- 5 Year Price Lock
- Free WiFi Equipment
- Free Xfinity Mobile Line for 1 year
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps
- Plans starting at $45/month
Electric Providers in Sarasota
Electricity in Sarasota is provided by Florida Power & Light (FPL), and you should establish your account online or by calling at least three business days before your move. We strongly recommend enrolling in FPL’s Budget Billing immediately to smooth out the inevitable “AC spikes” that occur during the humid Florida summers.
Natural Gas Providers in Sarasota
Natural gas is managed by TECO Peoples Gas, and you can schedule your start date online or by calling about a week in advance. Because gas is less common in Florida than in northern states, be sure to confirm your new home actually has a gas line before trying to hook up a dryer or stove, as many local developments are 100% electric.
Top 9 Internet Providers in Sarasota
Internet options are dominated by Xfinity and Frontier Fiber, with both offering high-speed symmetrical connections in most residential areas. We suggest checking for Frontier Fiber availability at least two weeks before your move, as their fiber-to-the-home network is highly preferred by the city’s growing population of remote workers and creative professionals.
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
Water & Sewage Providers in Sarasota
Water and sewer services are divided by jurisdiction: if you are within city limits, you’ll use City of Sarasota Utilities (941-263-6000), while unincorporated residents use Sarasota County Public Utilities (941-861-6790). Most residents manage their accounts through the H2O2Go portal, and you should be prepared for a mandatory deposit that varies based on your credit history or previous utility standing.
Top 12 Trash and Recycling Providers in Sarasota
Trash and recycling services are handled by the City of Sarasota for urban residents (billed on your utility statement) and by Sarasota County for those in unincorporated areas (billed as an assessment on your property taxes). For county residents, collection is provided by Waste Management, and you should download the “Sarasota County Solid Waste” app to track your specific “Blue Cart” recycling weeks and holiday delays.
Utilities Summary for Sarasota, FL
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 1 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 2 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 12 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
How to Set Up Utilities in Sarasota: Electricity, Water, Internet & More
Nestled on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota offers a beautiful blend of warm weather, vibrant arts, and lovely beaches. It’s also a community that cares about sustainability, with utility programs and environmental initiatives designed to help homeowners save energy and money while protecting local ecosystems.

Electric Service
Most homes in Sarasota are served by Florida Power & Light (FPL), the region’s major electric utility. FPL provides reliable 24/7 power, especially important during hurricane season and hot summers. They also run several energy‑efficiency programs and partnership rebates to help you reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills. FPL encourages sustainable living, like their on‑call thermostat program that adjusts settings during peak hours for lower bills. Sarasota County also runs volunteer “Energy Coach” sessions to help homeowners adopt eco-friendly upgrades.
Energy Efficiency & Rebates
• Get Energy Smart Retrofit Program: FPL offers rebates up to $3,000 for home improvements like insulation, windows, and heat pumps, plus an extra $500 for an energy audit.
• Federal tax credit: Through the Inflation Reduction Act and ENERGY STAR initiatives, you can claim up to 30% (max $1,200/year) on eligible energy‑saving home upgrades .
• Heat Pump Rebate: FPL provides incentives for replacing electric resistance heating systems with efficient heat pumps, plus potential extra savings via state/federal credits.
Natural Gas
The main natural gas provider in Sarasota County is Peoples Gas, part of the TECO Energy group, serving nearly 470,000 customers statewide.
Energy Efficiency & Rebates
Peoples Gas offers several impactful programs:
- Cash rebates (for example, up to $700) on energy-efficient gas water heaters.
- Rebates for upgrading to high-efficiency gas appliances (stoves, furnaces, dryers).
- Access to comprehensive energy audits and conservation tips—helping homeowners optimize natural gas usage.
Unique Highlights
- Peoples Gas operates via a reliable underground pipeline system, bolstered by infrastructure like the Gulfstream pipeline since 2002.
- They prioritize safety and sustainability, offering gas line coverage plans, and have a history of investing in storm resilience.
- Homeowners can participate in propane-to-natural-gas conversions and take advantage of appliance installation services from authorized contractors.
Water & Sewer
Whether you’re in the City of Sarasota or unincorporated county, water and wastewater are managed through the Sarasota County Utilities or City Utilities Departments. These departments ensure clean drinking water, wastewater treatment, and, where available, reclaimed irrigation water. Sarasota County is proactive about conservation: financial incentives are available for low-flow fixture upgrades and irrigation audits to improve water usage and protect local waterways.
Services & Conservation
- Provides residential water, wastewater, and reclaimed reuse options.
- Offers information and resources to reduce water use, including rebates for efficient fixtures and drought-resistant landscaping.
Trash, Recycling & Yard Waste
Trash and recycling in unincorporated areas are handled by FCC Environmental, while the City of Sarasota manages services within city limits. Both providers focus on efficient waste collection and promoting recycling and encourage proper sorting and composting. The county provides composting kit discounts through partnerships with community programs.
