Stormwater Utility Fee

The City of Orlando first established a stormwater utility fee in 1989 to address and manage the challenges of stormwater runoff, pollution, and flooding. The fee funds the operation, construction, and maintenance of stormwater devices that help reduce the amount of pollution that reaches our lakes; stormwater system planning including stormwater pipes, canals, and retention ponds; and lake management including water quality and aquatic plantings. The fee was last adjusted in 2008. 

Currently, the stormwater utility fee is imposed on each parcel of land within the City of Orlando. The annual stormwater utility fee for developed property is based on the overall impervious square footage within a parcel. This outside area is calculated to determine how much runoff a parcel contributes to the system. The Streets and Stormwater Division maintains a database and assigns a billing class code to each parcel. Each parcel is charged a reasonable and equitable fee in accordance with its assigned impervious square footage and site mitigation factors, if any. 

Developed properties that have existing stormwater management facilities, which meet the Orlando Urban Stormwater Management Mannual (OUSWMM) criteria, will have their fee discounted. Those properties with on-site mitigation that do not fully meet OUSWMM criteria, may receive a partial discount as determined by the Streets and Stormwater division manager. 

The stormwater utility fee is billed annually as a non-ad valorem charge on the Orange County property tax bill and is collected through the Orange County Tax Collector Office. Non-ad valorem charges are those not based on the value of the property. 

Proposed Stormwater Utility Fee Adjustment 

Since the fee was last adjusted in 2008, our community has experienced tremendous growth, unprecedented rainfall and historic flooding, placing significant demand on our stormwater infrastructure. Because of this demand, the city conducted a rate study(PDF, 3MB) to assess our stormwater utility fee and its ability to cover current and future costs of maintaining existing infrastructure and lakes as well as upgrading stormwater infrastructure to continue to server our growing community. 

What is the stormwater utility fee?

The stormwater utility generates its revenue through user fees. Unlike property taxes and many other general fund revenues, charges are related to what is passed off the parcel into the city’s stormwater system, not the value of the property from which it came. The more runoff a parcel contributes, the greater the fee.

How will the city calculate the proposed rate adjustment?

Impervious surface area

The proposed rate adjustment will be calculated using an annual fee per square foot of impervious surface area for all developed properties. Impervious surface area is any surface area that does not allow water to pass through to the soil. Rooftops, driveways, parking lots and streets are examples. Impervious surface area is used to determine how much runoff a parcel contributes to the system. It is important to note that this is not the same as the square footage of your home.

What is the proposed adjustment?

Residential and commercial parcels: Following the recent rate study, the city is proposing a four-year tiered annual stormwater utility fee adjustment for residential and commercial parcels beginning on October 1, 2024 for fiscal year 2025.

Proposed Annual Rate Per Square Foot FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028
$0.08092  $0.10115 $0.12138 $0.12745 

Commercial OUSWMM parcels: Commercial parcels that have existing stormwater management facilities in accordance with the Orlando Urban Stormwater Management Manual (OUSWMM), or those planning such facilities may have their fee reduced or pro-rated as determined by the Streets and Stormwater Division Manager. The proposed annual rate structure for commercial OUSWMM parcels is listed below.

Proposed Annual Rate Per Square Foot FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 
$0.04693 $0.05867 $0.0704 $0.07392

Vacant parcels: Vacant parcels are charged $84.24 per acre, with a minimum charge of one acre. 

The tables below depicts examples of the annual rate fee currently and the proposed adjustment. 

Annual Residential Single and Multifamily Stormwater Utility Fee
Sq Ft Current Fee Proposed FY 2025 Fee  Proposed FY 2026 Fee Proposed FY 2027 Fee Proposed FY 2028 Fee
1,000  83.94 80.92 101.15 121.38 127.45
2,000 119.88 161.84  202.30 242.76 254.90
4,000 137.85 202.30 252.88 303.45 318.62
10,000 137.85 202.30 252.88  303.45 318.62
Annual Commercial Stormwater Utility Fee
Sq Ft Current Fee Proposed FY 2025 Fee  Proposed FY 2026 Fee Proposed FY 2027 Fee Proposed FY 2028 Fee
5,000 299.70 404.60 505.75 606.90 637.25
10,000 599.40 809.20 1,011.50 1,213.80 1,274.49
50,000 2,997.00 4,046.00  5,057.50 6,069.00 6,372.45
100,000 5,994.00 8,092.00 10,115.00 12,138.00 12,744.90
200,000 11,988.00 16,184.00 20,230.00 24,276.00 25,489.80
Annual Commercial - OUSWMM Stormwater Utility Fee
Sq Ft Current Fee Proposed FY 2025 Fee  Proposed FY 2026 Fee Proposed FY 2027 Fee Proposed FY 2028 Fee
5,000 173.91 234.67 293.34 352.00 369.60
10,000  347.82 469.34 586.67 704.00 739.20
50,000  1,739.10 2,346.68 2,933.35 3,520.02 3,696.02
100,000 3,478.20 4,693.36 5,866.70 7,040.04 7,392.04
200,000 6,956.40 9,386.72 11,733.40 14,080.08 14,784.08

How is the stormwater utility fee billed?

