It was one of those hot and sticky summer mornings in Fort Myers—the kind where the air feels thick enough to chew and your skin begs for relief. Janine, a single mother of two renting a small two-bedroom apartment in Lee County, had just gotten home from her night shift at the hospital. She opened the door, flipped the light switch… and nothing happened.
No lights.
No fan.
No air conditioning.
Her landlord had shut off the power.
This isn’t just Janine’s story. More and more renters and landlords across Lee County are facing similar situations. And whether you’re a tenant just trying to keep the lights on or a landlord not getting paid, knowing Florida’s utility shutoff laws is essential.
⚖️ What Florida Law Says About Turning Off Utilities
Under Florida Statute 83.67, landlords cannot shut off utilities in order to force a tenant to move out. Doing so is illegal and considered a form of self-help eviction, which carries serious legal consequences.
❌ Illegal utility shutoffs include:
- Cutting off water, gas, or electricity
- Blocking access to the utility meter
- Removing doors, appliances, or fixtures
- Locking tenants out without court orders
The law applies to all rental agreements, written or verbal.
💡 Tip for Tenants:
If your utilities are cut off by the landlord, document everything—photos, text messages, utility bills. Then contact Lee County Legal Aid or your local Clerk of Court immediately.
🏠 The Landlord’s Point of View
Let’s be fair—landlords aren’t villains. Many are dealing with months of unpaid rent, rising maintenance expenses, and their own overdue utility bills. In some cases, especially in older homes or multi-unit properties, the utilities remain in the landlord’s name.
But even then, it’s not legal to shut off utilities as leverage.
✅ What landlords can do:
- File a proper eviction through the courts
- Send a 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate
- Clearly outline utility responsibilities in lease agreements
- Offer alternatives like “cash for keys” to avoid drawn-out evictions
👥 “When I help homeowners who are behind on their bills—especially utility bills—it’s usually a sign they’re ready to move on,” says Mike Wall, a local Fort Myers property expert.
“We’ve helped people exit high-stress situations and close in as little as seven days.”
🔌 How Utility Accounts Work in Lee County
In Lee County, Florida Power & Light (FPL) and Lee County Utilities handle electricity and water/sewer services separately. Who holds the account—tenant or landlord—makes all the difference.
If the utilities are in the tenant’s name:
- The tenant is responsible for payment.
- If unpaid, the utility company can lawfully shut off service after proper notice.
- The landlord is not legally at fault, unless they interfere.
If the utilities are in the landlord’s name:
- The landlord remains responsible, even if the lease states the tenant must pay.
- If the landlord doesn’t pay, services may be shut off—impacting tenants.
- In this case, tenants may qualify for emergency utility assistance programs.
🚘 What to Do If Your Power or Water Is Cut Off
If you’re facing a shutoff, take these steps immediately:
- Review your lease to clarify who is responsible for utilities.
- Contact the utility provider to confirm the reason for disconnection.
- Speak with your landlord, and document all communication.
- Reach out to Lee County Legal Aid or a tenant advocacy group.
- If necessary, file a legal complaint for an illegal eviction attempt.
♻️ And if your financial situation is worsening—especially as a landlord dealing with unpaid tenants or overdue bills—selling to a reliable cash buyer like Mike Wall may offer relief.
💸 When It’s Time to Sell the Property
Many Lee County landlords bought during the boom, but with rents softening and expenses rising, some are stuck in unsustainable situations.
If you’re constantly:
- Dealing with unpaid tenants
- Paying high repair or utility costs
- Feeling overwhelmed by legal stress
…it might be time to cash out.
Mike Wall and the team at We Buy Gulf Coast Houses specialize in buying homes as-is—with bad tenants, unpaid bills, or code violations. No commissions. No open houses. Just a clean exit.
🏡 “The day I sold my rental, I finally exhaled.”
“Mike made the process smoother than I could’ve imagined.” – Tom R., Fort Myers landlord
🌴 Local Help for Fort Myers Residents
- Lee County Utilities Customer Service: (239) 533-8845
- Florida Power & Light (FPL): www.fpl.com
- Lee County Legal Aid Society: leecountylegalaid.org
- United Way of Lee County: Offers emergency rent and utility assistance
- Local churches and nonprofits may also provide relief
🧭 Final Thoughts
Facing a utility shutoff in Lee County isn’t just a legal dilemma—it’s often a deeply emotional and financial one. Whether you’re a tenant in crisis or a landlord pushed past your limit, knowing your rights is the first step.
The next?
Knowing when to walk away from a property that’s draining you.
Need a clean way out of a messy situation?
👉 Call Mike Wall at We Buy Gulf Coast Houses—and take the stress out of your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
❓ Can my landlord shut off utilities if I don’t pay rent in Fort Myers?
No. Under Florida Statute 83.67, it’s illegal for landlords to shut off utilities to force a tenant out, even if rent is overdue.
❓ What should I do if my landlord cuts off water or power?
Immediately document everything (photos, texts, etc.) and contact Lee County Legal Aid. You may also be able to file a legal complaint for an illegal eviction.
❓ What happens if the utilities are in my landlord’s name and they don’t pay?
You may lose service, but the landlord—not you—is responsible. You might qualify for emergency utility assistance and legal remedies.
❓ Can I sell my rental property in Fort Myers if I’m behind on utilities?
Yes. Companies like We Buy Gulf Coast Houses will buy homes as-is, even with unpaid utility bills or difficult tenants.
❓ Where can I get help with utility shutoff notices in Lee County?
Start with Lee County Utilities, Florida Power & Light, and Lee County Legal Aid. United Way and local churches often offer emergency aid.