Many of St. Augustine’s newer neighborhoods are built inside a community development district, or CDD. St. Augustine CDD fees can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year to the cost of owning a home, so buyers should understand them before the inspection period ends.
What Are CDD Fees in St. Augustine? Quick Answer
A CDD is a special local government created under Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes to finance roads, water and sewer, amenities and other infrastructure in a new community. Owners repay that cost through CDD assessments, which usually appear on the annual St. Johns County property tax bill. Assessments often have two parts: a debt service portion that pays off the bonds, and an operations and maintenance portion that continues after the bonds are paid.
Where St. Augustine CDD Fees Show Up
CDD assessments are typically listed as non-ad valorem assessments on the property tax bill from the St. Johns County Tax Collector. Some CDDs bill certain lots directly instead. Florida law requires sellers in a CDD to include a specific disclosure in the purchase contract, so look for it in your contract paperwork.
CDD vs. HOA: Two Different Bills
A CDD is not the same as a homeowners association. Many St. Augustine communities have both a CDD and an HOA. The HOA has its own dues and its own estoppel certificate at closing. Your title company collects both pieces of information.
How St. Augustine CDD Fees Affect Your Closing
- Property tax proration: because the CDD assessment is usually on the tax bill, it is prorated between buyer and seller along with the taxes.
- Bond payoff: some CDDs let an owner prepay the debt service portion in one lump sum. That is optional and can be negotiated.
- Lender escrow: lenders usually include the CDD amount when they calculate the monthly escrow for taxes.
- Title search: we confirm there are no delinquent assessments or tax certificates on the parcel.
How to Look Up a CDD Before You Buy
- Search the address on the St. Johns County Tax Collector website and review the non-ad valorem lines on the most recent tax bill.
- Find the CDD’s website, which posts its budget and assessment information.
- Ask the seller or listing agent whether the bonds have been paid down or prepaid.
Building your budget? Use our buyer closing cost calculator and the St. Augustine CDD fees checklist above. Also read our St. Augustine closing timeline.
Closing in St. Augustine?
Title Company of Florida handles title searches, title insurance and closings across St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, World Golf Village and all of St. Johns County. Sign with a mobile notary, by remote online notarization, or at our Jacksonville office, and we record electronically with the county.
Learn more about our St. Augustine title company services.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. County procedures, fees and statutes can change; confirm with the office named or your attorney. Title Company of Florida is a Florida licensed title agency (License #G324751).
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