The stormwater utility fee is billed annually in the fall as a non-ad valorem assessment on the Orange County property tax bill and is collected through the Orange County Tax Collector Office. Non-ad valorem charges are those not based on the value of the property.

When can I learn more about the proposed fee adjustment?

Join us for a community open house on Wednesday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Orlando City Hall to learn more.

Stormwater Capital Improvement Projects

Below are anticipated costs related to planned stormwater capital improvement projects for fiscal year 24/25 through fiscal year 27/28.

Stormwater Capital Improvement Projects
Project 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 Total

Baffle Box Repair and Replacement
Project ID: TBD
Timeline: 2 years
Phase: Design

This project will replace the internal cages and improve efficiency of existing baffle boxes that are damaged and/or outdated.

 $0 $100,000 $100,000 $0 $0 $200,000

Colonialtown Phase 2 - Oregon (Fern Creek to Shine) Drainage Improvements
Project ID: STW0054_P
Timeline: 3 months - 1 year
Phase: Construction

This project is for drainage improvements needed to reduce chronic flooding within the identified flood prone area along Oregon Street. Additional improvements to sanitary and water facilities were also incorporated into the design.

 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Colonialtown Phase 3 - Shine (Oregon to Marks)
Project ID: STW0072_P
Timeline: 6 months - 2 years
Phase: 60% Design phase

Improvements are focused along Shine Avenue from Oregon Street to Marks Street. The project includes installation of stormwater pipes. The design is expected to include stormwater conveyance systems.

 $0 $0 $6,000,000 $0 $0 $6,000,000

Colonial Phase 4 - Shine (Marks and Shine Intersection)
Project ID: STW0107_P
Timeline: 4 years
Phase: Design (after phase 3)

Part of the Colonialtown basin study, this project is the final phase of the new updated study which will improve drainage system and minimize flooding for the Shine Avenue and Marks Street intersection.

 $200,000 $0 $2,500,000 $0 $0 $2,700,000

Delaney Drainage and Roadway Improvements
Project ID: STW0106_P
Timeline: 2 years
Phase: Construction

Project includes replacement of water and sanitary sewer lines as well as stormwater, traffic calming, a wider sidewalk on the east side of the street, and complete roadway replacement.

 $5,000,000  $0  $0  $0  $0  $5,000,000 

Drainage Well Enhancements
Project ID: STW0058_P
Timeline: Ongoing
Phase: Multiple projects (design and construction)

Address the city's aging drainwells that have failed or are failing by repairing or replacing them.

 $2,000,000  $200,000,000  $200,000,000 $200,000,000 $200,000,000 $10,000,000

Flood Plain Remediation Projects
Project ID: STW0108_P
Timeline: Ongoing
Phase: Study

Project includes floodplain management, mapping, update, and study.

 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000  $300,000 $1,500,000

Lake Arnold Pervious Pavement Pilot Program
Project ID: STW0042_P
Timeline: 2 years
Phase: Design (Holding for grant approval)

Pilot program for pervious pavement (three different types of pervious pavement are proposed.)

 $1,000,000  $0 $0  $0 $0  $1,000,000

Lake Fran Alum Treatment Facility (PBO PKWY)
Project ID: STW0109_P
Timeline: TBD
Phase: Design 

Maan canal, and the proposed roadway improvements to Lake Fran. Reduce nutrient concentrations discharging. This project will evaluate flow rates, pond volumes, and water quality of the contributing drainage system and recommend the configuration for an alum storage and feed system to convert Pond 4 to an "alum pond".

 $730,000  $2,600,000  $0 $0 $0 $3,330,000

Lake Ivanhoe Boulevard Drainage Improvements - Area 2
Project ID: STW0074_P
Timeline: 3 years
Phase: Design

Several areas along Ivanhoe Boulevard are in need of drainage improvements. Area 2 covers approximately 20.7 acres, with the conveyance improvements consisting of 18 to 48-inch RCP pipe improvements. The improvements are approximately located at Gerta Terrace, Hopkins Court, Depauw Avenue, Dormont Lane, and Oakmont Lane.

