Residential developers should take note of the potential increases in school impact fees for new developments in Orange County (the "County"). On March 11, 2019, the Orange County School Impact Fee Study Advisory Committee (the "Committee") discussed a proposed school impact fee schedule which would increase school impact fees for all new residential development in the County. Members of the Committee include the Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA), which is represented by Lowndes partner, Tara Tedrow.

If the proposed school impact fee schedule is approved by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, total impact fees for residential development would increase as follows:

  • Single Family (detached) – from $8,784 per Dwelling Unit ("DU") to $9,560 per DU
  • Townhouse – from $6,930 per DU  to $8,805 per DU
  • Multi-family – from $5,919 per DU to $6,610 per DU
  • Mobile Home – from $6,088 per DU to $10,387 per DU
  • High Rise – $567 per DU (proposed new category)

The proposed school impact fee schedule is currently in draft form and will be further discussed at the Committee's April 8th, 2019 meeting. Public comment will be available at the beginning of the April 8th meeting, which will begin at 10:00 am in the Cypress Conference Room located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801.  It is anticipated that there will be an Orange County School Board work session on the proposed school impact fee schedule and school impact fees in May or June.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.