Understanding Monthly Fees in The Villages, Florida

Welcome back to The Villages, Florida – Uncovered, where we’re Always Prepared, or “Semper Paratus.” Today, we’re breaking down the major monthly and annual fees every homeowner should know about: CDD & bond assessments, amenity fees, sewer, trash, and fire fees.

1. Amenity Fee

• This is a monthly fee, typically around $199 as of April 2025. It may be adjusted annually or every few years based on CPI.

• Covers access to recreation centers, pools, golf courses, tennis, pickleball, clubs, and more.

2. CDD (Community Development District) Fees – Bond & Maintenance

Two key components—let’s break them down:

Bond Assessment –

When you buy a newer home in The Villages, you’re helping cover the cost to build neighborhood infrastructure like roads, water and sewer lines, streetlights, and more. Instead of paying all at once, it’s financed with a bond, which you pay off over 20–30 years through your property taxes. It works like a “mini mortgage” for neighborhood infrastructure.

• It’s added annually to your tax bill.

• You can pay it off early—then that line item disappears from future bills.

• Homes with paid-off bonds are advertised as “Bond Paid” or “No Bond.”

Maintenance Assessment

Think of this as the community’s annual maintenance subscription. It covers ongoing costs to keep shared spaces functioning well—like landscaping, street lighting, pond upkeep, road repairs, or sewer system maintenance.

• Set each year by the CDD’s Board of Supervisors, based on the approved budget.

• Costs vary among homeowners depending on how much “benefit” their property receives—larger homes or those with more infrastructure may pay more.

• This fee never goes away—it continues for as long as you own the home.

Why it exists:
Florida’s CDDs are a smart way to fund and manage development and maintenance without pulling from local or state budgets. But it means homeowners are responsible for a fair share based on usage and property characteristics.

3. Trash, Sewer, (and Water) Fees

• Trash Collection: About $28–$32/month, depending on your area.

• Water & Sewer: Combined costs generally range between $40–$100/month, depending on usage.

4. Fire Assessment Fee

• A recent addition in select areas, usually around $13/month, for fire safety services. Not all neighborhoods have it yet.

5. Putting It All Together

Final Thoughts

Budgeting for homeownership in The Villages means looking beyond just the mortgage. Factor in ongoing monthly fees and recurring annual assessments. If you’d like details for your specific district or help locating your assessment amounts, let me know—I’m happy to assist.