 $0  $0 $0 $2,187,707 $0  $2,187,707 

Lake Lawne Property Acquisition & Treatment
Project ID: STW0089_P
Timeline: 2 years
Phase: 60% Design 

Provide complete construction plans and specifications for the alum treatment system, the redesign of the existing pond, constructing an outfall structure, and the possibility of design changes to the cross drain under Mercy Drive on the C-1 canal.

 $0 $2,000,000 $0 $0 $0 $2,000,000 

Lake Notasulga/Haralson Estates - Phase II
Project ID: TBD
Timeline: 4 years
Phase: Design

Residents have complained of frequent flooding along Arlington, Concord and Goldwyn streets largely caused by an undersized drainage system that relies on ditches for conveyance. In addition, several residential homes are located within a 100-year floodplain, and structural flooding have been documented during high intensity rainfall.

 $0 $300,000 $4,000,000 $0 $0 $4,300,000 

Lake Notasulga/Haralson Estates - STW
Project ID: STW0065_P
Timeline: 2 years
Phase: Design/Final Plans

This work effort includes the design needed to provide complete construction plans and specifications for the project with sufficient information to allow for construction and permitting. The design shall include plans for the removal of the existing drainage systems, construction of the proposed conveyance systems, inlets, manholes, and reconstruction of the existing asphalt section of road and associated curbs.

 $8,300,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $8,300,000

Lake Orlando 4e
Project ID: STW0100_P
Timeline: 6 months
Phase: Study

Lake Orlando Hydrologic Nutrient Budget and Water Quality Management Plan Evaluation and Implementation - we will look at the lake to determine the water quality.

 $200,000,000 $200,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $0 $6,200,000

Leu Gardens Outfall Modifications
Project ID: STW0036_P
Timeline: 3 years
Phase: Design

Stormwater collection system from surrounding area does not have a means of catching debris prior to discharge through the outfall which is located beneath the deteriorated wooden deck. Trash and debris is contained under the deck in a chain link fenced area which is extremely difficult to access and maintain. Lack of proper maintenance due to accessibility issues has allowed a significant amount of trash and debris to collect beneath the deck. Deck has been taken out of service and needs replacement. Outfall needs to be repaired and silt/debris island removed from the lake or repurposed. Need updated master plan to determine the location of any new or repaired facilities.

 $0  $1,000,000  $1,000,000  $2,000,000 $0  $4,000,000

Mills and Jackson at Lake Lawsona Drainage Improvement
Project ID: TBD
Timeline: 2 years
Phase: Design (OUC)

Replace damaged drainage structures at the corner of Mills Avenue and Jackson Street on the south side if Lake Lawsona. This work is being completed in conjunction with an OUC project that is replacing OUC water mains in the area.

 $0 $100,000 $0 $0  $0 $100,000

Rapid Response Construction STW
Project ID: STW0044_P
Timeline: Ongoing
Phase: Emergency use as needed (ongoing)

From time to time, repair or replacement of stormwater infrastructure is required to be performed on an emergency or timely basis that prevents the conventional design, bid, construct process.

 $2,000,000  $1,000,000  $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $6,000,000

South Parramore Avenue Drainage Improvements
Project ID: STW102_P
Timeline: 3 years
Phase: Design (OUC)

South Parramore Avenue has developed several issues, which include drainage. Several city and outside partners anticipate addressing South Parramore Avenue issues at the same time. This is anticipated to incorporate city drainage and sanitary sewer work, OUC water work, and Community Redevelopment Agency streetscape work.

 $550,000  $5,500,000 $0 $0 $0 $6,050,000 

SEL: Lake of the Woods Diversion Weir 
Project ID: TBD
Timeline: 4 years
Phase: Design

This project is one of several projects that were identified by the Southeast Lakes Basin study. It is necessary to construct a diversion weir on Columbia Street just west of Hughey Avenue. This drainage improvement was permitted with St. John's River Water Management District (SJRWMD) in 1987 but not constructed. The construction of this diversion weir would prevent a portion of the Lake of the Woods drainage basin from discharging east to a closed basin but instead flow to the west to Clear Lake which eventually outfalls to Shingle Creek.

 $0  $0 $100,000 $700,000 $0 $800,000

Shingle Creek Basin Study - Phase 2
Project ID: STW0093_P
Timeline: 2 years
Phase: Study

Project involves analysis, design, and construction for flooding mitigation in Shingle Creek Basin.

 $0  $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $8,000,000 

Southeast Lakes Basin Study - Phase II
Project ID: TBD
Timeline: 2 years
Phase: Study

Project involves analysis, design, and construction for flooding mitigation in Southeast Lakes Basin.

