Lakeland Electric's Payment Methods and Where to Use Them

Lakeland Electric, the municipal utility serving Lakeland, Florida, offers four main ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The online method is the fastest and most widely used — you can pay when ready without waiting for a check to arrive. Phone and in-person payments process the same day if made before the cutoff time, usually 5 p.m. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the utility and post to your account.

Your bill arrives monthly and shows a due date, typically 20 to 25 days after the billing date. Lakeland Electric does not charge a fee for any of these standard payment methods. If you miss the due date, a late fee applies — the amount depends on your bill size and is shown on your next statement. The utility does not shut off service when ready after the due date; there is usually a grace period of several days before disconnection proceedings begin.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through Lakeland Electric's website is when ready and free, and you can set it up to pay automatically each month.
  • Phone payments and in-person payments at the Lakeland Electric office both process the same day if made before 5 p.m.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.
  • Late fees explore if you pay after the due date shown on your bill, and service disconnection can begin after a grace period of several days.
  • Lakeland Electric does not charge a convenience fee for any standard payment method.

Paying Online Through Lakeland Electric's Website

The online payment portal is accessed through Lakeland Electric's main website at lakelandelectric.com. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. The system accepts payments when ready and sends you a confirmation number by email or on screen.

You can also set up automatic recurring payments through the online portal. This option deducts your bill amount on a date you choose each month, usually around the due date. Automatic payments reduce the risk of forgetting a payment and late fees. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Payments made before midnight are posted to your account the same business day. If you pay on a weekend or holiday, the payment posts on the next business day.

Paying by Phone or at the Lakeland Electric Office

To pay by phone, call Lakeland Electric's customer service line at (863) 834-8500. A representative will take your account number and payment information. Phone payments must be made between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Payments made before 5 p.m. post to your account the same day.

You can also pay in person at the Lakeland Electric office, located at 500 East Main Street, Lakeland, Florida 33801. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person payments made before 5 p.m. post the same day. The office is closed on weekends and holidays.

Paying by Mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order and include it with the payment stub from your bill. The payment stub shows your account number and the amount due. Mail your payment to the address printed on your bill — typically Lakeland Electric, P.O. Box 531, Lakeland, Florida 33802.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date. If you are close to the due date, use online, phone, or in-person payment instead. Do not send cash by mail.

What Happens If You Miss the Due Date

If you pay after the due date shown on your bill, Lakeland Electric adds a late fee to your next bill. The fee is calculated as a percentage of your bill amount and varies depending on the size of your bill. The exact amount appears on your next statement.

Service is not disconnected when ready after the due date. Lakeland Electric typically allows a grace period of several days before beginning disconnection proceedings. If your account reaches 30 days past due, the utility may send a disconnection notice. If you receive a notice, contact Lakeland Electric right away to discuss payment options or a payment plan.

Setting Up a Payment Plan or Requesting information

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact Lakeland Electric's customer service at (863) 834-8500 to discuss a payment plan. The utility may be able to spread your payment across multiple months. Payment plans are not automatic — you must request one before your account becomes delinquent.

Lakeland Electric also offers programs for customers with low income or hardship. The utility participates in the Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP), which provides bill payment information through the state of Florida. You can learn more about LIHEAP by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the Florida Department of Children and Families website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Lakeland Electric bill with a credit card online?

Yes, the online portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers. There is no fee for any of these methods. Some credit card companies may charge you interest if you carry a balance, but that is between you and your card issuer, not Lakeland Electric.

What if I pay online but my payment does not show up right away?

Online payments post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, the payment will post on Monday. Check your account online or call customer service at (863) 834-8500 to confirm the payment was received. Keep your confirmation number from the payment receipt.

Can I set up automatic payments and still change the amount each month?

Automatic payments deduct the full bill amount each month. If you want to pay a different amount, you can log into your account and adjust the automatic payment before the due date, or make a one-time manual payment instead. You can also cancel automatic payments at any time.

What should I do if I receive a disconnection notice?

Call Lakeland Electric when ready at (863) 834-8500. Explain your situation and ask about a payment plan or extension. The utility may pause disconnection proceedings if you are working toward a solution. Do not ignore the notice — disconnection can happen within days of the notice date.

Does Lakeland Electric charge a fee for paying by phone or in person?

No. Lakeland Electric does not charge a convenience fee for phone or in-person payments. All standard payment methods — online, phone, mail, and in person — are free.