Cape Coral Council Approves Property‑Billed Assessments; Fire Fee Rises

Cape Coral, Florida, August 29, 2025

News Summary

Cape Coral city council approved a set of non‑ad valorem assessments to appear on property tax bills, including revised lot‑mowing district rates, a stormwater charge increase to $156, and a move to 81% fire protection cost recovery. The change raises the average single‑family home fire assessment by about $91, with Tier 1 set at $349.32 and Tier 2 charged per EBU at $3.47. Combined rolls are projected to generate roughly $37.7 million. Officials also addressed mandatory utility hookups under the Utilities Extension Project and available financial assistance options amid resident concerns.

Cape Coral Council approves new non‑ad valorem charges; fire assessment raised to 81% while utility hookup costs stir concern

The city council approved a slate of non‑ad valorem assessments for Fiscal Year 2025–26, including lot mowing, stormwater, and a raised fire protection cost recovery rate of 81%. The action also finalized assessment rolls that together are projected to bring in $37,703,217.10. At the same meeting residents pressed the council about the cost and timing of required connections under the Utilities Extension Project, where some homeowners reported out‑of‑pocket estimates in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Lot mowing assessments and program details

The council approved the annual lot‑mowing assessments, covering mowing, invasive vegetation removal, pepper tree work and burrowing owl nest trimming on unimproved lots enrolled in the program. The service calls for 13 mows per year on vacant parcels from February through December. Rates were calculated using an equivalent lot size of 5,000 square feet and vary by district; the largest district is located south of Pine Island Road.

• District 1 (per 5,000 sq ft lot): $70.48 annually, a reduction of $15.94. A standard parcel (two lots): $140.96, down $31.88.
• District 2: $48.05 annually, increase of $3.28. Standard parcel: $96.10, up $6.56.
• District 3: $51.44 annually, increase of $4.12. Standard parcel: $102.88, up $8.24.
• District 4: $44.63 annually, increase of $1.42. Standard parcel: $89.26, up $2.84.

City management stated that revenues from the lot‑mowing assessments fund both mowing and debris removal on those unimproved lots. Debris and vegetation deposited on unimproved parcels after a hurricane are not reimbursable by federal disaster funds, which is part of the rationale for continuing the program.

Stormwater and other utility assessments

The annual stormwater assessment was set at $156, up from $149. Officials said the additional revenue will allow expanded operations and maintenance for stormwater lines. The council also approved annual assessment rolls for multiple non‑ad valorem services, including potable water, wastewater, irrigation and contribution in aid of construction fees. Combined projected revenue from those approved rolls is $37,703,217.10.

The council approved an assessment roll to collect certain delinquent water, wastewater, irrigation, fire service special assessments and loans. Items on the delinquency list include:

• Deferred assessments: seven properties representing 15 deferred assessment accounts totaling $354,203.34.
• Hardship assessments: 18 properties totaling $116,408.44.
• Contribution in Aid of Construction loan: one property totaling $7,751.67.
• Previously exempted irrigation assessments: 22 properties were found to have been incorrectly coded and improperly exempted from a North 1 West irrigation assessment.

Fire protection assessment raised to 81% cost recovery

The council voted 7–1 to increase the fire protection assessment cost recovery from 70% to 81%. The increase shifts a larger share of fire operations costs onto the assessment rather than through ad valorem property taxes. The assessment supports two tiers:

1. Tier 1: availability for all parcels, including vacant lots, providing 24‑hour readiness.
2. Tier 2: applies to improved parcels based on structure value measured in Equivalent Benefit Units (EBUs).

Under the approved rate, the average single‑family home moves from roughly $438.48 per year at 70% recovery to $529.76 at 81% recovery, an increase of just over $91 annually. Tier 1 per parcel at 81% is $349.32, and Tier 2 is $3.47 per EBU. Revenue goes into the city General Fund to cover remaining operational costs.

