Osceola County, Florida – The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners approved new mobility fees aimed at ensuring that future growth in the County contributes its fair share to the costs of transportation infrastructure.
The ordinance updates the County’s mobility fee structure for the first time since 2018, requiring new developments to contribute to transportation facilities needed to support additional demand. Fees are calculated using the most recent and localized data available from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, National Household Travel Survey, regional travel demand models, existing traffic data, localized construction cost data, and the adopted County Comprehensive Plan.
A comprehensive mobility fee study, prepared by HNTB Corporation, is the basis for these new fees. It includes detailed analyses of transportation needs and extraordinary circumstances, such as rapid growth, increasing demand for transportation infrastructure, and the rising cost of building infrastructure, which justify exceeding the phase-in limitations allowed by the Florida Impact Fee Act.
The Board conducted several public workshops (June 3 and June 10) to discuss the findings of the study and gather public input.
As a result, that feedback played a key role in shaping the final ordinance approved by a 4-1 vote on Monday. Officials acknowledged the collaboration and input from the Greater Orlando Builders Association for bringing concerns forward. Part of the public comment process led to additional analysis specific to the County’s three adopted mixed-use districts (East Lake Toho, South Lake Toho, and Alligator Chain of Lakes). The results were reduced fees as the Conceptual Master Plans for these areas have specific development programs placing jobs and essential services in close proximity to residential units, thereby reducing the impact on the County’s transportation network.
Furthermore, industry feedback helped shape an implementation plan that allows ample time for those already vested in development plans to receive the benefit of the current lower fees. The Board revised staff’s recommended implementation schedule by adding five more months for developers to submit permit applications and benefit from the current lower fees.
In addition, the Board approved waiving fees for affordable housing provided it follows the definition of “affordable per Florida Statutes 420.9071 and the County’s criteria. The Board also plans to add $2 million to their FY 25 mobility fee incentive fund to buy down the difference between the current rates and the new rates for day care, assisted living, and nursing home facilities.
Key points of the new ordinance include:
- The imposition and collection of mobility fees across designated fee districts.
- Methods for calculating mobility fees and provisions for independent mobility fee studies.
- Provisions for mobility fee credits, administration, and enforcement.
“Osceola County is taking a critical step in ensuring that we can accommodate projected growth and meet the travel demands of our residents and visitors,” said Osceola County Commission Chair Cheryl Grieb. “The updated mobility fees reflect the impact new development has on our transportation infrastructure and promotes responsible growth, protecting the health, safety, and economic vitality of our community.”
County Manager Don Fisher emphasized the importance of keeping transportation projects on track.
“My responsibility from the Board is to build high quality transportation & infrastructure. Right now, we have more than $400 million in county-funded road projects under way. Over the next ten years we will need to add more than 600 additional lane miles to keep pace with planned development. The updated mobility fees provide a reasonable connection between new developments that want to come here and the additional capital necessary to accommodate them.”
Next week the County plans to publish the 90-day notice of the fees as required by Florida Statues. All reduction in fees become effective immediately. The old rates will apply to building permits filed on December 19, 2024 through May 18, 2025 with full implementation of the new rates on June 18, 2025. In cases where building permit reviews are delayed through no fault of the applicant, the County Manager may extend the implementation timeline. The fees will be imposed on all new construction.
