TITLE
title
First Public Workshop Regarding Existence of Extraordinary Circumstances to Justify Exceeding Statutory Phase-In Limits for Increases of Hernando County’s Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Capital Facilities Impact Fees
body
BRIEF OVERVIEW
On Tuesday July 14, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners directed further discussion of a potential increase in the current Hernando County Fire/EMS impact fees per Chapter 23, Article III, Divisions I-VI, of the Hernando County Code of Ordinances. A demonstrated-need study was performed due to the consolidation of Fire/EMS services with City of Brooksville. The proposed ordinance would make Hernando County’s Fire/EMS impact fees applicable within the City of Brooksville and increase certain Fire/EMS impact fees.
Fire/EMS impact fees were last amended on July 30, 2024. Pursuant to Section 163.31801, Florida Statutes, an impact fee may not be increased more than once every four years unless certain criteria are met:
• A demonstrated-need study is conducted justifying the increase by demonstrating the extraordinary circumstances necessitating the need to exceed the phase-in statutory limitations of the proposed impact fee. The Fire/EMS Impact Fee Study Supplement - Demonstrated Needs Study dated July 8, 2026, is attached.
• At least two publicly noticed workshops are conducted dedicated to the extraordinary circumstances of the need to exceed the phase-in limitations. The second public workshop on this topic will occur on August 25, 2026.
• The impact fee increase is approved by unanimous vote.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Significant impacts may be realized such as increased revenues due to a change to this County Commission policy. The magnitude of the impacts will be determined by the proposed changes that would result from changes to the policy.
Section 163.31801(4)(c), Florida Statutes limits administrative charges for impact fees to the actual cost of collection. The use of the administrative fees for studies is inconsistent with this provision of the statute.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapters 125 and 163, Florida Statutes.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board discuss the Two-Year Option to increase the County’s impact fees schedule for Fire/EMS. A second public workshop will be conducted on August 25, 2026.