What schools serve my neighborhood or proposed development, and do they have capacity?

Current school capacity and enrollment data are on the OCPS website.
 
along with attendance zone maps for elementary, middle, and high schools.

What is a Capacity Enhancement Agreement (CEA)?

As part of its review of Comprehensive Policy Plan amendments and rezoning requests that would increase residential density, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) reports the status of school capacity at schools impacted by the proposed development and the impact of vested projects impacting the same schools. Where capacity will not be available to serve students from new development, the developer may enter into a Capacity Enhancement Agreement (CEA) with OCPS to develop strategies for providing schools or additional funding for capacity enhancement to insure that capacity is available. Proposed CEA's are reviewed by OCPS and, if approved by the School Board, are reflected in binding agreements with the landowners that ensure school capacity would be available to meet the needs of the proposed development.

How does the recent Orange County charter amendment affect school planning and Capacity Enhancement Agreements?

On November 2, 2004, Orange County voters approved Charter Amendment #6 to require joint county and municipal approval of zoning or comprehensive plan amendments affecting overcrowded public schools, which was later implemented through Orange County Ordinance 2006-04 (effective May 9, 2006). As a result, local governments in Orange County defined as "significantly affected" all must approve the proposed change in zoning or residential density in a jurisdiction, if Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) cannot certify that school capacity would be available or provided through a Capacity Enhancement Agreement. An associated interlocal agreement also became effective May 9, 2006, to outline the coordination process between local governments in Orange County, OCPS, and applicants proposing residential rezonings and comprehensive plan amendments. Copies of the charter amendment and interlocal agreement (PDF) are available.

What can you tell me about school impact fees?

School impact fees are a way to recognize the cost of development and land use on the local school system. Orange County school impact fees are charged to all residential development, both in incorporated and unincorporated areas. School impact fees are collected by the County and municipalities and forwarded to the School Board. As of January 28, 2008, school impact fees are $11,829 for a single-family residence, $6,647 for a multifamily residence, and$6,344 for a mobile home. The school impact fee study was updated in July 2007 (School Impact Fee Study). Per Ordinance 2007-12, (School Impact Fee Ordinance) the school impact fee will increase by 5% per year on a combination of cost and value indices as set forth in the impact fee study. In the event the School Impact Fee ordinance fee schedule is not updated by January 28, 2011, the impact fees shall continue at the rate effective January 28, 2011, until the fee schedule is updated.

What is the School Siting Ordinance?

The Orange County Code specifies the zoning categories where the location of school facilities is permitted. Section 38-1753 of the Orange County Code outlines the regulations for siting school facilities. Criteria for school locations, site standards, access to roads and sidewalks, and proximity to municipal services are described in detail to provide a coordinated and comprehensive standard relating to conditions on or impacting a potential school site. Orange County staff will be working with Orange County Public Schools to update the school siting ordinance in early 2007.

Why must I pay school property taxes?

Under Florida law, all properties are assessed for school taxes. The 2006 adopted school millage rate for Orange County is 7.169, of which 4.9540 is the millage set by the State of Florida.  This ad valorem tax funds the public school system, including academic instruction, construction, administration, and support services.

What can you tell me about the half-cent sales tax for schools?

In September 2002 Orange County voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase to provide additional funding to build new schools and renovate or replace existing ones.  Concurrently, the local school property tax would be reduced by one-half (0.5) mill for as long as the sales surtax is in effect; for a period of 13 years, beginning January 2003 and ending December 2015.

What is the Martinez Doctrine?

Beginning in March 2000, Orange County's practice of linking certain land use changes to school capacity was termed the Martinez Doctrine, after former Orange County Mayor Mel Martinez.  Under this directive, if a rezoning or comprehensive plan amendment had an adverse impact on schools, staff recommends denials of the request as exceeding the capacity of public infrastructure, which is inconsistent with Orange County's Comprehensive Policy Plan.  The adoption of this practice has led to more coordination and information sharing with Orange County Public Schools staff, and created a mechanism where developments denied under the Doctrine can enter into Capacity Enhancement Agreements with the School Board to mitigate adverse impacts.  This practice has withstood judicial challenge up to the Florida Supreme Court.