 $0  $2,000,000  $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $0 $6,000,000

Summerlin Avenue Stormwater Improvements and Roadway Restoration
Project ID: STW0092_P
Timeline: 3 years
Phase: Design

The overall project consists of potable water main, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and roadway improvements along Summerlin Avenue between Marks Street and South Street. Streets and Stormwater Division specific scope of work includes installation of RCP storm pipe at four (4) major areas along Summerlin Avenue (Marks Street to Park Lake Street, East Jefferson Street to East Washington Street, East Robinson Street, and East Livingston to East Harwood Street) including installation of inlets and manholes and modifications to existing structures; removal of asphalt on existing brick pavers; reconstruction of roadway base, and asphalt pavement or brick pavers; and sidewalked ADA improvements. 

 $700,000  $0  $0 $0 $0 $700,000 

System Repair and Rehabilitation
Project ID: STW0056_P
Timeline: Ongoing
Phase: R&R is ongoing

The funds earmarked for system repairs and rehabilitation are being used increasingly to rehabilitate or reline storm sewers. Although relining is extremely cost-effective and allows city staff to correct problems that would otherwise be impossible to repair, it is an expensive procedure. Relining projects are taking an increasing share of the funds that have been used in the past for more traditional repairs involving excavation and complete pipe replacement. Creation of a separate and distinct project will enable city staff to better track and fund the work of storm sewer repairs vs. storm sewer rehabilitation.

 $1,500,000  $1,000,000  $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $5,500,000
Fund Total 2023/24 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28  Total
  $22,480,000 $24,281,890 $18,000,000 $17,687,707 $6,300,000 $88,749,597

 

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stormwater utility?
A stormwater utility is a stand-alone service unit within many city governments, including the City of Orlando, which generates revenues through fees for addressing stormwater.

What does the city do with this revenue?
The stormwater utility is responsible for funding the operation, construction, and maintenance of stormwater management devices, for stormwater system planning, and lake management. The utility generates its revenue through user fees, which are based on the amount of stormwater a particular parcel passes to the stormwater system. The more runoff a parcel contributes, the greater the fee.

When and how do I pay the fee?
To save on administrative costs, the fee is billed annually in the fall as a non-ad valorem assessment on the property tax bill and is collected by the tax collector. The charge is a service fee, not part of property taxes themselves.

Is this a tax?
No. The charge is a service fee and is not a part of your property taxes.

Is this a new fee?  
No. In 1989 the city established the dedicated stormwater utility to address the challenges of stormwater runoff and pollution, flooding. The fees collected are dedicated to funding those challenges. The city last adjusted stormwater rates in late 2008, and due to inflation, flooding and growth we now need to reevaluate them to ensure that we can cover those costs and effectively prepare for the future.

What is impervious surface area?
Impervious surface area is any surface area which does not allow water to pass through to the soil. Examples include rooftops, driveways, parking lots and streets. This area is how we determine how much runoff a parcel contributes to the system. This is a different square foot measurement than your home, and is the main factor used in determining the fee for your parcel.

How are the fees calculated?

Single-family parcels will be charged based on their impervious surface area. A typical 7,760 square foot lot with 2,000 square feet of impervious area will pay $161.84 per year. The maximum fee any single-family residence will pay is $202.30 per year, based on 2,500 square feet of impervious area.

Multi-family parcels will be charged based on the number of units in the parcel and the combined impervious area of the parcel as a whole, with a maximum fee per dwelling unit of $186.12 representing the equivalent of 2,300 square foot in impervious area. This means all the units will split the impervious area evenly.

Non-residential developed parcels will be charged based on how much runoff is generated from the parcel, with an example case of 2,000 square feet of impervious area costing $161.84 per year.

Vacant parcels will be charged $84.24 per acre, with a minimum charge of one acre.

What about vacant property and public property like schools and parks?
Since rain falls on all property, all property will be charged. Vacant property will be charged a minimum fee based on acreage. Schools, churches, etc., will be charged just like shopping centers, based on the total number of the impervious surface area in square feet on the site.

What do the minimum and maximums mean?
The minimum and maximum is based on the concept that even if a parcel contributed no runoff to the city system, rain falling on city streets still has to be managed. You will not be charged more than the maximum sq. ft. for your type of parcel.

How does the utility fee help with problems such as street flooding?
The City of Orlando will have more resources to allocate towards projects that relate to flooding. City staff monitors and is aware of drainage problems in some areas, but if a resident knows of others, they can call the Streets and Stormwater Division at 407.246.2370 to report problems. Not every drainage issue can be fixed immediately, but the City of Orlando is committed to working on solutions as quickly as possible.

Who do I contact for additional information related to the proposed stormwater rate fee? 
For any questions regarding the Stormwater Utility Fee, please contact the Stormwater Division at 407.246.2370 or email at stormwaterutilityrate@orlando.gov.

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Phone

407.246.2370

 

Email

stormwaterutilityrate@orlando.gov

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