Water Submetering in Florida

Florida supports the use of water sub-meters for billing. Dune has an easy-to-install solution that’s among the best on the market.

Water Submetering Regulations in Florida

When submetering water, always refer to state and local regulations (some useful links are listed below).

Key regulations for property owners in Florida include:

Florida permits using RUBs (Ratio Utility Billing) and submetering for water cost allocation, with variations in county rules.
When submetering in Florida, it is important to be familiar with local requirements, as they vary by municipality and water district.
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) have exemptions in place that remove regulations from landlords that do not charge over the rates from the utility.
Owners can add a surcharge of up to 9% on water bills for reading and billing expenses, though this is not permitted in all areas or jurisdictions.

Additional information on Water Sub-metering in Florida**:

**This list isn’t intended to be comprehensive, and there may be other state and local regulations to consider.

Learn more about Dune Water Submetering Solution

Why is Water Submetering Becoming Popular in Florida?

Understanding the Need of Water Submetering in Florida

Water submetering is becoming more popular in Florida, a state famous for its humid subtropical weather and abundant sunshine. Even though there is an ample water supply, water use and disposal costs can be significant. Adoption of water sub-metering systems are catching on throughout the state as a fair way to charge tenants for their actual usage, while directly improving cost recovery, reducing expenses, improving NOI and increasing property values for owners.

This makes efficient water management like submetering more important than ever. Submetering in Florida ensures that usage is measured and billed accurately to each tenant, so they pay their fair share. Studies have shown that submetering can significantly decrease overall water consumption by making users more aware and accountable for their water use. This not only lowers costs, it addresses broader state environmental goals on sustainability and conservation.

Florida’s condo complexes are plentiful, spurred by both tourism and the demand for affordable housing. These condos are often master-metered for water, with HOA fees covering the collective water bills. As water costs rise, so do the HOA fees, leading to frustration among different ownership groups. Water usage can vary widely between short-term fractional renters, long-term renters, and owner-residents.

Submetering allows the cost of residential water to be separated from other HOA fees, making sure individual residents and owners pay only for what they use. This monitored and controlled expense promotes fairness, accountability, and responsible usage, leading to lower overall expenses, greater control, and conservation.

Moreover, the implementation of water submetering systems in Florida is supported by state regulations allowing individualized billing based on actual usage. This regulatory backing ensures that property owners can implement these systems without legal hurdles, further facilitating the widespread adoption of water submetering.

Benefits of a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution

Explore the multifaceted benefits of a Connected IoT Water Submetering Solution, from financial savings and operational efficiencies to environmental conservation.

Enhanced Expense Recovery: By accurately recovering water costs, operating expenses can be significantly reduced—this is especially crucial as water rates and fees increase.
Boost in Property Value: Lower operating expenses can increase Net Operating Income (NOI), leading to higher property valuations.
Remote Meter Reading: This feature allows for remote monitoring and automated reading of meters, streamlining operations and enabling quicker detection of issues.
Leak Detection: Quickly detecting and resolving leaks prevent extensive water wastage and financial losses.
Efficient Water Use: Access to detailed water usage data helps residents reduce waste and optimize their water consumption.
Accurate Billing: This system ensures tenants are billed fairly based on water usage, promoting transparency and accountability and fostering better relationships.
Data-Driven Decisions: The insights gained from the system support informed decisions about water policy and infrastructure improvements.
Conservation Incentives: State mandates and local incentives often encourage the adoption of water submetering solutions.
Environmental Benefits: Regular droughts and a growing population continuously strain our water resources, making conservation a critical concern for everyone.

Key Steps to Prepare for Water Submetering in Florida

Proper preparation is essential for water submetering in Florida-

Compliance: Start by checking local regulations and lease agreements to make sure submetering is allowed and to understand any local advantages or restrictions.

Choosing a Provider: It’s important to pick a reputable submetering company. Consider factors like their ability to handle monthly meter readings, maintenance, and billing over the long term.

Installation: The setup involves installing the submeters, integrating usage data into the system, and preparing it for billing.

Informing Tenants: Give tenants plenty of notice about the new system and any changes to their billing. Clear communication helps ensure they understand and cooperate.

Billing System: Whether you’re installing a new or existing system, it needs to bill tenants accurately based on their monthly water use. This ensures fairness and transparency in billing practices.

FAQs

What is Water Submetering?

Water submetering is a system that installs individual meters within each residential or commercial unit to monitor and record specific water usage. This approach allows for accurate measurement of water consumption per unit, facilitating individualized billing.

How Does Water Submetering Benefit Residents and Property Owners?

Water submetering ensures residents are billed based on actual usage, promoting water conservation. Property owners benefit from precise utility tracking and fair distribution of costs, enhancing satisfaction and reducing conflicts over billing.

Is Water Submetering Mandatory in Florida?

In Florida, water submetering is not mandated statewide, but certain municipalities may require it, especially in new constructions or extensive renovations, to encourage water conservation and ensure fair utility practices.

What Are the Initial Steps to Install Water Submeters in a Property?

The initial steps include consulting with a water submetering company to assess the property, choosing the appropriate meters, and planning the installation. Compliance with local building codes and regulations is crucial during installation.

How Are Water Usage Charges Calculated with Submetering?

Charges are calculated based on the volume of water each unit consumes, as recorded by the submeter. The total consumption is multiplied by the water rate to determine the bill for each tenant.

Who Should I Contact for Maintenance or Issues with My Water Submeter?

For any maintenance or issues related to water submeters, tenants or property owners should contact the submetering provider or the property management’s maintenance team responsible for the upkeep and functionality of the submetering systems.