Where to send your Hillsborough County water payment

Hillsborough County Utilities sends water bills to homes and businesses in unincorporated Hillsborough County, Florida. You can pay by mail, online, phone, or in person at a payment center. The method you choose does not change what you owe — only how and when the county receives it.

Mail payments to the address printed on your bill. Online payments go through the county's website at hcflgov.net/utilities. Phone payments are handled by an automated system or a representative. In-person payments are accepted at the county's main office and satellite locations during business hours.

Each method has different processing times. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the county and post to your account. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. In-person payments post the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Hillsborough County Utilities bills are paid directly to the county, not to a third-party company, through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person.
  • Online and phone payments post within one business day, while mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the county.
  • Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person payments at a county office.
  • Late fees begin 30 days after the due date, and service can be disconnected if your bill remains unpaid for 60 days.
  • If you cannot pay your full bill, contact the county to discuss a payment plan before your account falls behind.

Paying online through the county website

The fastest and most common way to pay is through Hillsborough County's online portal. Go to hcflgov.net/utilities, select "Pay My Bill," and enter your account number and the amount you want to pay. You will need a valid email address and a debit or credit card.

The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. A convenience fee applies to credit and debit card payments — the exact amount depends on your card type and is shown before you confirm the payment. Paying by electronic bank transfer (ACH) from a checking or savings account has no fee, but takes one additional business day to post.

You can set up automatic payments so the same amount withdraws on the same date each month. This prevents missed payments but requires you to update or cancel the arrangement if your bill amount changes or you move.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call Hillsborough County Utilities at the number on your bill. An automated system will guide you through entering your account number and payment amount using your debit or credit card. If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can stay on the line after the automated menu.

Phone payments are subject to the same convenience fees as online card payments. The county does not charge a fee for ACH payments by phone if you provide your bank account and routing number directly.

Mail payments should include your account number and the payment stub from your bill. Write a check or money order payable to "Hillsborough County Utilities" and mail it to the address on your bill. Do not send cash by mail. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post — if your due date is within that window, mail your payment earlier to avoid a late fee.

Paying in person at a county office

Hillsborough County accepts in-person payments at its main utilities office and at satellite payment centers throughout the county. Payments made in person post the same day. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person payments do not charge a convenience fee for card payments.

The main office is located in Tampa. Satellite locations are in Brandon, Ruskin, and other areas — check the county website for current addresses and hours, as locations and hours change. You do not need your account number to pay in person if you bring your bill, but having it speeds up the process.

What happens if your payment is late

Your bill is due on the date printed on your statement. If payment is not received by that date, a late fee is added 30 days after the due date. The late fee amount is set by county policy and appears on your next bill.

If your account remains unpaid for 60 days past the due date, the county may disconnect your water service. A reconnection fee applies when service is restored, in addition to the unpaid balance and late fees. Reconnection can take several days to schedule.

If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact Hillsborough County Utilities before your account becomes late. The county may be able to set up a payment plan that lets you pay in installments instead of a lump sum.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If your bill is too large to pay at once, call the county's utilities office to discuss a payment arrangement. You must contact them before your account is 30 days late — once a late fee is assessed, the options may be more limited.

A payment plan typically breaks your balance into equal monthly payments over a set period. The county may require you to pay a portion upfront and the rest over the next few months. Each payment must be made on time, or the plan may be cancelled and the full balance becomes due when ready.

Payment plans are not the same as financial hardship programs. If you are experiencing a temporary hardship due to job loss, medical emergency, or natural disaster, ask the county whether other programs or temporary deferrals are available in your area.

Finding your account number and bill information

Your account number is printed on your water bill in the upper right corner or near the top of the page. It is a unique identifier that the county uses to match your payment to your account. You need this number for online, phone, and mail payments.

If you have lost your bill or do not know your account number, you can look it up on the county website by entering your service address. You can also call the utilities office and provide your name and address, and a representative will give you your account number.

Your bill also shows your due date, the amount owed, and the address where mail payments should be sent. Keep your bill or a copy of it until the payment posts to your account, in case you need to prove payment was made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the convenience fee for paying online with a credit card?

The convenience fee varies by card type and is shown on the payment screen before you confirm. It is typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. ACH payments from a bank account have no fee but take one extra business day to post.

Can I pay someone else's Hillsborough County water bill?

Yes. You can pay online or by phone using the account number, or pay in person at a county office. The county does not require you to be the account holder to make a payment. Online and phone payments require the account number; in-person payments can be made with just the service address.

What if I paid my bill but it still shows as late?

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post. If you mailed a check, wait at least 10 days before contacting the county. If you paid online or in person and the payment still does not appear after one business day, call the utilities office with your confirmation number or receipt.

Can I set up automatic payments and then cancel them later?

Yes. You can cancel automatic payments at any time through the county website or by calling the utilities office. Cancel before the next scheduled withdrawal if you do not want that payment to go through. Cancelling does not affect past payments or your account balance.

What happens if my water service is disconnected for non-payment?

You must pay the full unpaid balance, all late fees, and a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection is not when ready — the county schedules it based on availability, which may take several days. Contact the utilities office as soon as possible if your service is disconnected.