Brevard County commissioners unanimously approved a study on July 21 that could lead to a 47% increase in impact fees for new developments, according to county officials. The proposed changes would raise the combined impact fee for a single-family home from $4,741.56 to $6,981.93, with increases phased in over two to four years depending on the size of the adjustment. The study must still be voted on by the Board of County Commissioners after a public debate, though no timeline for that vote has been set.
The fees would fund services like fire rescue, corrections, transportation, and libraries, and would be set at the maximum level allowed under Florida law. The state imposes a 50% cap on how much counties can raise impact fees, but county planning director Billy Prasad said Brevard meets all requirements to justify increases well above that limit. Prasad noted the current rates, established over 25 years ago, no longer reflect the county's needs.
Commissioner Thad Altman, who has historically opposed fee hikes, said shifting economic conditions and the potential for a property tax-reducing constitutional amendment have changed the calculus. "The feedback from constituents has been overwhelming," Altman said, citing concerns about congestion and infrastructure. The study's approval gives the county up to four years to act on the proposal, Prasad added.
The phased approach would apply increases above 25% over four years in equal steps, while smaller hikes would take two years. Developers could face the full 47% increase if the plan is finalized, though the county must first secure final approval from commissioners. The next step is a public debate, after which the board could vote to implement the changes.