Governmental Affairs Scorecard

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Impact Fee Increases Scrutinized

For impact fee updates in the tri-county area, the Association has hired experts to help scrutinize the studies financial data and methodology. As a result, proposed fee increases have been moderated by as much as 48 percent.

Building Departments Audited

To ensure compliance with Florida Statutes restricting the use of building permit fees, the Association has hired an accounting firm to conduct independent audits of Building Departments in the tri-county area.

Active Political Committees

The Association’s Political Committees hosted a campaign school for area candidates, conducted survey research polling, and helped educate industry voters on election issues.

Senior Staff Meetings

HBA assisted in the healthy exchange of ideas and information between local governments and the homebuilding industry via special meetings with senior staff from Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties and numerous cities.

HBA Participates on Key Advisory Boards

HBA members played an active role on government advisory boards that impact the homebuilding industry, including County Code Enforcement Boards, Development Advisory Boards, and numerous ad hoc committees on specific issues such as inclusionary zoning, workforce housing, and impact fees.

HBA Lobbies Legislative Leaders in Tallahassee

Traveling to Florida's Capitol, Association leaders met privately with central Florida legislators to advocate industry legislation in the 2006 Legislative Session.

HBA Lobbies Congressional Delegation

While attending the NAHB Spring Board of Director’s meeting in Washington, D.C., Association leaders successfully lobbied our Congressional Delegation on national housing issues.

Utilities Subcommittee Created

Formed to enhance cooperation between residential developers and area utilities, the Utilities Subcommittee has successfully tackled industry concerns both with power companies and telephone companies.

Water Wise Subcommittee Formed

Created to explore ways residential builders can contribute to water conservation, the HBA's Water Wise Subcommittee has developed practical water preservation guidelines for use in new subdivisions. 

Tri-county Impact Fee Matrix

The HBA’s Governmental Affairs office tracks (& updates quarterly) all the impact fees charged by the 23 municipalities and counties in the metropolitan area. To obtain a copy of the most up-to-date impact fee matrix, please email Sharon Rogers at Sharon@hbaofmetroorlando.com

Building Department Improvements

In response to the Association’s independent audit, Osceola County approved numerous quality improvements for the Building Department, including 28 new positions, a cash incentive certificate program, additional equipment, and, most importantly, salary increases for all inspectors and plans examiners. 

School Express Program

In an effort to meet Orange County’s demand for new housing without aggravating overcrowded schools, past President Bill Silliman forged the HBA’s School Express Program: a plan which has the potential to convert a developer’s expensive “carry costs” into accelerated school construction, while advancing the permitting process for his subdivision.

HBA Transportation Initiative

After numerous meetings advocating the HBA’s Transportation Initiative, Association leaders were successful in persuading the Orange County Commission to amended their comprehensive policy plan to permit the use of alternate financing methods (such as Community Development Districts) to finance road infrastructure. 

Programs Spotlighting Industry Issues

Via the Developers Council, the Association has presented timely programs on important industry issues such as transportation, residential markets, state legislation, storm water, NIMBYism, and the time payment of impact fees.

Political Hob Nob

With a turnout of 250 plus, this special event afforded HBA members a rare opportunity to mix and mingle with over fifty elected officials and candidates seeking political office in the metropolitan area.

Building Official Appreciation Dinner

For fifteen years running, the HBA has hosted our Building Officials Appreciation BBQ, honoring the Building Officials and their staff in the tri-county area.  Easily the Association’s most popular general membership meeting, this unique event provides HBA members a festive opportunity to get to know their building inspectors and plans examiners away from the frenzied jobsite and permit office.