USDA Rural Development is conducting a review of all areas under its jurisdiction to identify areas that no longer qualify as rural for housing programs. The last rural area reviews were performed in 2017-2018 using 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) data. Rural area designations are reviewed every five years. This review will utilize the 2020 United States decennial census data.
Based on the 2020 US census data and rural area guidance located in Handbook HB-1-3550, Chapter 5, the rural eligibility designation is under review for the following areas in Florida:
Currently eligible communities under review (rural in character, contiguous with or expanding from currently ineligible areas):
- Navarre, Santa Rosa County
- Pensacola, Escambia County
- Four Corners, Lake County, Polk County, Orange County, and Osceola County
- Oviedo, Seminole County
- Ocala, Marion County
- Port Orange, Volusia County
- Ormond Beach, Volusia County
- Titusville, Brevard County
- Sanford, Seminole County
- Apopka, Orange County
- Plant City, Hillsborough County
- Cloud, Osceola County
- Clermont, Lake County
- Land O’ Lakes, Pasco County
- Four Corners, Orange, Polk, and Osceola
- Winter Haven, Polk County
- Valrico, Hillsborough County
- North Port, Sarasota County
- Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County
- Bradenton, Manatee County
- Crestview City, Okaloosa County
- Niceville, Okaloosa County
- Pace, Santa Rosa County
- Milton, Santa Rosa County
- Lynn Haven, Bay County
- Callaway City, Bay County
- Fleming Island (CDP), Clay County
- Lakeside, Clay County
- Fernandina Beach, Nassau County
- Lake Butler, Union County
- Apollo Beach, Hillsborough County
- Ruskin, Hillsborough County
- Vero Beach South, Indian River County
- Haines City, Polk County
- Highland City, Polk County
- Lake Highlands, Polk County
- Fuller Heights, Polk County
- Zephyrhills, Pasco County
- Celebration, Osceola County
- Vero Beach South, Indian River County
- Naples, Collier County
- Immokalee, Collier County
Newly ineligible communities under review (expansion of current ineligible areas):
- Ferry Pass, Escambia County
- Ensley, Escambia County
- Warrington, Escambia County
- Oakleaf Plantation, Clay County
- Fleming Island, Clay County
- Augustine City, St. Johns County
- Palm Valley, St. Johns County
- Mount Dora, Lake County
- Minneola City, Lake County
- Tavares, Lake County
- Eustis, Lake County
- Lady Lake Town, Lake County
- DeBary City, Volusia County
- Orange City, Volusia County
The public shall have 90 days from the date of this public notice to submit comments regarding the potential loss of eligibility for Rural Development housing programs. Comments should be sent to SM.RD.FLSFH.Origination@usda.gov. For details, or questions about specific changes, please contact the Florida State Rural Development Housing Program staff at 352-338-3435.