FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The term ‘Incorporation’ in government, is used to describe creation of a municipality or the act of creating city, town or village through referendum as outlined in Ch. 165, of the Florida Statute, establishing Home Rule Powers.  The town then governs by the ‘Charter’ which is adopted and amended by the people of the municipality through referendum. The word ‘Charter’ is derived from the French word for “contract.”  Every municipality in Florida has a charter.  

 Florida League of Cities is an incredible resource to learn more out this subject. 

Our initial survey suggests that Golden Gate Residents do not feel adequately represented, and their primary concerns regarding overdevelopment, traffic, cell phone coverage, infrastructure, availability of municipal services for working class residents, and pedestrian safety are being ignored. According to the feasibility study, Golden Gate Estates comprises approximately 34,000 residents or 8.9% of the population in Collier County. We are a significant source of income for the county. Despite our efforts to voice our opposition to decisions made at the county level, we have not been listened to. We have attended Commission meetings and reached out through various channels to express our desires but have seen no tangible results. It is crucial for us to safeguard ourselves from neighboring developments such as the future Town of Big Cypress and its Villages, as well as the proposed Immokalee Road Rural Village to the north. Although our community is more than twice the size of either development, there is a substantial risk that if we do not protect Golden Gate Estates, the County or these towns will encroach upon our land and provide services and infrastructure to cater to these developments at our expense. The time has come for the Golden Gate Estates Community to have its own distinct voice.

The state of Florida reserves all taxing authority unto itself and only through legislation can the municipality receive taxes. The Feasibility study proposes a 1.50 mill ad valorem tax for a property owner in the Town of Golden Gate Estates, with the average property value of $275,000 (don’t forget we already pay .8069 mill for the privilege to be unincorporated) and a $50,000 homestead exemption would increase your tax bill by $155 annually or $13/month based on 2021 rates.

This is what it will take to give our community a voice.

The new town will enter into new intergovernmental agreements with Collier County or negotiate new service contracts with private providers. These services include mosquito control, garbage and recycling, storm water, schools, and others. Please refer to the feasibility study for a more detailed list.

The greatest cost for most municipalities is police service. Currently, the Collier County Sheriff provides these services and will continue to provide services for the new town. We would not expect an increase in costs unless the community demands an increase over current services.

We may not be able to stop what has already been approved, but with incorporation, we will have more control on future proposals.

Currently, Collier County provides building inspections, planning, zoning, and code enforcement services. The intention is to continue these services at the current rate until the town adopts a comprehensive plan.  Once a new plan is completed the town will assume control of planning, reviewing, zoning and code enforcement functions. Within 2 years of formation, a new town is required to develop a comprehensive plan.  The Golden Gate Estates Master Plan is  a great starting point for our newly elected officials. 

Save The Estates is focused on the rural unincorporated portion of the Golden Gate Estates. We are aware that the area of Orange Tree that sits within the middle of the estates, Corkscrew Sanctuary to the north and the Urban Estates to the west have expressed interest in joining the Town once incorporated. We depend on this support to get us over the finish line, but it is critical to our success that we stay focused on the rural unincorporated area as highlighted in the example below. 

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The people of Golden Gate Estates will elect government officials who are residents of our community. With our own town, you will be heard by decision makers who live right here in our neighborhoods; people who understand the challenges our community faces. Our desire is to see committees of residents and business owners working hand in hand with there elected leadership to address community issues and to ensure that our low population density rural character remains.

Municipal incorporation and HOAs are often misunderstood to be the same, but in reality, they have distinct differences. The Town of Golden Gate Estates is committed to maintaining its low-density character, as outlined in its Town Charter. Incorporation as a municipality provides the Town of Golden Gate Estates with a broader range of responsibilities and services compared to an HOA. While HOAs primarily focus on managing and maintaining common areas and enforcing community rules, municipal incorporation encompasses a wider scope. This includes providing essential services such as infrastructure development, zoning regulations, and more. By establishing itself as a municipality, the Town of Golden Gate Estates can effectively address the unique needs and aspirations of its residents while preserving its low-density character. This distinction sets it apart from typical HOAs, offering a more comprehensive approach to community governance.

Surprising to note,  as densely populated as Collier county is there are only 3 incorporated communities. Proposed Ad Valorem Tax revenue for the new municipality compared to Current unincorporated area (MSTD), and municipal millage rates for Collier communities.

Source: Collier County and municipal populations are from the 2020 U.S. Census (available at https://data.census.gov). The Golden Gate Estates population is based on the consultant’s calculations using 2020 U.S. Census Redistricting Data. 

Sign up to stay informed. <Link>

Sign a petition, ask your neighbors to sign petitions and spread the word. <Link >

Write your legislative delegation members and tell them why they should vote yes on incorporation for Golden Gate Estates. <Link >

Take our surveys so we can hear your voice. <Link >

Review our feasibility study.  <Link >

Educate yourself and others on the importance of this topic. This website has an abundance of education and links to our community past and future meetings. 

Help us SAVE THE ESTATES.

We understand that change can be difficult, but we truly believe in the power of community involvement. Your opinions and concerns are crucial in shaping the future of our neighborhood. Together, we can create a stronger and more vibrant community. Let’s work together towards a better future! Remember, the purpose of our neighborhood workshops is to foster open dialogue and collaboration. We value your unique perspective and want to hear from you. By actively participating in our meetings, you can contribute to finding the best solutions for our community. Your voice matters, and we are here to support your right to make an informed decision. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification. Together, let’s build a stronger and more inclusive neighborhood!