Nocatee HOA & CDD Fees Explained | What Every Buyer Should Know
If you're shopping for a home in Nocatee, you've probably noticed that many homes have both an HOA fee and a CDD fee. While these costs are often mentioned together, they serve very different purposes—and understanding them is an important part of comparing homes and planning your monthly budget.
The good news? These fees help support many of the reasons people choose to live in Nocatee in the first place, from award-winning amenities and beautiful green spaces to well-maintained neighborhoods.
Why Does Nocatee Have Both HOA & CDD Fees?
Nocatee was designed as a master-planned community.
Rather than adding the full cost of roads, utilities, parks, and recreational amenities into the purchase price of every home, much of the infrastructure was financed through the Tolomato Community Development District (TCDD).
At the same time, each neighborhood has its own Homeowners Association (HOA), which manages neighborhood-specific maintenance, architectural standards, and community operations.
Homeowners in Nocatee pay both:
An annual CDD assessment
An HOA assessment
Although they work together, they are completely separate.
Your Monthly Payment Matters
One thing many buyers don't realize is that CDD fees directly affect your monthly housing payment.
If you finance your home and have an escrow account, your lender typically collects:
Property taxes
Homeowners insurance
CDD assessment
as part of your monthly mortgage payment.
That means two homes with the same purchase price can have different monthly payments simply because they have different CDD assessments.
When helping our buyers compare homes, we always calculate the total monthly ownership cost—not just the mortgage payment.
HOA Fees Vary by Neighborhood
Unlike CDD fees, every neighborhood has its own HOA.
HOA fees vary depending on things like:
Community size
Private neighborhood amenities
Gated entrances
Landscaping responsibilities
Clubhouses or neighborhood pools
Annual operating budget
Because HOA budgets are reviewed annually, fees can change over time.
Rather than publishing numbers that quickly become outdated, we verify the current HOA fee for every home our buyers consider.
We've Served on our HOA Board
We don't just sell homes in Nocatee—we've helped lead one.
Quinton served as Vice President of the Austin Park HOA.
Kristin served as Chairman of the Austin Park Architectural Review Board (ARB).
That firsthand experience helps us guide buyers through topics such as:
HOA rules and governing documents
Architectural approvals
Exterior modifications
Budget planning
Community standards
Reserve funding
Understanding how an HOA operates can make homeownership much less intimidating.
CDD Fee vs. HOA Fee
If you'd like a more detailed explanation of Community Development Districts, be sure to read our companion article:
What Is a CDD Fee? Understanding Community Development Districts in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay off my CDD?
In many cases, yes. The bond portion of your CDD assessment may be eligible for payoff. However, the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) portion generally continues because it funds ongoing community maintenance.
Are HOA fees included in my mortgage?
No.
HOA dues are paid directly to the association according to its billing schedule.
CDD assessments, however, are included with your annual property taxes and are commonly escrowed as part of your monthly mortgage payment.
Does every Nocatee neighborhood have the same fees?
No.
Both HOA fees and CDD assessments vary depending on the neighborhood, lot size, amenities, and community budget.
That's why we verify the current fees for every property our clients are considering.
Which Nocatee neighborhoods have the lowest fees?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Some neighborhoods have lower HOA fees but higher CDD assessments, while others offer additional amenities that increase HOA dues.
We're happy to help you compare communities based on your budget and lifestyle.
We're Here to Help
Understanding HOA and CDD fees is an important part of choosing the right neighborhood—but it's only one piece of the puzzle.
As longtime Nocatee residents, former HOA board members, and local real estate advisors, we're happy to help you compare neighborhoods, estimate your monthly payment, and explain exactly what to expect before you make an offer.
Whether you're buying your first home or your next home in Nocatee, we're here to make the process simple and transparent.
Call or text us at (904) 826-3690, or explore our Nocatee Community Guide to learn more about the neighborhoods, amenities, and lifestyle that make this community so special.
