Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Community Development Districts (CDD) in New Tampa


One of the many reasons that New Tampa is such a popular community is that most of the communities in New Tampa and many in Wesley Chapel are CDD communities. This is true for Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.

A CDD is a special taxing district created by the County Commission, pursuant to Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes. The CDD allows the community to offer a higher standard of infrastructure, amenities, and landscaping while providing residents with the assurance that maintenance standards will continue after the developer has completed the community.

What is meant by amenities? They vary somewhat from community to community, but in general one finds club houses, tennis courts, swimming pools, bike paths, volleyball courts, fitness centers, children's playgrounds, and lush landscaping. Gated communities and or villages are common, and some also have 24 hour guards as well. Some CDD communities provide one large clubhouse, and Meadow Pointe offers three, with 4-5 swimming pools.

Some consider this to be country club living. The CDD fee actually shows up in your property tax bill and is paid once per year, similar to property taxes.

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