Fort Lauderdale Residents Alarmed by Soaring Water Bills

City officials cite drought, infrastructure costs, and regulatory changes as factors driving up rates

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Fort Lauderdale residents are reporting dramatic increases in their water bills, with one resident seeing his bill jump from $173 to over $600. City officials held a workshop to explain the reasons behind the rate hikes, which include drought conditions, the need to support the water and sewer system, and operational changes due to regulatory requirements.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in water bills is causing significant financial strain for Fort Lauderdale residents, many of whom are already grappling with the broader economic impacts of the ongoing drought in South Florida. The issue highlights the challenges cities face in maintaining aging water infrastructure and adapting to changing environmental conditions.

The details

Multiple Fort Lauderdale residents have reported that their water bills have increased at alarming rates, with one resident, Robert Thomas, seeing his bill jump from $173 to $647.99. Thomas checked his property for leaks but found none. City officials, including Vice Mayor John Herbst, acknowledged the problem and said they have received hundreds of complaints about bills in the tens of thousands of dollars. The city's finance director, Linda Short, explained that rates have increased due to the need to support the water and sewer system, as well as operational changes required by regulatory changes. The city also cited factors like leaks, irrigation use, and pressure washing as contributors to high bills.

  • In December, Robert Thomas received a water bill for $647.99, up from his previous bill of $173.

The players

Robert Thomas

A Fort Lauderdale resident who saw his water bill increase from $173 to $647.99.

John Herbst

The vice mayor of Fort Lauderdale, who acknowledged the problem of high water bills and said the city has received hundreds of complaints about bills in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Linda Short

The finance director for the city of Fort Lauderdale, who explained that the rate increases are due to the need to support the water and sewer system and operational changes required by regulatory changes.

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What they’re saying

“The previous bill was 173 dollars, the bill now is $647.99. For a massive bill like this, I'd have to run the water 24 hours a day for several weeks.”

— Robert Thomas (CBS News Miami)

“I've had hundreds of people with bills in the tens of thousands of dollars, so we need a more robust answer.”

— John Herbst, Vice Mayor (CBS News Miami)

“Our rates increased for several reasons. We're trying to support the water and sewer system. Additionally, we have operational changes that have to happen due to regulatory changes.”

— Linda Short, Finance Director (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

The city said it will continue to work on addressing the high water bills, including providing guidance to residents on how to identify and fix leaks and other issues that can contribute to increased usage and costs.

The takeaway

The dramatic rise in Fort Lauderdale's water bills highlights the broader challenges cities face in maintaining aging water infrastructure and adapting to changing environmental conditions, such as drought. While the city is taking steps to address the issue, the financial burden on residents underscores the need for comprehensive solutions that balance the needs of the water system with the affordability of service for the community.