within one to two business days. Credit and debit card payments process immediately but carry a convenience fee of about 2.5 percent. If you want to avoid the fee, use ACH or mail a check. The portal also lets you set up automatic recurring payments on your due date each month, which prevents missed payments.

Paying city utility water bills online

Each city utility in Broward has its own online payment system. Fort Lauderdale uses fortlauderdale.gov/utilities, Pompano Beach uses ci.pompano-beach.fl.us, and Deerfield Beach uses ci.deerfield-beach.fl.us. Search "[your city] water bill payment" if you are unsure of the exact web address. Most city utilities offer the same payment methods as ERM: online portal, phone, mail, and sometimes in-person at city offices.

City utilities often charge a convenience fee for credit card payments but not for ACH bank transfers. Check your bill or the utility's website for the exact fee amount before you pay. Some cities also offer paperless billing and automatic payment setup through their online portals, which can lower your bill slightly.

Paying by phone

Both Broward County ERM and city utilities accept phone payments. For ERM, call 954-765-4000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For city utilities, the phone number appears on your bill. Have your account number, the amount you want to pay, and a debit card, credit card, or bank account number ready.

Phone payments process immediately, and the utility representative will give you a confirmation number. A convenience fee applies if you use a credit card; bank account payments are usually free. Phone payment is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to someone, but it takes longer than online payment.

Paying by mail or in-person

You can mail a check to the address on your bill. Write your account number on the check and mail it at least ten days before the due date to avoid late fees. Mail payment takes five to seven business days to process, so the utility may not receive it by your due date even if you send it on time.

Broward County ERM has drop boxes at several locations around the county where you can deposit a check or money order 24 hours a day. Find the nearest drop box at broward.org/utilities. City utilities may have drop boxes or payment windows at their offices; check your bill or call the utility for locations and hours. In-person payment avoids mail delays and gives you a receipt on the spot.

What happens if you miss the due date

Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 to 30 days from the billing date. If payment is not received by that date, a late fee is added to your account. Late fees vary by utility but typically range from $10 to $25 for residential accounts. The fee appears on your next bill.

If your bill remains unpaid for 60 to 90 days (depending on the utility), the water company may issue a disconnection notice. This notice gives you a final deadline, usually 10 to 14 days, to pay or arrange a payment plan. If you do not respond, your water service will be shut off. Reconnection requires paying the full balance plus a reconnection fee, which can be $100 or more. If you cannot pay in full, contact your utility immediately to discuss a payment plan.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees

Both Broward County ERM and city utilities let you set up automatic monthly payments through their online portals. You can choose to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month. Automatic payments deduct from your bank account on your due date, so you never have to remember to pay.

To set up automatic payments, log into your online account, find the "Autopay" or "Recurring Payment" option, and enter your bank account information. You can cancel automatic payments anytime through the same portal. This method is free (no convenience fee) and is the most reliable way to stay current on your bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my water bill with a credit card without a fee?

Most Broward utilities charge a convenience fee (usually 2 to 3 percent) for credit card payments. Bank account transfers (ACH) and checks are free. If you want to avoid the fee, use ACH online or mail a check.

What if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my bill?

Online payments take one to two business days to process. If you paid by ACH (bank transfer), wait two business days. If you paid by credit or debit card, it should show within 24 hours. Check your online account or call the utility if it does not appear after that time.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?

Yes. Contact your utility before the disconnection notice arrives. Both Broward County ERM and city utilities offer payment plans for customers who cannot pay in full. You will need to call the utility's customer service line to discuss your situation and arrange a plan.

Do I need to create an online account to pay my bill?

No. You can pay by phone, mail, or in-person without an online account. However, an online account lets you see your balance and due date anytime, set up automatic payments, and get email reminders—all of which help prevent late payments.

What is the difference between Broward County ERM and city utilities?

Broward County ERM serves unincorporated areas of the county. City utilities serve residents within city limits (Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, and others). Your bill shows which one serves you. Each has its own billing system and payment portal.