Surcharges on Electronic Payments
On Aug. 26, 2025, the Sarasota County Commission approved Resolution No. 2025-165, authorizing the County Administrator to implement surcharges on electronic payments made to the county
The County is adding surcharges. Credit/debit card processing costs Sarasota County Government millions of dollars each year.
- These costs were paid out of departmental budgets, reducing funds for other services.
- The surcharge model shifts the processing cost to those who choose electronic payment, aligning with industry standards and easing budget strain.
The new electronic payment surcharges are as follows:
| Non-utility payments (permits, licenses, etc.) | 2.45% of the payment amount (minimum $1) |
| Utility payments | $2.95 flat fee per transaction |
| eCheck/ACH payments | 45 cents per transaction (excluding Public Utilities payments) |
Sarasota County uses a company called Paymentus to collect electronic payments. The surcharge is charged directly by Paymentus, not Sarasota County, and reflects the actual cost of processing transactions. When do the new surcharges take effect?
A schedule for implementation is being developed with the vendor. There is not a firm date for when the surcharges will take effect at this time.
Not everyone will pay these surcharges.
- The surcharge only applies to credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets or eCheck/ACH payments made through Paymentus. Please note that Public Utilities customers paying their bill via eCheck/ACH will not incur the 45 cent fee.
- You can avoid the surcharges by paying with cash or other non-electronic methods. Verify which non-electronic methods are accepted before making payment.