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On August 24, 2017 the Washington County Commission enacted a county ordinance requiring electric utilities to enter into a franchise agreement with the county. Members of West Florida Electric and customers of Gulf Power living in the unincorporated area of Washington County will be affected by this county ordinance.

The Washington County Ordinance requires the electric companies to collect a 5% franchise fee and remit it to the county. The fee will be a separate item on the bill shown as Washington County Franchise Fee.

A utility franchise is a contract between the county and a utility company that outlines certain requirements for the utility to use the county’s public rights-of-way. The establishment of franchise agreements between local cities and counties is a legal process provided by Florida Statutes.

After reading the ordinance at a public meeting, the commission voted to adopt it. West Florida Electric will be required by law to collect the fee. WFEC members in Washington County will see this line item on their
electric bill in October.