Orange County Stormwater Utility

Orange County is evaluating a Stormwater Utility Fee to help address stormwater runoff, localized flooding, drainage improvements, water quality protection, and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure. Many older communities have limited stormwater capacity or treatment, and identifying a dedicated funding source could support long-term improvements that protect homes, streets, lakes, rivers, and springs.

Overview

Orange county is experiencing tremendous pressure from rainfall and stormwater runoff into our lakes, rivers, and springs within our communities. There are many older communities that do not have adequate stormwater capacity or treatment that add to that pressure. Finding a solution to fund improvements for both water quality and water quantity will benefit generations to come.

Orange County is currently evaluating the need for a Stormwater Utility to help alleviate the pressures on the stormwater system and our natural water bodies. An ongoing study is underway and comprised of three phases:

Phase 1: Completed
Reviewed the current stormwater program, future Level of Service needs, preliminary impervious surface data, possible rate methodology, and funding options.
Phase 2: Underway
Includes community outreach, public meetings, final review of impervious surface data, development of a credit policy, residential rate tiers, and Board of County Commissioners work sessions.
Phase 3: Implementation (TBD)
Could include ordinance revisions, public hearings, final billing file development, rate structure adoption, and procedures for implementation.

Rate Tiering

The rate will be based on the square footage of impervious area on a parcel based on the residential median square footage.Impervious areas do not allow rainwater to seep into soil and thus contribute to runoff into the county’s stormwater system.

These are the draft rate tiers for a three-tiered model:

Rate Tiering Graphic

Credits

Stormwater Utilities typically have a credit policy for actions that lessen the discharge to the receiving stormwater collection system.

Reduced runoff or increased infiltration on site
Green stormwater practices
Municipal Separate Taxing or Benefit Unit (MSTU/BU) - Some residents in the county have elected to pay additional taxes to fund specific maintenance or improvements for their retention ponds or natural waterbodies.

Ordinance 96-20

Orange County adopted a Stormwater Utility ordinance in 1996 to fund the operation and maintenance of the stormwater system.The fee was set at $0 at that time and has not been adjusted.

Timeline

May 5, 2026: BCC Discussion
Update on progress and guidance on moving forward and community outreach
May - June 2026: Community Outreach
Solicit feedback on rate, tiering, credit policy and funding
June 30 2026:
BCC directed staff to pause study until 2027

Community Meetings

Orange County Public Works hosted six community meetings to gather resident feedback on the Stormwater Utility Study in June of 2026. Property owners and residents were invited to attend, learn more, ask questions, and provide input.

Watch the Community Meeting Presentation

If you were unable to attend a Stormwater Utility Fee community meeting, you can watch a recording of the presentation provided at the meetings.

Presentation - Stormwater Utility Fee Community Meeting

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I have to pay?

The final rate, if the project moves to Phase 3, has yet to be determined.

How would this affect my taxes?

The Stormwater Utility, if it is implemented, would be a non-ad valorem item listed on your property TRIM notice.

What is the Utility rate going to be based on?

The rate will use the total square footage of the impervious area of your parcel. This will include driveways, walkways, house foundations, etc.

How can I provide my feedback?

The Stormwater Utility Community Feedback Survey has closed. If you have any questions, please email StormwaterFeedback@ocfl.net.

Resource Links

Contact Us

For questions or comments about the Stormwater Utility Study, please contact:
Email: StormwaterFeedback@ocfl.net

All email sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by Orange County Government may be available upon request in accordance with Florida public records law.