Manatee County officials approve rise in impact fees.

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Manatee County Commissioners have unanimously voted to increase the impact fees that developers pay to support public infrastructure by 100%. The decision, made during a Thursday vote, passed 7-0.

Dalton Nelson enjoys simple pleasures, like walking through a park in Parrish. He remarked, “The parks, especially this one, even though it’s a brand new park, they need to be maintained. They need to make sure that the kids are safe here.”

This maintenance, as Nelson points out, requires funding. Impact fees serve as one-time charges that developers contribute to facilitate new construction in unincorporated parts of Manatee County, with funds partially allocated for infrastructure improvements and maintenance.

Nelson expressed concern about the disconnect he perceives from developers, stating, “I think that the developers are kind of tone deaf to what’s going on. The people have said that this is starting to become a more apparent issue, is starting to get worse, is not getting better.”

At the land use meeting, not all attendees supported the fee increase. Jon Mast, CEO of the Suncoast Builders Association, voiced his opposition by asserting, “Now under the false narrative that home builders aren’t paying their share, you’re pushing to double or even triple the impact fees. Shame on you.”

Having resided in the area for five years, Nelson has witnessed extensive development and the resultant changes. He advocates for enhanced infrastructure to match the population growth, particularly emphasizing the need to improve poorly maintained roads. “They are the ones making the impact. They are the ones that need to pay for it,” he said.

With the approved fee increases, Nelson hopes this will signify a shift toward better managing the challenges posed by growth in Manatee County. County Commissioners have confirmed the increased impact fees will take effect in about 90 days.