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New construction guide · Florida
CDD vs. HOA fees in Florida: what new-home buyers actually pay
Most new Florida communities come with HOA dues, and many also carry a CDD assessment on your property tax bill. Here's how they differ, what to ask, and how to compare the true monthly cost of two homes.
Example: two similar homes
$200/mo
extra cost of Home A from its CDD alone
Hypothetical example. CDD and HOA amounts vary by community and lot.
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Reviewed by Bryan Berns, Florida real estate broker (License BK3659524), licensed since 2011 · Updated October 2026CDD vs. HOA at a glance
| CDD (Community Development District) | HOA (Homeowners Association) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A special-purpose local government under Chapter 190, Florida Statutes | A private association governed by community documents (Chapter 720 for HOAs) |
| What it pays for | Infrastructure bonds (roads, utilities, drainage) plus operations and maintenance | Common-area upkeep, amenities, management and rule enforcement |
| How you pay | As a line item on your annual property tax bill | Monthly, quarterly or yearly dues paid to the association |
| How long | Debt portions typically run for the life of the bonds, often decades | Ongoing, and dues can change |
| Disclosure | Florida requires a CDD disclosure in the sales contract | Associations provide governing documents and budgets |
What to ask about any new-home community
What's the CDD assessment for this lot?
It's set per lot and can differ within the same community.
How much is debt vs. maintenance?
The debt portion may be eligible for a payoff; maintenance continues.
What do HOA dues include?
Lawn care, cable, internet, gates and amenities vary widely.
Are there amenity or club fees?
Some communities charge separately for clubs or premium amenities.
How your rebate fits in
Fees affect your monthly budget; a rebate reduces the cash you need at closing. When two homes are close, comparing the true monthly cost and the rebate together usually shows the better deal.
We get the CDD and HOA figures in writing for every home you're seriously considering, before you sign anything.
CDD and HOA questions
Is a CDD bad?
Not necessarily. CDDs fund roads, utilities and amenities that would otherwise be built into the home price. Just compare total costs.
Can I pay off a CDD?
Sometimes the debt portion can be paid off. Ask the district for the current payoff amount.
Do resale homes have CDDs too?
Yes, if they're in a CDD community. The assessment transfers with the home.
Are HOA dues the same in every phase?
Not always. Dues and included services can differ by neighborhood or product type.
Compare true monthly costs with us
Tell us the communities you're considering. We'll gather the CDD and HOA figures and estimate your rebate.
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