Developer Watch

Ranked 64th of 67 FL Counties

Pasco County ranks 64th out of 67 Florida counties in deputies per 1,000 residents. Sheriff requesting 40 new deputies.

Source: Pasco County Sheriff's Office

7:30 target / 27 stations

PCFR targets 7 min 30 sec for 90% of ALS calls. 27 fire stations cover 750+ sq mi. Feb 2026: 8,531 calls (+428 YoY). Turnout time improved 30%. Effective Response Force target: 13 min for full first alarm.

Source: Pasco County Fire Rescue / IAFF Local 4420

6,938 residential (2025)

105% year-over-year increase in residential permits. 6,765 permits in 2024. Pasco leads West Florida in residential construction while state declined 6%. Infrastructure not keeping pace with development.

Source: US Census Bureau BPPRIV012101 / HB Weekly

10,000+

Over 10,000 new residences approved since July 2023, driving demand for additional law enforcement, infrastructure, and school capacity.

Source: Pasco County Sheriff's Office budget request

674,516 (20% since 2020)

Population grew from 561,909 (April 2020) to 674,516 (est. July 2025) — 20% increase in 5 years. One of Florida's fastest-growing counties. Major developments: Amazon ($150M), Moffitt Speros (775 acres), Double Branch.

Source: US Census Bureau Quick Facts

Strained

Rapid population growth creating increasing congestion on major corridors. County total budget of $2.262 billion includes infrastructure spending.

Source: Pasco County Budget FY2025

SR 54, US 19, US 41 Critical

US 19 identified as deadliest road in Florida (150+ deaths since 2020). SR 54/US 41 overpass project costs skyrocketing. $240M US 19 capacity project not complete until 2029. Bruce B. Downs/County Line, US 301/SR 56 also critical.

Source: FDOT Tampa Bay / FOX 13

86,685 students / 107 schools

Enrollment grew 85% in 20 years (46,458 to 86,685). Student-teacher ratio 17:1. School Choice restricted at "critically overcrowded" schools. District is 10th largest in FL, 48th in US. 21 STEM schools recognized.

Source: Pasco County Schools / US News Education / NCES

85,855 students / 109 schools

Pasco County School District serves 85,855 students across 109 schools. Growth in approved residences continues to pressure school capacity.

Source: Pasco County School Board (2023-2024 data)

State funding exhausted

FL DEP Septic Upgrade Incentive Program no longer accepting applications — funding exhausted. Pasco offers $10K grants for nitrogen-reducing systems in Spring Hill area. Utility rate increases effective Oct 2025 to fund infrastructure.

Source: FL DEP / Pasco County Utilities

Ongoing

Aging septic systems in older communities continue to pose environmental and health risks. County utility expansion programs underway but backlog remains for connecting older properties.

Source: Pasco County Utilities

1 day per week based on address

Mon: ends 0/1, Tue: ends 2/3, Wed: ends 4/5, Thu: ends 6/7, Fri: ends 8/9. Hours: 6pm-8am only. No weekends.

Source: SWFWMD

Phase III - Extreme

Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Restrictions in effect April 3 - July 1, 2026. Lawn watering limited to 1 day/week (6pm-8am). No weekend watering. Car washing once/week with auto shut-off nozzle.

Source: SWFWMD (Southwest FL Water Management District)