Developer Sues Utility, Alleging a $250,000 Fee Ripoff

ORLANDO-Worthwhile Development II Ltd. of suburban Longwood, FL alleges Southlake Utilities Inc. of Clermont, FL fraudulently overcharged the firm for water and wastewater services on a subdivision development. The utility denies the charge.

By Alex Finkelstein | December 21, 2000 at 01:01 AM

The utility denies the allegation and says the $250,000 assessment was for plant capacity charges that every new development pays. Southlake Utilities maintains the additional fee is legal according to the Florida Public Service Commission, which regulates state-based utilities. The state is investigating the allegations and is scheduling a public hearing for April.

If the state agency rules for the developer, the utilities firm says it will refund the $250,000.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

1 Fed Warns CRE Could See Further Price Drops

2 The Apartment Markets Set to Exceed Average Rent Growth This Year

3 Luxury Shopping Moves Online as Saks and Amazon Join Forces

4 BKM and Kanye to Spend $1.5B on Discounted Industrial Light Assets

5 CRE Investment Surges 17% in First Quarter Despite Fewer Transactions

Real Estate
GlobeSt. ELITE Women of Influence (WOI) 2025
July 21, 2025 - Denver

GlobeSt. Women of Influence Conference celebrates the women who drive the commercial real estate industry forward.
More Information
Real Estate
GlobeSt. Multifamily Fall 2025
October 15, 2025 - Los Angeles

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers & financiers at THE MULTIFAMILY EVENT OF THE YEAR!
More Information
Workers' Compensation Risk Management Award for Excellence Nominations
May 05, 2025 - Nomination Deadline

The 2025 Workers Comp Risk Management Award for Excellence honors outstanding loss control, safety and return-to-work programs.
More Information

Hotspots Emerge as Residential Construction Trends Diverge Nationwide

By Erik Sherman | April 30, 2025

Six markets are in the top 10 for both multifamily and single-family.

Hotspots Emerge as Residential Construction Trends Diverge Nationwide

These Cities are Seeing Unprecedented Hotel Construction Growth

By Philippa Maister | April 30, 2025

Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville, Phoenix and Austin have the largest pipelines.

These Cities are Seeing Unprecedented Hotel Construction Growth

Multifamily Pipeline Logs Unexpected Bump

By Kristen Smithberg | April 28, 2025

Although the pipeline has declined, it still contains a large inventory for the next two years.

Multifamily Pipeline Logs Unexpected Bump

Leveling Up: Choosing the Best Renters Insurance Partner for Your Multifamily Housing Portfolio link

Guide

Sponsored by Assurant

Leveling Up: Choosing the Best Renters Insurance Partner for Your Multifamily Housing Portfolio

Picking the right renters insurance can be a headache. This guide will help you find the perfect partner for your multifamily properties so you can boost resident participation and lower your risk.

Browse More Resources ›

The Return to Office: Recovery Still Underway link

Guide

Sponsored by Placer.ai

The Return to Office: Recovery Still Underway

Are you noticing unexpected shifts in office occupancy and commuter behavior? This report reveals how evolving work patterns are challenging CRE brokers and offers crucial, data-backed insights for 2025. Discover a detailed analysis of office visit fluctuations, an in-depth look at midweek work trends, accurate forecasts for market recovery, real-world examples to inform strategic decisions, and actionable metrics to guide client advising. Download your copy today!

Browse More Resources ›

The State of Commercial Property Management Technology in 2025 link

Report

Sponsored by Building Engines

The State of Commercial Property Management Technology in 2025

Commercial property teams are navigating changing times where technology plays a crucial role in operations, tenant satisfaction, and sustainability. This report, based on insights from 370 industry professionals, reveals the biggest priorities, challenges, and opportunities for CRE technology adoption in 2025. Don’t miss it.

Browse More Resources ›