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.

City council approves new non‑ad valorem assessments; fire assessment raised to 81%

The city council approved a set of non‑ad valorem assessments that will appear on property tax bills for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, including updated rates for lot mowing, an increased stormwater fee, and a higher fire protection assessment. The moves raise expected revenue for services and capital work but drew concern from residents about rising costs and mandatory utility hookups.

Key approvals and money totals

The council signed off on assessment rolls that are projected to collect $37,703,217.10 in total from various non‑ad valorem charges. The package includes routine collection of delinquent water, wastewater, irrigation and fire special assessments, capital expansion loans, and other utility‑related charges.

Lot mowing program changes

The lot‑mowing assessment funds mowing, invasive vegetation removal, pepper tree removal and trimming for burrowing owl nests on unimproved lots enrolled in the program. The program schedules 13 mows per year for vacant parcels in four districts, February through December. Rates are calculated using an equivalent 5,000‑square‑foot lot as the unit. Each district carries its own rate; the largest district lies south of Pine Island Road.

Annual assessment per 5,000 sq ft equivalent: District 1 = $70.48 (down $15.94 from the prior year), District 2 = $48.05 (up $3.28), District 3 = $51.44 (up $4.12), District 4 = $44.63 (up $1.42). A standard parcel is two lots; annual totals for a standard parcel are: District 1 = $140.96 (down $31.88), District 2 = $96.10 (up $6.56), District 3 = $102.88 (up $8.24), District 4 = $89.26 (up $2.84).

Officials said the lot‑mowing assessments finance both routine vegetation control and post‑storm debris cleanup on unimproved lots, which are not reimbursable by federal disaster funds.

Stormwater and other utility assessments

The annual stormwater assessment was approved at $156, up from $149. The increase is intended to boost operations and maintenance for stormwater lines and related services. Several other non‑ad valorem assessment rolls for potable water, wastewater, irrigation and construction contribution fees were also approved.

Fire protection assessment raised to 81%

The council increased the city’s fire protection assessment cost‑of‑recovery from 70% to 81%, a final vote of 7–1 with one councilmember dissenting. The fire assessment is designed to recover a larger share of fire department operating costs through assessments rather than property tax millage.

The assessment supports station upkeep, new equipment, staffing and specific projects and has two tiers: a Tier 1 flat availability charge for all parcels, including vacant lots, and a Tier 2 charge for improved parcels based on structure value measured in Equivalent Benefit Units (EBUs). Under the new 81% recovery model, the Tier 1 rate per parcel is $349.32, the Tier 2 rate per EBU is $3.47, and the average single‑family home would see an increase of about $91 per year, with the average amount estimated near $529.76.

Projects tied to the assessment include rebuilding a fire station (budgeted at $9.5 million), exhaust systems, additional staff positions, facilities maintenance, generator work and a rescue truck among other items.

Delinquencies and previously exempted accounts

The council approved collection of delinquent assessments and previously exempted charges. Delinquent deferred assessments cover seven properties across 15 accounts totaling $354,203.34. Delinquent hardship assessments account for 18 properties totaling $116,408.44. One delinquent contribution‑in‑aid loan totals $7,751.67. The council also approved collecting North 1 West irrigation assessments after identifying 22 properties that were incorrectly coded and improperly exempted.

Utilities Extension Project and homeowner concerns

Separately, the council considered accelerating a utilities extension area known as North 6, expanding its boundary and moving completion up by five years. Many homeowners in parts of the city are being connected to city water under the Utilities Extension Project (UEP). Several homeowners raised alarm about mandatory hookup costs. Reported figures range from contractor estimates of $4,000–$6,000 for running the service line to the home to larger connection bills that several residents described as tens of thousands of dollars. One example given was a notice listing a connection cost around $36,000, and another resident compared earlier estimates of $12,000 from years ago to current figures above $35,000.

The city requires hookups within six months of notice and offers a city meter fee waiver if inspection and connection occur within 90 days. Homeowners may apply for Community Development Block Grant assistance and the city has provided small grants through a local housing nonprofit to help with connection costs.

Public response and city rationale

Multiple residents voiced concern over the fire assessment increase and the rising costs tied to utility hookups. Some residents recommended shifting more cost onto impact fees rather than assessments. City managers stressed that the fire assessment funds readiness and response and that increasing the recovery percentage shifts cost from the ad valorem tax levy to the assessment. Council leaders indicated the choice helps avoid raising the millage rate and spreads costs across vacant and improved properties.

Weather and marine advisory

A short marine weather statement was issued early Friday for a strong thunderstorm over nearby waters, with gusts around 30 knots and a risk of locally higher waves and possible waterspouts. Boaters were advised to seek safe harbor while the storm passed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick reference: Key assessment figures and items

Item	Rate / Amount	Notes
Lot mowing — District 1 (5,000 sq ft)	$70.48	Decrease of $15.94; standard parcel (two lots) = $140.96
Lot mowing — District 2 (5,000 sq ft)	$48.05	Increase of $3.28; standard parcel = $96.10
Lot mowing — District 3 (5,000 sq ft)	$51.44	Increase of $4.12; standard parcel = $102.88
Lot mowing — District 4 (5,000 sq ft)	$44.63	Increase of $1.42; standard parcel = $89.26
Stormwater assessment	$156	Up from $149 to boost operations and maintenance
Fire protection cost recovery	81%	Up from 70%; council vote 7–1
Fire Tier 1 rate	$349.32	Availability charge per parcel, includes vacant lots
Fire Tier 2 rate (per EBU)	$3.47	Charged for improved properties based on structure value
Average single‑family home (fire)	$529.76	Estimated at 81% cost recovery
Total projected non‑ad valorem revenue	$37,703,217.10	All approved assessment rolls combined
Delinquent deferred assessments	$354,203.34	Seven properties, 15 accounts
Delinquent hardship assessments	$116,408.44	18 properties
Typical homeowner hookup costs reported	$4,000–$36,000+	Contractor line runs often $4k–$6k; connection notices sometimes much higher

Update timestamp referenced in reporting: August 29, 2025. Weather advisory noted strong thunderstorm over nearby waters with gusts near 30 knots; mariners advised to seek safe harbor until conditions improve.

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