[Ruckvilla]

Closed on our new house last month which was supposed to have a $195 HOA / Ammenity fee. Our bill just arrived and the ammenity fee alone showed $440! Any ideas on what happened here?

[villagetinker]

Take a closer look at the bill, this should be the Amenity fee, trash pickup, potable water, irrigation water, etc., also there was some recent news about a large increase in the amenity fee in some of the newest areas. I do not recall the details as it did not affect me, but there was a thread on this and many comments. Also, as I recall the developer made a contribution that significantly reduced the monthly amount due.
I am sure others will respond and fill in the gaps.

[MsPCGenius]

As I recall, the first bill may cover more than just one month's fee -- depending on what day of the month you moved in, it may be prorated,

May possibly also cover two months so that you are always paying one month ahead of the current billing cycle. The next bill you receive should be more in line with what to expect over time.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Take a closer look at the bill, this should be the Amenity fee, trash pickup, potable water, irrigation water, etc., also there was some recent news about a large increase in the amenity fee in some of the newest areas. I do not recall the details as it did not affect me, but there was a thread on this and many comments. Also, as I recall the developer made a contribution that significantly reduced the monthly amount due.
I am sure others will respond and fill in the gaps.

Originally Posted by MsPCGenius

As I recall, the first bill may cover more than just one month's fee -- depending on what day of the month you moved in, it may be prorated,

May possibly also cover two months so that you are always paying one month ahead of the current billing cycle. The next bill you receive should be more in line with what to expect over time.

I don't think the huge increase the Developer kicked in $2M, is related to the Amenity Fee. I believe that was a maintenance (Bond) issue.

As for the Amenity Fee, I seem to remember my 1st bill being ridiculously high and if I recall correctly, it was for exactly the reason stated above. Pro-rated and it covered most of 2 months.

[Bill14564]

The bill should be itemized. What is printed on the line labeled amenity fee?

[Normal]

The bill should be a community district bill. I agree with the above posts that it includes: trash, irrigation water, potable water sewage and your amenity fee. Also, your bill would be higher south of 44 because you use two kinds of water and the rates are high on potable water.

[Rainger99]

My first bill was for $527. That was for more than one month's amenity fees.

The next bill was for $239.60.

If you have any questions, call the District Utilities Customer Service Division/Finance Department. The number is 352-750-0000.

They are very nice and even more knowledgeable than TOTV!

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by Ruckvilla

Closed on our new house last month which was supposed to have a $195 HOA / Ammenity fee. Our bill just arrived and the ammenity fee alone showed $440! Any ideas on what happened here?

No HOAs in TV. You are asking only about the amenity fee. On your first bill it will give you the date of start for that fee, and end date. Divide by days, it will definitely be more than 30, probably 6-8 weeks.
Pay the bill, next month should be a 30 day cycle just like the rest of your district.
In a few months you will be an expert on billing and be able to give out advice to another new person.

[Ruckvilla]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

The bill should be itemized. What is printed on the line labeled amenity fee?

The ammenity fee is the $440.. The total bill is well over $500. The date says its only covering one month, beginning the day we closed.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Ruckvilla

The ammenity fee is the $440.. The total bill is well over $500. The date says its only covering one month, beginning the day we closed.

Your amenity fee will be $195 going forward. This must be a multiple-month startup fee on your first bill. Your best option is to call customer service and ask them to explain the amount.

[ripper63]

Probably a one time charge for the mailbox

[jimdecastro]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Take a closer look at the bill, this should be the Amenity fee, trash pickup, potable water, irrigation water, etc., also there was some recent news about a large increase in the amenity fee in some of the newest areas. I do not recall the details as it did not affect me, but there was a thread on this and many comments. Also, as I recall the developer made a contribution that significantly reduced the monthly amount due.
I am sure others will respond and fill in the gaps.

The huge increase - since reduced - was the annual maintenance fee in CDD 14 (only). It totaled (for me) a $301 increase annually - reduced to about $107.

[jimdecastro]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

I don't think the huge increase the Developer kicked in $2M, is related to the Amenity Fee. I believe that was a maintenance (Bond) issue.

As for the Amenity Fee, I seem to remember my 1st bill being ridiculously high and if I recall correctly, it was for exactly the reason stated above. Pro-rated and it covered most of 2 months.

Both of these issues you have 100% correct. Great post.

[Rwirish]

There is No HOA fee in TV so let’s start there.

[NoMo50]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Take a closer look at the bill, this should be the Amenity fee, trash pickup, potable water, irrigation water, etc., also there was some recent news about a large increase in the amenity fee in some of the newest areas. I do not recall the details as it did not affect me, but there was a thread on this and many comments. Also, as I recall the developer made a contribution that significantly reduced the monthly amount due.
I am sure others will respond and fill in the gaps.

The large increases that have been recently discussed were for the Maintenance fee, not the Amenity fee. The Maintenance fee is billed annually as a non ad valorem (not tied to property valuation) item on your tax bill. The Amenity fee is billed monthly. The OP's best bet would be to contact the customer service number listed on the bill. I have found those folks to be very friendly and helpful.

For those affected and/or interested, there will be a meeting to lay out the proposed Maintenance fee increases for 2025. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 12th at 11:00am at Everglades Recreation Center.