Categories
Communities, Central Florida, Buying, Debary, Deltona, Deland Florida, West VolusiaPublished March 30, 2026
Understanding CDD Fees: What You Need to Know for West Volusia Real Estate
If you have been searching for a new home in DeLand or DeBary, you have likely come across the term CDD fee. While these fees are common in Florida’s master-planned communities, they often cause confusion for buyers moving into the North Orlando and West Volusia areas.
As your local real estate expert, I want to pull back the curtain on what these fees are, how they impact your bottom line, and which neighborhoods in our community currently have them.
What is a CDD?
A Community Development District (CDD) is a special-purpose government unit created to finance, build, and maintain the infrastructure of a community. Instead of the city or county paying for the roads, streetlights, and resort-style amenities, the developer issues bonds to cover these costs.
As a homeowner, you repay these costs through a non-ad valorem assessment on your annual property tax bill.
The Two Parts of a CDD Fee
Most CDD assessments consist of two distinct components:
- The Bond Portion: This is the repayment of the initial debt used to build the infrastructure (like the roads and sewer lines). This portion typically has a fixed term—usually 20 to 30 years—and eventually falls off once the debt is retired.
- The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Portion: This covers the ongoing "lifestyle" costs, such as landscaping common areas, maintaining the community pool, and staffing the clubhouse. Unlike the bond, the O&M portion is an annual expense that can fluctuate based on the community’s budget.
CDD vs. HOA: What’s the Difference?
It is important to remember that a CDD is not an HOA.
- HOA fees are paid directly to a private homeowners association to enforce deed restrictions and manage private neighborhood affairs.
- CDD fees are a public assessment collected by the county tax collector.
In many of our local master-planned communities, you will actually have both, so it is vital to factor both into your monthly carrying costs.
Which West Volusia Communities Have CDD Fees?
Not every neighborhood in West Volusia has a CDD. Generally, you will find them in newer, amenity-rich developments. Here are some of the most prominent communities in our area that utilize CDDs:
- DeLand: Victoria Park: This massive master-planned community (including Victoria Hills, Victoria Gardens, and Victoria Trails) uses CDDs to maintain its extensive trail systems and infrastructure.
- Cresswind DeLand: One of the area’s newest active-adult communities features a CDD ranging between $1,300 - $1,900 per year.
- Trinity Gardens, and Lakewood Park also come with a CDD with most fees ranging between $1,000 - $1,800 per year.
- DeBary: Rivington: A modern development near the St. Johns River and SunRail station that offers high-end amenities funded through a CDD. Fees here typically range between $1,600 - $2,300 per year.
- Deltona & Orange City currently do not contain any notable communities that contain a CDD.
Is a CDD Community Right for You?
The primary benefit of a CDD community is the quality of infrastructure. These neighborhoods often feature superior amenities, better-maintained roads, and a cohesive "resort" feel that older neighborhoods may lack. However, the trade-off is a higher annual tax bill.
When shopping for residential or land sales in North Orlando, always ask for the specific breakdown of the CDD and HOA fees. Understanding these numbers upfront ensures there are no surprises at the closing table.
|
Are you buying or selling a home?
When are you planning on buying a new home?
Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?
Would you like to schedule a consultation now?
When are you planning on selling your home?
or another way