Trash & Recycling Services
- Sarasota County (FCC): Weekly curbside pickup for garbage, recycling, and yard waste. Use carts placed by 6 AM and ensure lids aren’t blocked.
- City of Sarasota Utilities: Provides bundled services via your utility bill, you can also initiate service at the city’s Utility Billing Office .
Best Internet Providers in Sarasota
Choosing the right internet provider depends on your needs, whether it’s fast speeds for remote work, gaming, or streaming. The main providers in Sarasota are Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Frontier, and T-Mobile (Home Internet).
- Xfinity: Widely available cable internet, with speeds up to 2 Gbps. Offers bundled packages with TV and home phone. Good coverage and reliable service in almost 99% of Sarasota.
- Verizon Fios: Provides high-speed fiber with symmetrical upload/download speeds up to 2.3 Gbps. Availability limited, only about 53% of the city, to areas where Fios infrastructure exists, check eligibility by address.
- Frontier: Offers DSL and fiber options where available. DSL speeds can be slower, but fiber provides robust alternatives if you’re in the coverage zone, which is about 54% of Sarasota.
- T-Mobile Home Internet: Uses 4G/5G wireless connectivity; coverage is broad and no installation is needed. Speeds vary but are generally good for casual browsing and streaming.
Conservation & Green Energy Options
Moving to Sarasota means enjoying beautiful nature and having an opportunity to support sustainability. The following green energy options and conservation initiatives are available in the area.
Solar & Net-Metering
- Sarasota homeowners can install solar with incentives like the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, state sales tax and property tax exemptions.
- Net-metering is available, adding credits to your bill for excess energy generated by your system .
Local Conservation Programs
- Energy Coach volunteer program in Sarasota County empowers residents to help neighbors improve efficiency.
- Water-use rebates: Upgrades to efficient toilets, showerheads, and irrigation systems can come with county rebates .
- Compost subsidy through local initiatives helps reduce waste sent to landfills.
Financial Assistance Programs for Utilities in Sarasota
New homeowners may face utility costs during the setup phase. Thankfully, there are several assistance programs available through local governments and nonprofit agencies to help cover bills during tough times.
Available Assistance
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Federal funds given through local agencies like Step Up Suncoast. Helps income-eligible residents with electric and gas bill payments, up to multiple times per year.
- Season of Sharing (SOS): Step Up Suncoast also administers this one-time emergency assistance for utilities, rent, or mortgage in select counties.
- City & County Utility Programs: Sarasota County’s “Emergency Rental Assistance” includes water, sewer, and trash support via the Neighborly portal. The City of Sarasota Utility Billing Department may offer payment extensions or arrangements (contact the office at 1761 12th St.).
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Sarasota Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Sarasota
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon Home Internet | Fiber | 2.3 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Xfinity | Cable & Fiber | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Sarasota Drinking Water Quality Information
Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.
Sarasota's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
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Legal limit: 100 ppb
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Legal limit: 60 ppb
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Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the "Watering Days" and why are they so strict?
Sarasota takes water conservation very seriously. As of 2026, the region is under Modified Phase III ‘Extreme’ Water Shortage rules. You are only allowed to water your lawn once per week on a specific day assigned by the last digit of your address (e.g., addresses ending in 0 or 1 water on Mondays). Watering is strictly prohibited between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to minimize evaporation.
What are the purple pipes in my neighborhood?
If you see purple utility boxes or pipes, that is Reclaimed Water. This is highly treated wastewater intended specifically for irrigation. It is significantly cheaper than potable (drinking) water and often has fewer watering restrictions, but remember: never drink it and never use it to fill a swimming pool.
How do I prepare my utilities for a Hurricane?
In Sarasota, “Storm Season” is June through November. We recommend installing a whole-home surge protector through FPL to protect your electronics from lightning strikes. Also, a local tip: if a major storm is approaching, don’t do massive amounts of laundry or run the dishwasher, during power outages, the city’s lift stations (sewer pumps) may lose power, and minimizing wastewater helps prevent backups.
Why does my trash cart have to face a certain way?
Sarasota uses automated “robotic arm” trucks. You must place your carts at the curb with the opening (lid) facing the street and at least three feet of clearance from mailboxes or cars. If the cart is backwards or blocked, the truck will drive right past it.
What is the "City vs. County" confusion?
Many people have a “Sarasota” mailing address but live in the unincorporated county. This is the biggest headache for new residents. If your trash is picked up by a truck with a “City of Sarasota” logo, you call the city for everything. If it’s a “Waste Management” truck, you are a county resident and your trash fees are likely hidden in your property taxes rather than on a monthly bill.
How do I get rid of an old appliance?
In the county, you can place appliances (fridges, AC units) at the curb, but you must call Waste Management 48 hours in advance to schedule a special pickup. In the city, you can use the Sarasota 311 app to request a bulk collection.

