Selling a home or condominium in Lee County, Florida requires coordinating utility services before closing. Whether your property is in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Gateway or another Southwest Florida community, planning ahead helps prevent service interruptions and delays.

When Should Sellers Schedule Utility Disconnections?

Begin contacting your utility providers approximately two weeks before closing to confirm account termination procedures, scheduling requirements and final billing arrangements.

Coordinate with your real estate agent and the buyer's agent before selecting a service termination date. Electricity and water should generally remain active through the final walkthrough and closing unless the purchase agreement or closing team directs otherwise.

Buyers typically establish new utility accounts in their own names rather than assume the seller's accounts. If the closing date changes, notify your utility providers promptly to adjust your service dates.

Provide Buyers With Your Current Service Providers

Consider providing a list of the property's current electricity, water, sewer, trash collection, internet and other service providers.

Include helpful information such as service frequency, approximate costs and any optional property services, including landscaping, pool maintenance and pest control.

Your real estate agent can share this information with the buyer's agent to help coordinate a smooth transition. Do not share passwords or sensitive account information.

Current Service Providers

Although not required, buyers frequently express interest in knowing the current service providers associated with the property they intend to purchase. Consider creating a comprehensive list of service providers, detailing their service frequency and current costs. Your real estate advisor can then relay this valuable information to the buyer's agent, facilitating a seamless closing process.


Major Utilities

Electric

Florida Power and Light (FPL)

  • Phone: 888-988-8249

Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC)

  • Phone: 800-599-2356


Water

Lee County (Excluding Cape Coral, City of Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Gateway and Sanibel/Captiva)


Cape Coral

  • Phone: 239-574-7722 (Option 3 then 5)


City of Fort Myers


Lehigh Acres (FGUA)


Bonita Springs (Bonita Springs Utilities):


Gateway (Gateway Services)


Sanibel/Captiva


Trash/Recycling

Lee County (Excluding Cape Coral, City of Fort Myers, Sanibel/Captiva)


Cape Coral


City of Fort Myers


Sanibel/Captiva


Sewer

Lee County


Cape Coral


Television, Telephone & Internet

These services are usually more personal, and you can update your accounts at your convenience. Consider providers such as: 


Additional Considerations Before Closing

Homeowner and Condominium Associations

Contact your homeowner or condominium association to confirm ownership transfer requirements, outstanding balances, access credentials and any utilities included in association fees.

Final Utility Bills and Deposits

Ask each provider how final bills will be calculated, whether deposits will be refunded and when any remaining balances must be paid.

Internet, Television and Equipment Returns

Arrange cancellation or transfer of internet and television services. Confirm whether rented routers, modems, cable boxes or other equipment must be returned to avoid additional charges.

Moving and Address Changes

Update your mailing address with utility providers, financial institutions, insurance companies and the United States Postal Service. If you are moving to another residence, arrange utilities separately for that property.