If you’ve been house hunting anywhere around Tampa Bay, you’ve probably seen it pop up in a listing or on a property tax estimate and thought: “Wait… what is this extra fee?”
We’re talking about CDD fees—and trust us, you’re not alone. As Tampa real estate experts, we (Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz) have helped buyers navigate this exact question for years. With 40+ years of combined experience in the local market, we can tell you this: CDD fees aren’t necessarily “bad,” but you absolutely want to understand them before you buy.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
First Things First: What Is a CDD Fee?
A CDD stands for Community Development District.
In simple terms, it’s a special district created to help fund and maintain infrastructure and amenities in a community—things like:
-
Roads and sidewalks
-
Stormwater systems
-
Water and sewer improvements
-
Landscaping and community entrances
-
Clubhouses, pools, and fitness centers
-
Parks, playgrounds, and trails
Instead of the builder paying for everything upfront, the cost is spread out over time and paid by homeowners in that district.
So when you hear “CDD,” think of it like this:
It’s a way newer communities finance the neighborhood features that make them feel polished, convenient, and amenity-rich from day one.
How Do You Pay a CDD Fee?
Here’s the part that surprises most buyers:
CDD fees are usually included in your annual property tax bill.
That means you typically pay it through your mortgage escrow, just like property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Most CDD fees have two parts:
1) A “Debt” Portion
This is the amount used to repay the bonds issued to build the community infrastructure. It’s usually paid over a set term (often 20–30 years).
2) A “Maintenance” Portion
This covers ongoing upkeep of things like landscaping, lighting, and amenities—and it can continue even after the debt portion is paid off.
So yes, the CDD fee can decrease over time once the debt portion is paid off, but the maintenance part may remain.
How Much Is a CDD Fee in Tampa?
CDD fees vary widely depending on the community and what’s included, but we typically see them range anywhere from:
-
Around $1,000/year on the low end
-
$2,000–$3,500/year in many popular communities
-
Sometimes higher in heavily amenitized neighborhoods
That’s why we always tell buyers: Don’t guess. Confirm it.
When we’re helping you buy, we’ll make sure you know the real numbers before you commit.
Where Do Tampa Buyers Typically See CDD Fees?
In our experience, Tampa buyers most commonly run into CDD fees in newer master-planned communities, especially in fast-growing suburbs where development is booming.
Here are the areas where we frequently see CDDs show up:
Wesley Chapel
One of the most common places buyers encounter CDD fees. Many communities here offer resort-style amenities—think pools, clubhouses, and trails—which often come with a CDD.
Land O’ Lakes
A mix of established neighborhoods and newer builds. Some communities include CDDs, especially newer developments with upgraded infrastructure.
Riverview
A major hot spot for new construction and planned communities. If you’re seeing newer subdivisions with community pools and entrances that look like a resort, there’s a good chance a CDD is involved.
Brandon (select areas)
Brandon is more established overall, but pockets of newer development can still carry CDD fees depending on the neighborhood.
Apollo Beach / Sun City Center (some communities)
Depending on the specific subdivision, buyers may see CDDs—especially where there are newer infrastructure improvements or major community amenities.
New Construction Communities Across Hillsborough & Pasco
If the neighborhood is newer and built with a “full lifestyle package,” a CDD is often part of the picture.
Is a CDD Fee Worth It?
This is where our local experience really comes in.
A CDD fee can absolutely be worth it if you’re getting real value in return—like well-maintained amenities, beautiful landscaping, and strong community infrastructure.
But it can feel frustrating if:
-
You don’t plan to use the amenities
-
You didn’t budget for it
-
You didn’t realize it impacts your monthly payment
That’s why we always walk buyers through the full monthly cost of ownership, not just the list price.
Because in Tampa, the “real payment” isn’t just mortgage + interest—it’s taxes, insurance, HOA, and yes, sometimes a CDD.
Emeri & Joe’s Advice: Know the Numbers Before You Fall in Love
If you’re buying in Tampa Bay, here’s our best advice:
-
Ask early if the community has a CDD
-
Confirm the annual amount (not an estimate)
-
Understand if it’s debt + maintenance
-
Factor it into your monthly payment comfortably
And if you want a second set of eyes on a home you’re considering, we’re happy to help you break it down. Our goal is simple: make sure you buy with confidence and zero surprises.
Because the right home isn’t just beautiful—it fits your lifestyle and your budget long-term.
If you’re curious whether a neighborhood you’re looking at has a CDD fee, reach out. We’ll help you uncover the details and compare options across Tampa Bay.
