Environmental Resources Management

Stormwater Utility FAQs

• Why do I have to pay a fee to the Stormwater Utility?
• How is the Stormwater Utility fee calculated?
• Why is my Stormwater Utility fee on my water bill?
• I have a question about my regular water bill. Can you help?
• The water pressure in my house is low. Can you help?
• How do I pay my Stormwater Utility bill?
• I received a Notice of Lien for my Stormwater Utility bill. What does this mean, and what do I do?
• I live in (a) a condo, (b) on a farm in the Redlands, (c) in a trailer park. Do I still have to pay this fee?
• There aren't any storm drains or canals anywhere near my property. Why do I have to pay this fee?
• How long has the Utility been in effect? And how long will you be charging me this fee?
• Whom do I call to report a problem with a canal?
• How do I report a drainage or flooding complaint?

Why do I have to pay a fee to the Stormwater Utility?

The reason that you receive a stormwater utility bill is not just because of the volume of water that needs to be drained from an area. It is also because of the silt, oil, gasoline, fertilizers, pesticides and other litter that is carried by the stormwater to the drainage systems that have been developed to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. Stormdrains not only have to remove water from the streets as quickly as possible, they also have to deal with all of the contaminants that get picked up along the way. The Stormwater Utility funds a wide variety of activities and programs that reduce flooding and pollution.

How is the Stormwater Utility fee calculated?

The Stormwater Utility uses an engineering approach to determine its fee structure. The Utility determines the size of a given property that is "impervious" to rainwater and calculates the fee based on that figure. That way, the Stormwater Utility is charging a fee based on the runoff generated from those impervious surfaces (like rooftops and parking lots), since this runoff is what the Stormwater Utility is going to have to handle.

The Utility conducted a statistical analysis to establish an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) for residential properties. The value of one ERU is set at 1,548 square feet and incurs a charge of $4 per month for residential homes. The $4 a month Utility fee is one of the lowest rates in Florida.

Commercial, industrial and other non-residential properties are calculated using the same ERU concept, but account for the exact footage of a facility and all impervious surfaces when determining the total monthly Stormwater Utility fee.

To determine the Stormwater Utility fee for non-residential properties, take the total square footage of the property's impervious surfaces, divide by 1,548 (the size of one ERU) and multiply by $4 (the cost of one ERU). As an example, a non-residential property with a total impervious area of 4,644 square feet would pay $12 per month in Stormwater Utility fees. 4,644 / 1,548 X $4 = $12.

Why is my Stormwater Utility fee on my water bill?

In an effort to reduce overall costs for the processing of bills and fees, the County is able to consolidate its billing needs which lowers the County's materials, labor and postage costs. These cost savings and greater efficiency of operation are passed on to our Stormwater Utility customers. Customers on well water receive their Stormwater Utility bill separately.

I have a question about my regular water bill. Can you help?

You need to contact the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department at 305-665-7477.

The water pressure in my house is low. Can you help?

You need to contact the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department at 305-665-7477.

How do I pay my Stormwater Utility bill?

If you are billed the stormwater fee on your Miami-Dade Water and Sewer bill, you can make a payment on the Water and Sewer Department website.

No, if you are billed directly by the Miami-Dade County Stormwater Utility, payments are not accepted online.

You may make your payment in person at our offices in Downtown Miami located at:
701 NW 1st Court
5th Floor

Or mail your payment to:
P.O. Box 025297
Miami, FL 33102-5297.

Please make sure to make checks payable to Miami-Dade County Stormwater Utility. For questions concerning a visit to our office please call the Stormwater Utility's information line at 305-372-6688.

I received a Notice of Lien for my Stormwater Utility bill. What does this mean, and what do I do?

This means that a lien has been placed against your property and has been recorded in the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts for non-payment of your fees more than 60 days after the past due date. To satisfy this lien, you may send a payment for the amount indicated in the Notice of Lien, pay in person, or contact the Stormwater Utility at 305-372-6688 for instructions on making your payment.

I live in (a) a condo, (b) on a farm in the Redlands, (c) in a trailer park. Do I still have to pay this fee?

Yes. Every developed property is required to pay the fee, regardless of its location or amount of stormwater runoff. Properties with homeowner's associations are also required to pay this fee.

There aren't any storm drains or canals anywhere near my property. Why do I have to pay this fee?

The Stormwater Utility fee aids in stormwater drainage improvements for the entire county, not just your property. Your contribution helps to enhance the drainage ability for roadways and land, making it easier for you and others to travel throughout the County in all but the heaviest rainstorms.

How long has the Utility been in effect? And how long will you be charging me this fee?

The Stormwater Utility was established in 1991 to solve the problem of polluted stormwater and to improve the drainage capability of areas that are susceptible to flooding. The fees will be collected in perpetuity to ensure adequate maintenance of the County's drainage systems including roadways and canals to provide for any needed improvements in these systems.

Whom do I call to report a problem with a canal?

You may call the Miami-Dade County Public Works and Waste Management Department at 305-592-3116 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also call 3-1-1 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

How do I report a drainage or flooding complaint?

You may call the Stormwater Utility at 305-372-6688 Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If it is not urgent, you may leave a voice message.

You can also file a non-emergency complaint online file online . Don't forget to click SUBMIT after you have filled out the form.

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Thu Oct 13, 2011 3:40:25 PM