Florida is growing by leaps and bounds.
In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2022 population estimates, ours is the nation’s fastest-growing state for the first time since 1957! That makes perfect sense, as we have a reputation for wonderful year-round weather, no state taxes, fun theme parks, family recreation areas, and much more.
Then, why is one in six Florida families paying more than 50 percent of their income on housing?
How did rent for a moderate two-bedroom apartment in Central Florida become $1,616 per month, and rent for a three-bedroom - which is the size of houses Habitat usually builds - skyrocket to $2,064, requiring a yearly income of nearly $83,000?
The cost of homes has risen as well.
In Apopka alone, ROCKEThomes.com lists the median sale price at $400,000 over the past 12 months, a 12.1 percent increase over 2022. Add the inflated costs of insurance, utilities, and food, any extra income families earn is long gone.
We at Habitat Seminole-Apopka believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel, yet we are also realistic. We, too, have faced increased construction costs and supply chain issues on the 16 affordable homes we have built and sold this year. If not for our volunteers, donors, government support, and banks that collaborate to offer modest mortgages, we would not be able to help individuals and families realize the dream of buying a home.
The Habitat for Humanity model is unique in its turnkey home ownership partnership program, providing a start-to-finish process for hardworking homebuyers not otherwise able to afford a home. We are fortunate to have four Habitat Affiliates in Central Florida, with our affiliate serving Seminole County and Apopka in Orange County. Many in our community do not realize Habitat Affiliates operate independently, DO NOT “give away” houses, and require future homebuyers to be part of their solution.
We recently celebrated two Home Dedications in one week in the greater Apopka area, outside the city limits in Orange County. In fact, Orange County Government generously donated the property to us, in addition to other properties in the area. We were thrilled that neighbors and elected officials from both Apopka and Orange County came to applaud the hard work of these new homeowners and to show their support for affordable housing.
The dedications reinforce my belief that more can be done to help the housing crisis. The municipalities we serve, who are wonderful partners, can help our shared constituents even more by waiving impact fees for affordable housing. Impact fees are a one-time payment imposed by a local government on a builder to offset the financial impact a new development places on public infrastructure, such as roads, schools, parks, recreational facilities, water, and sewerage. Fees are typically assessed per type of unit or square footage of floor space and are paid at the time of building permit approval.
Waiving or refunding these fees saves affordable housing builders such as Habitat Seminole-Apopka thousands of dollars on each house we build and sell. Why is this a good trade? Because with each home built, we are creating new, self-reliant homeowners for the property tax rolls who, in turn, are creating stable environments for their children to grow and learn. Through our program, they have learned how to manage money better, maintain their homes, and be an asset to their neighborhood. One could say the tradeoff is priceless.
Impact fees are an outgrowth of the home rule power of local government yet must comply with Section 163.31801 of the Florida Statutes, or the Florida Impact Fee Act. In 2020, the Florida Legislature codified into the Act language stating, “A county, municipality, or special district may provide an exception or waiver for an impact fee for the development or construction of housing that is affordable, as defined in s. 420.907…”
While we are thrilled with this statewide support, local follow-through is the step that seals the deal on this affordable housing help. Thankfully, Seminole County and Orange County have turned the words into action and developed their procedures.
With a high need for affordable housing, Apopka is on the cusp of getting the waiver ball rolling. As their “Hometown Habitat,” we are here to assist with resources and information so they do not have to reinvent the wheel. And yes, we admit to an ulterior motive: Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka Future Homebuyers are ready to reap the benefits of everyone’s hard work.
Penny Seater, CEO - Habitat for Humanity Seminole/Apopka
