UTILITIES - WATER, SEWER, SANITATION & STORMWATER

The City of Fort Walton Beach Customer Service Division is responsible for reading water meters, billing customers, receiving payments, opening and closing utility accounts, and resolving customer inquiries for the City's 9,000 utility customers.  Services include water, sewer, sanitation, county tipping fees, and stormwater utility fees.  Customer Service Representatives can be reached at 850-833-9500.

The Customer Service Division would like to introduce you to an easier way to pay your monthly utility bill by using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), more commonly known as Bank Drafting.  With EFT (or Bank Drafting), you will continue to receive a monthly bill.  The 'Total Due' will be deducted from your bank account on the 'Due Date'.  Depending on holidays and weekends, the date the amount is deducted may be a day or two after the due date.  There's nothing to remember or worry about because your bill is paid automatically and on time.

This bank draft program makes paying your bill simple and convenient.  Perfect for people on the go!

• Who can join? Your financial institution must be a member of the National Automated Clearing House Association in order for you to enroll.
• How do I sign up? Download and fill out the application form from the link at the bottom of this page and return to the Customer Service Division at City Hall along with a voided check.  Or, mail the completed application and a voided check to City of Fort Walton Beach, Customer Service Division, P.O. Box 4009, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549.  If you have any questions regarding EFT, please call 850-833-9500.
• How will I know how much is drafted? You will continue to receive a monthly bill.  The 'Total Due' will be deducted from your bank account on the 'Due Date' shown on your bill.  Be sure to deduct the 'Total Due' from your bank book balance!
• What if I have a question about my bill? Call the Customer Service Division at 850-833-9500 before the 'Due Date' and we will answer any questions you may have.  The earlier you call with questions, the greater the possibility of correcting any problems prior to drafting your bank account.
• What record will I have showing that I paid my bill? Your bank statement indicating the amount drafted from your account is your proof of payment.
• What if I move, change account numbers or banks, or want to discontinue the plan? Call the Customer Service Division at 850-833-9500.  The bank draft application is for one bank and one specific account as indicated on the form.  If you change account numbers or if you change banks, you must complete, sign and return a new bank draft form along with a new voided check.
• Once an application has been submitted, how long before my bill will be drafted from my account? Generally, it will take six to eight weeks, or one to two billing cycles, before the bill is drafted from your account.  Continue to pay your bill as you normally would until you see this message on your bill: 'DO NOT PAY - BANK DRAFT'.

BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS (formerly Occupational Licenses)

A Business Tax Receipt (BTR) is issued by the City of Fort Walton Beach for the privilege of operating a business.  Anyone providing merchandise or services to the public, even through a one-person company or home based occupation, must obtain a city BTR to operate.  In some cases, if a business performs several functions, it may be necessary to acquire more than one BTR.

Before a City BTR can be issued, a business must meet all conditions required by city, county, state or federal agency regulations which apply to that business or occupation.  Many businesses will be subject to zoning codes.  If the nature of a business brings employees inside the city limits to conduct business even though the business establishment is in the county, it is necessary to obtain a city BTR.

BTR fees vary depending on the nature of the business.  The number of employees, equipment and seating capacity are a few variables considered in the cost factor.

Business Tax Receipts are renewed annually beginning in July.  MasterCard and Visa are acceptable forms of payment for all renewals.  If you have ANY changes to be made to your existing BTR you must contact or come into our office to make the needed change(s).  The BTR is valid through September 30th of the following year.  New BTR's are issued any time during the year and are prorated April 1st, at which time half-year fees apply.  Failure to renew a BTR subjects the owner to delinquent fees.  All businesses must maintain a current BTR or City Code Enforcement may close the business until the requirement is met.  You may come in and complete the BTR process at anytime during our regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

It is the responsibility of the business owner to report to the City's BTR Office a change of address, name change or ownership transfer or any change affecting the price of the BTR, i.e. number of employees, seating capacity for restaurants, number of rooms for hotels, apartments, etc.

BTR's can be paid in person or mail by using cash, cashiers check or money order, and for your convenience, we accept Visa and/or Mastercard along with debit cards displaying the credit card logo present on the card.

If you have any questions, please call 850-833-9500, or visit our office at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway, SW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Pay Water Bill Online

Download an Electronic Funds Transfer form now.