In 2023 the Board of County Commissioners appointed me to the Hardee County Industrial Authority (IDA) as a board member. As a citizen of the community and with a background in construction, I had an understanding that housing plays a critical role in the economic stability and growth in our community.

A housing study by the University of South Florida and the Florida Institute of Government confirmed what many of us have felt—Hardee County faces a shortage of housing across most categories, driving up costs for both homeowners and renters. Addressing this shortage is essential for our community’s growth.

Partnership and Funding

In 2024 our County Commissioners entered into an agreement with Mosaic, which resulted in:

  • An award of 81 acres of land to be used for housing

  • $8 million to be used to “stimulate and support new housing and redevelopment in Hardee County”

To date, the IDA has received the 81 acres of land on Bostick Road and six million of the eight million that was granted.

The property did not have water or sewer available, so the IDA worked with the county to extend those utilities down Bostick road at a cost of $800K. This investment will reduce the cost of each new home by eliminating the need to install a well and septic tank for each lot. These new utilities will also be available for homeowners, developers, and future projects in this area.

 

Developer Partnership for Bostick Road Project

We, as the IDA board, are excited to announce that we have selected a developer and local building group that will develop and build the homes for the Bostick Road project.

  • Estimated cost to develop the property, including roads, utilities, sidewalks, streetlamps, utilities, and community parks: approximately $6 million

  • Developer will provide this funding, allowing the IDA to use remaining funding to create more housing projects

  • Partnering with a developer allows the IDA to replicate this type of investment with other contractors, jump-starting housing now

  • By partnering with the developer, the IDA effectively grew our initial six million dollars by another six million

The homes at Bostick Road will be constructed by Southern Homes, based in Polk County, along with Rhino Homes, a Hardee County-based contractor. The project will benefit from Southern Homes’ extensive marketing experience and ensure local tradespeople will have an opportunity to work within Hardee County.

Housing Options and Tax Impact

Our county has housing needs at all levels. The Bostick Road project will have:

  • 3 basic lot sizes: 70, 80, and 90 feet wide and 125 feet deep

  • A small number of larger lots that make use of the property’s shape

  • Approximately 90 homes planned

  • Estimated annual tax revenue: $285K

We are currently working with developers on two other projects that have the potential to add approximately 94 homes. The IDA is also considering other areas of the county where it would be beneficial to extend the water and sewer lines, keeping growth close to community centers and reducing development costs by eliminating private wells and septic tanks.

Why Housing Matters

It is critical that we increase our population so that we can support our schools and businesses. We cannot do that without having a housing solution. A solution that offers various price levels, and enough supply that will help bring down the cost of housing. 

 

– Chris Idsardi