Stormwater Utility Fee

 What is a stormwater utility fee?

The stormwater utility fee is used for construction, maintenance and operation of stormwater treatment and flood prevention projects. The fee funds studies of drainage problems; compliance with all state, federal, and local stormwater programs and mandates; and is used to monitor water quality in the City’s surface waters.

What is the solid waste fee?

If your garbage is collected at your house, the fee paid to the collection service only covers the cost of collecting and hauling the trash to Volusia County’s landfill facility.

Why is the stormwater utility fee necessary?

The stormwater utility fee is necessary to provide stormwater drainage facilities throughout the City in order that the health, safety, and welfare of the City's residents and businesses may be protected. The fee is used to address localized flooding issues, impassable streets and property damage that repetitively occurs during heavy rains.

The stormwater run-off from the rain carries pollutants from streets, parking lots and driveways into our streams, lakes and into ground water. Rain recharges our aquifer system, which is the current source of the City of Daytona Beach’s drinking water. If stormwater runoff is not treated properly, there is a risk of groundwater contamination and costlier potable water.

Who pays this fee?

Anyone who owns developed property in the City limits pays this fee. This includes all State, County, City, and school facilities as well as churches. There are no exemptions. The City of Daytona Beach currently charges a $7.04 per month stormwater fee for each residential unit and shown on the monthly utility bill of City residents. Business accounts are based on square footage of impervious surface. Every 1661 square feet is equivalent to one residential fee.

Isn't this just another tax?

No. This utility fee is considered a service for stormwater improvements and is allowed in accordance with Section 403.0893 of the Florida Statutes.

Although a utility fee is considered an additional cost to residents, it is not a tax on the ad valorem value of a particular property. The stormwater utility fee is not equated to property values. All owners of improved residential property pay the same fee. Commercial property fees are based on the square footage of impervious area located on the site.

When and how do I pay this fee?

The fee will appear on the monthly utility bill mailed out by the Daytona Beach Utility Billing Department. For any partial payment of a combined utility bill shall first be applied to the stormwater utility fee, secondly to garbage pickup and lastly for the water/sewer service reflected on the utility bill.

When did the City start charging this fee?

The stormwater fee was established in 1994, charging $4 per year on each equivalent residential unit (ERU). Beginning in 2007, and annually thereafter, the monthly ERU shall be automatically adjusted in accordance with section 98-32 which contains a revised schedule of rates, charges and fees effective October 1, 2004 and dictating an annual fee adjustments in perpetuity linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

For the fiscal years commencing on October 1, 2005 through October 1, 2008, the annual adjustment shall be an increase equal to the sum of 3.75 percent of the existing rate, charge, or fee, plus the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published by the U.S. Department of Labor. Beginning in the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2009, and thereafter, the annual adjustment to rates, charges, and fees shall be the percentage change in the CPI.

I have homestead exemption, why am I being charged?

The stormwater utility not a tax based on the value of your property therefore the homestead exemption does not apply.

I have a well or septic tank. Why should I be charged?

Having a well or septic tank does not affect stormwater.

What does the City do with this money?

The fee is used to support stormwater facility maintenance and operations; fund the Stormwater Engineering Section to study, plan, design, and construct stormwater treatment and flood prevention projects; to investigate drainage problems; to ensure the City’s compliance with state, federal, and local stormwater permits and mandates; and to monitor water quality in the City’s water bodies.

Stormwater doesn't leave my property, why should I have to pay?

All County residents receive the benefit of drainage maintenance of the City’s stormwater facilities. The stormwater system on a public road protects the road from becoming inundated with floodwaters and subsequently treats the stormwater before it is discharged to local water bodies. If there were no publicly maintained drainage systems, roads may become impassable during rains and surface waters could quickly become unhealthy and overloaded with pollutants.