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Utility theft is a major problem faced by utility companies. Utility
theft may seem insignificant to those who choose to be dishonest and steal service,
however, utility theft can result in higher rates for all customers and can jeopardize
the safety of the water supply.
Due to the serious nature of utility theft, Florida Statute 812.14(2)(c) states
“It is unlawful to use or receive the direct benefit from the use of a utility,
cable television service, or community antenna line service knowing, or under such
circumstances as would induce a reasonable person to believe, that such direct benefits
have resulted from any tampering with, altering of, or injury to any connection,
wire, conductor, meter, pipe, conduit, line, cable, transformer, amplifier, or other
apparatus or device owned, operated, or controlled by such utility or cable television
service or community antenna line service, for the purpose of avoiding payment.”
The Authority takes a very serious and committed approach to enforcing the Florida
Statute on utility theft and works closely with local law enforcement and the State
Attorney’s Office to prosecute those who steal service. Utility theft is usually
prosecuted as a misdemeanor with a conviction up to one year in jail and a fine
in the amount of $1,000. There are some circumstances where individuals can be prosecuted
as a felony.
The Authority would like for you to take an active role in helping us prevent utility
theft. You can help keep your rates low and your drinking water supply safe by reporting
anyone you suspect may be illegally receiving utility service. All information provided
to the Authority regarding potential utility theft will remain completely anonymous.
You may contact our Customer Service Department at 904-272-5999 or toll free 877-476-CCUA
or email the Customer Service Department. Please make sure if you email us to include
as much of the following information you have available:
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Suspect's Name
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Suspect's Address
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Description of suspect's residence or business
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Descriptive explanation of the nature of the theft
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Any additional information you may believe will be helpful
in investigating the possible theft
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or you can file a report by filling out the following information in the form below:
Chapter 668.6076, Florida Statutes:
"Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your
email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic
mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing."
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