On September 9, the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners voted to increase one-time mobility impact fees for single family residential developments by more than 100% for improvements such as new roads, schools, parks and fire. The county references the large amount of growth and new development as the need for the increased fees.
The mobility impact fee for a single family home will increase from $9,999 to $21,710, a 117% increase that could add more than $15,000 to the cost of a new home at a time when the lack of affordable housing is limiting opportunities for potential first-time buyers. Additional residential developments affected by increased impact fees include apartments, condos, townhomes and mobile homes. One-time impact fees Townhomes will increase 123% from $7,754 to $17,312, while impact fees for apartments and condominiums will increase 81% from $7,754 to $14,040.
The new ordinance also significantly increases mobility impact fees for new commercial developments, including various recreational and entertainment opportunities, grocery stores and restaurants. Impact fees for new shopping centers and grocery stores will increase 15% per 1,000 square feet while impact fees for fast food restaurants with a drive-thru window will increase by a staggering 1,024% per 1,000 square feet. Impact fees for new hotels will increase 63% per room.
Current mobility impact fees will apply to building permits filed with the county through May 18, 2025. The increased fees will begin on June 18, 2025.
Elsewhere in Osceola County, the City of St. Cloud City Council voted on September 19 to increase mobility impact fees by 85% for all new residential and commercial developments.