Planned uses of the increased fire assessment include key facility and equipment work and added staff. Major items listed in the presentation are:

• Fire Station 5 rebuild: $9.5 million
• Direct exhaust system: $1.375 million
• Additional staffing: funding for 19 positions
• Facilities maintenance: $635,000
• Generator replacement and docking stations: $810,000
• Rescue truck: $390,000

Utilities Extension Project and homeowner concerns

The council discussed accelerating the Utilities Extension Project (UEP), including prioritizing an area known as North 6, expanding its boundary and moving the completion date up by five years from the original 2035 target. Officials said accelerating work will keep trades busy and support the local economy. Several homeowners pressed the council about mandatory hookups and the cost burden.

Reported homeowner costs vary and in some cases have been described as substantial. Examples presented at the meeting included a connection cost notice of $36,000 and a long‑standing estimate that rose from $12,000 to roughly $35,000 over time. Homeowners also reported contractor estimates of $4,000 to $6,000 to run a service line from the street to the house after the main connection is made.

The city requires homeowners to complete hookups within six months of notice. If the homeowner connects and has the inspection within 90 days, the city will waive the $325 meter installation fee. The city also offers potential assistance: homeowners may apply for Community Development Block Grant help, and the city has provided grants of up to $2,000 to a local housing group to assist utility connections.

Other meeting notes and weather update

The meeting record includes an update timestamp of August 29, 2025 @ 8:07 AM. The local forecast called for partly cloudy skies with afternoon showers or thunderstorms, a high near 91°F, and a low near 76°F. A marine weather statement reported a strong thunderstorm over the waters capable of winds to around 30 knots, with a warning for mariners to seek safe harbor. The marine bulletin covered coastal waters from Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach and nearby areas, and was observed at 7:54 AM EDT, with an end time near 8:30 AM EDT.

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FAQ

What did the council approve for FY2025–26?

The council approved non‑ad valorem assessments for lot mowing, stormwater and the fire protection assessment increase to an 81% cost recovery rate, along with assessment rolls that project roughly $37.7 million in revenue.

How much will lot mowing cost?

Rates vary by district and are set per equivalent 5,000 sq ft lot. District 1 is $70.48, District 2 is $48.05, District 3 is $51.44, and District 4 is $44.63. A standard parcel is two lots.

What changed for stormwater?

The stormwater assessment rose to $156 annually from $149 to support expanded operations and maintenance.

How much did the fire assessment increase for homeowners?

The average single‑family home will pay about $91 more per year, rising to about $529.76 annually at the new 81% recovery level.

What if I received a utilities hookup notice?

Homeowners generally have six months to complete the required hookup. If the inspection occurs within 90 days, a $325 meter fee may be waived. Financial help may be available through federal block grants and limited city grants up to $2,000.

Key features at a glance

Assessment or Item	2025–26 Rate	Change	Notes
Lot mowing – District 1	$70.48 per 5,000 sq ft	– $15.94	Standard parcel: $140.96
Lot mowing – District 2	$48.05	+ $3.28	Standard parcel: $96.10
Lot mowing – District 3	$51.44	+ $4.12	Standard parcel: $102.88
Lot mowing – District 4	$44.63	+ $1.42	Standard parcel: $89.26
Stormwater	$156 annually	+ $7	Funds operations and maintenance
Fire protection (cost recovery)	81%	+11 percentage points	Average SFR: $529.76; Tier 1: $349.32
UEP reported homeowner costs	$4,000–$6,000 to run service line; $35,000–$36,000 total connection notices reported		Six months to connect; potential fee waiver and limited grants
Total projected revenue (assessment rolls)	$37,703,217.10		Includes multiple non‑ad valorem assessments

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• Cape Coral Breeze: City council sets fees for lot mowing and more
• Wikipedia: Property tax (context on assessments and local levies)
• Cape Coral Breeze: Cape Coral raises assessment for fire services
• Google Search: Cape Coral fire protection assessment 81%
• FOX 4 Now: Northeast Cape Coral homeowners worry over high water hookup fees
• Google Scholar: Cape Coral utility hookup costs
• WINK News: Cape Coral’s water project raises cost concerns
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Water infrastructure (context on project costs and impacts)
• FOX 4 Now: Cape Coral speeds up water project by five years
• Google News: Cape Coral Utilities Extension Project