Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Florida

I have rented my home in Ocala FL to a couple. They went to the utilities company to turn on power. the utilities company said that i have to pay my past due bill before they will turn on the power for my tenants. Can they do that? They are pointing my toward an ordinance that is a little confusing to me.

Sec. 70-475. Payment of prior indebtedness for water or electric service.

(a) The city manager may withhold or discontinue water or electric energy service under an application made by any member or agent of the family, household, organization or business unless all prior indebtedness to the city of such family, household, organization or business for such prior service has been paid in full.

(b) However, in cases involving a related family member (related to the delinquent customer) having a different utility service account with the city, enforcement shall not be made against such related family member, except as determined by the delinquent utilities account committee.


Asked on 1/20/10, 7:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

If you owe the electric bill I see no valid way to avoid paying the bill. Why should they continue to provide their service for you to make money when you refuse to pay them?

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Answered on 1/26/10, 7:20 pm


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