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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at customerservice@ouafl.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How can I open a new account? 

If you are a property owner, please bring in your Warranty Deed for the property and your Photo ID.

If you are a tenant, please bring in your Lease/Rental Agreement and your Photo ID.

Please know the address of the property you will be receiving services at. A deposit will be required to open an account. 

Click here to submit request to open a new account.

How much are deposits? 

 Residential:

  • Owner - Water only: $119.00
  • Water and Wastewater: $252.00

Tenant

  • Water only: $187.00
  • Water and Wastewater: $373.00
    • There is a $18.00 turn on fee in addition to the required deposit.

Commercial:  Please contact the office for these fees.

There is a deposit discount offered to customers who enroll in our Direct Debit program.

All deposits are refundable after twenty-four (24) consecutive on-time payments. 

Why do I need identification to establish a utility account? 

All utility accounts require a signed application and legal identification to establish a contract protecting both the OUA and the customer. Utility customers must be of legal age to assume the responsibility and pledge to pay the monthly utility charges. This also allows us to protect the customer from someone else requesting a change in the account without the account holder’s consent.

How do I close my account with OUA? 

You may submit a request online (below) or come into the main office with your photo ID. We will close your account on the date you specify. If you are the owner of property you cannot close your account until the property is deeded in another party's name. Click here to submit request to close your account.

If I establish service in the middle of a billing period, will my monthly base rate be prorated for the number of days service was provided? 

Yes, it will. To calculate this amount, divide the appropriate base rate by the number of days in the month then multiply that amount by the number of days that service was provided.

 

I am currently an OUA customer and I am moving to another residence, how can I transfer my service(s)? 

You can come to the OUA main office with your photo ID and new address information, deposit and service(s) will be transferred to the new address. If you have a balance on your current account, you will need to pay the balance prior to transferring your deposit. If you are purchasing the new property, please bring your Warranty Deed with you when transferring your service(s). An upgrade of deposit may be required. You can call the office in advance to find out if this upgrade will apply to you. 

Where can I make a payment? 

Payments can be made at the OUA's main office, located at 100 SW 5th Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida. 34974. Payments can be made in the lobby, drive-thru or in the night time drop box. 

What forms of payment are accepted? 

We accept cash, check, money order or credit/debit cards. There is a fee to use the credit/debit card option. You may also make your payment online by clicking here

How much are late fees and how can I avoid them? 

Late fees equal 10% of the balance due at the time the bill becomes delinquent. 

Late fees will not be generated if the entire bill is paid each month by the due date.

I’m going away for 3 months; can I pay my bill in advance? 

You can absolutely pay in advance. Should you choose to pay in advance, you will see a credit on your monthly bill and current charges will still be detailed on each monthly statement and deducted from the credit remaining.

E-Billing 

To sign up for E-Billing, please click here, complete the form and return it to the OUA Main Office.  

How can I sign up for Direct Debit? 

Please complete a Direct Authorization Form and return with a voided check.  

What should I do if I learn that one of my check payments is going to be returned for insufficient funds? 

Contact our office immediately at 863-763-9460 

Can I receive a credit if I had a leak? 

We will credit any additional sewer usage due to a leak that did not enter the sewer system.  Please click here to download the Sewer Credit Form.  Fill in the requested information and turn it into the main office. 

Who is responsible for the repair if there is a leak in my meter box? 

 

The connection from the meter to your home is the customer’s responsibility. Any leaks found between the meter and the home must be repaired by the customer. If a leak is on the OUA side of the meter, the water is lost before the usage reaches the meter so the customer will not be charged for this. The OUA is responsible for repairing leaks on their side of the meter. Please contact us at 863-763-9460 if such a leak is discovered or if you need assistance determining who is responsible for the repairs.

I have a septic tank, why do I have to pay a monthly sewer charge? 

The State of Florida requires residents to hook into municipal sewer systems when they are available and the monthly sewer fee must be paid. However, local provisions allow residents to continue using operable septic systems, eliminating the cost associated with hooking into the sewer system. Should residents choose to continue using their own septic system, the monthly sewer fee will still apply if the central sewer system is available to the residents.

If the septic system needs repair or replacement, hook up to the wastewater system is required by law where available.