CAPE CORAL IMPACT FEE ALERT

CAPE CORAL IMPACT FEE ALERT

New Florida Law: 2025 Impact Fee Act (Statute 163.31801)

• Limits how much cities can raise impact fees (fees on new construction).

• Deadline: Cape Coral must update fees by Oct. 1, 2025 → New rates effective Jan. 1, 2026.

What’s the Debate?

Developers’ View: Predictable costs, keep housing more affordable.

City & Residents’ View: Restricts funding for roads, schools, and services → may push costs onto existing homeowners.

Cape Coral’s Current Situation

• For 18 years, developers received large discounts.

• Current fees (vs. Lee County):

• Homes: $3,347 (Lee County = $9,997)

• Retail: $5,709 (Lee County = $12,912)

• Even with maximum allowed increases, Cape Coral will lag far behind county rates by 2029.

Why It Matters

• Cape Coral is projected to become Florida’s 6th largest city (400,000 people).

• Future infrastructure needs: $1.1–$1.3 billion.

• Without higher fees, risks include:

• ❌ Higher property taxes on residents

• ❌ Declining roads, schools, and public services.

✅ The Solution: “Extraordinary Circumstances”

The law allows exemptions for cities facing:

• Rapid growth

• Surge in building permits

• Rising costs

• Hurricane disaster recovery

• Urgent infrastructure needs

Cape Coral qualifies — and must act now.

ACTION NEEDED

• City Council must hold a special meeting before Oct. 1, 2025

• Vote YES to apply for the exemption

• Protect residents and make sure developers pay their fair share.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

SEND A LETTER TO OUR MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL

(Click Take Action Below)