HOLT, Fla., Sept. 28, 2026—Holt Fire District is sponsoring a non-binding referendum on the November 3 ballot in a quest to adjust fire impact fees.

This referendum will only appear on Holt ballots.

Currently, Holt Fire District imposes impact fees on all new construction. The proposed referendum would adjust fire impact fees in Holt for new residence and business construction only.

This would not affect existing residences or commercial properties, unless a property owner wants to build a new house or install a mobile home.

The new proposed rates would be $1 per square foot for heated and cooled new residential construction and mobile homes and $2 per square foot for businesses.

This is a one-time payment for new construction.

According to Holt Fire Commissioner Jim Connors, the reason for increasing fire impact fees is to better prepare for the future.

“We’re looking toward our future,” he said. “We’re adjusting our impact fees to build a new future for Holt Fire District.”

A key reason for the adjusted fees is to generate enough money to buy a new fire engine, according to Connors.

“The sole immediate purpose for adjusting the fee is to buy a new pumper truck,” he said.

Holt Fire has old fire engines. It’s “newest” engine is 22 years old; its oldest one is pushing 30. Two of the three engines were donated from other fire departments after they were replace with newer equipment.

Holt Fire District’s request for money for a new fire engine was one of 18 projects championed by Florida House of Representatives Nation Boyles in the fiscal year 2027 state budget that was approved by the Florida legislature. Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed 16 of the 18 in June, including Holt Fire’s request for a new engine.

To help explain the reasons behind the change in fire impact fees, Holt Fire District is hosting two public meetings in October to provide residents a chance to ask questions about the referendum.

The first meeting will be Oct. 5 at noon at the fire station located at 483 U.S. Highway 90 West. The second will be after working hours Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m., also at the fire station.

Holt residents who may have questions about the upcoming referendum can call Jim Connors at 850-305-2855.