Raftelis fee study — permit and development fee increases
Summary
Tampa's building and development fees haven't been seriously updated since the early 2000s, and the city is now spending down reserves to keep the construction services fund afloat. The study recommends phased increases over three to five years, but builders, contractors, and residents warned the hikes will raise home prices and could push people to skip permits. Council wants another look before any vote.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 5, 2026.
Impact analysis
Fees would rise roughly 15% a year over three years for development coordination fees, with the construction services fund needing new revenue by 2027 to avoid a general fund subsidy paid by taxpayers.
General taxpayers, since user fees would cover the true cost of permitting instead of property taxes subsidizing developers' applications.
Homebuilders, small contractors, and homebuyers, who face fees that could add thousands of dollars per home.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Council Regular — November 5, 2026
Council is scheduled to adopt new water usage rates, wastewater charges, and connection fees — the numbers on every Tampa utility customer's bill. No rate amounts are shown in the agenda, so check staff materials for what it means for your bill.
Council Workshop — September 24, 2026
Tampa's building and development fees haven't been seriously updated since the early 2000s, and the city is now spending down reserves to keep the construction services fund afloat. The study recommends phased increases over three to five years, but builders, contractors, and residents warned the hikes will raise home prices and could push people to skip permits. Council wants another look before any vote.
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