A Florida House proposal to phase out non-school homestead property taxes over the next decade advanced Thursday, setting up a potential statewide vote in 2026. Critics warned the plan could strip billions from local governments and shift costs to renters and businesses. more

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is recognizing January as National Radon Action Month and urging residents to test their homes for radon exposure. Officials say one in five homes tested in Florida has elevated radon levels, and free test kits are available online. more

Property tax relief moved forward in Tallahassee as lawmakers began narrowing a growing list of proposals that could go before voters later this year. A leading plan would phase out non-school property taxes over 10 years and make homestead properties fully exempt by 2037, but state leaders have not agreed on a single approach. more

Florida’s insurance market has shown signs of stabilization, with new companies entering the state and some carriers filing for rate decreases. But homeowners and drivers continue to pay among the highest premiums in the country as lawmakers begin the 2026 legislative session. more

As the housing market moves into 2026, new data suggests a shift away from extremes and toward greater balance. Early indicators from Zillow point to flat home prices, modest sales growth, and a gradual return to seasonal norms. more

The list below highlights five providers with proven service in Florida, giving you options depending on your home’s age, system condition and budget. more

As the year comes to a close, the staff of The Apopka Voice shares a message of gratitude and reflection with the community. The holiday message honors the people, service, and everyday moments that continue to shape Apopka. more

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved $3.06 million in Affordable Housing Trust Fund dollars to support Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County. The funding will help preserve existing homes and lay the groundwork for future affordable housing across Orange County. more

SoFi reports the mortgage process involves 9 key steps, from budgeting and choosing a loan to closing on your new home. more

Eliminating or significantly reducing Florida’s homestead property taxes could fundamentally disrupt how cities pay for core services, according to a new study released by the Florida League of Cities. The findings come as several property tax relief proposals advance through the Florida Legislature. more

Habitat for Humanity Seminole–Apopka celebrated the completion of two new affordable homes during a heartfelt dedication ceremony attended by community partners, volunteers, and local leaders. The event underscored how public-private partnerships and grassroots engagement are helping expand access to safe, stable housing in the region. more

Whether it's dealing with scorching summers, unpredictable storms, or maintaining your property, being equipped with the right lifehacks can save time, energy, and money. more

After more than a year of persistent emails, meetings, and media outreach, Hawthorne Oaks resident Marcea Ustler says the city finally resolved flooding that repeatedly damaged her neighborhood by locating and unclogging a forgotten 1957 well-head drain. more

Orange County announced that repairs to homes damaged by Hurricane Ian will begin this week through its Orange County Recovers program. The initiative provides federally funded grants to low- and moderate-income homeowners still facing unresolved storm damage. more

The Orange County Commission has approved $460,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support home repairs for low- and moderate-income residents. The funding will allow Rebuilding Together Greater Florida to rehabilitate at least 15 owner-occupied homes across the county. more

Christmas traditions have always evolved, even as each generation insists something has been lost. The rise—and possible decline—of the Christmas card shows how nostalgia often inspires new customs that become beloved in their own right. more

The City of Apopka will close its offices on Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, with regular operations resuming on December 1. Trash collection will pause on November 27 and resume on each resident’s next scheduled pickup day. more

Property crime spikes every December, even as nationwide totals trend downward, according to FBI data reviewed by Videoloft and Stacker. With millions of Americans traveling, shopping, and shipping more than ever, the holidays present ideal conditions for break-ins, package theft, and other opportunistic crimes. more

The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency has completed its first home renovation through the new Residential Renovation Assistance Program, investing more than $24,000 in essential roof and window upgrades. The program, launched in October 2025, provides up to $30,000 per home to support neighborhood revitalization across the CRA district. more

Orange County will host its annual Community Conference on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm at the Orange County Multicultural Center. For just $10 in advance ($12 on the day of the event), attendees can enjoy workshops, resource providers, giveaways, and meals while learning practical ways to strengthen their neighborhoods. more

Investing in a bathroom renovation can significantly boost your home’s value, elevate its aesthetic appeal, and improve everyday functionality—making it one of the smartest upgrades a homeowner can choose. Here are some of the benefits of renovating your bathroom.   more

Apopka and Orange County are marking Veterans Day with a full slate of events and perks, including ceremonies at Kit Land Nelson Park and the Orange County Administration Center, as well as free admission to museums and attractions, restaurant deals, car washes, and grocery discounts. Beyond the holiday, veterans also have access to property tax relief, state park benefits, county support services, and emerging AI-driven hiring tools designed to better recognize military experience. more

Property tax relief is poised to be a central focus when Florida’s 2026 legislative session convenes Jan. 13, with lawmakers filing a series of joint resolutions that could dramatically cut or phase out non-school property taxes on homesteads. The proposals range from new and expanded homestead exemptions to changes in the Save-Our-Homes benefit, sparking debate between Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders over how far and how fast to proceed. more

The Sarasota Audubon Society outlasted homebuilding giant D.R. Horton in a three-round battle to protect the Celery Fields bird sanctuary from development. The unanimous votes against rezoning mark a rare and inspiring environmental victory in Florida’s fast-growing landscape. more

A new report from the National Association of Realtors shows the share of first-time homebuyers has dropped to 21%, while their median age has climbed to 40. Rising home costs, limited inventory, and stalled affordability programs are squeezing younger buyers out of the market, especially in states like Florida and regions such as Orange County. more