Relocating to Tampa Bay: the new-construction checklist

In short

Schools are assigned by address and by each county's school district, and boundaries can change as new communities open. Check the exact lot address with the district before you choose.

Buying a brand-new home from another state or country means checking things you can't see from a brochure: the school assignment for the exact address, the real drive to work, the CDD and HOA bills, and the flood zone of the lot. This checklist covers each one, and Dorota can walk you through it on live video before you fly in.

Last updated November 6, 2026.

How do I check which schools serve a new home?

Schools are assigned by address and by each county's school district, and boundaries can change as new communities open. Check the exact lot address with the district before you choose.

Hillsborough · Pasco · Pinellas · Manatee · Sarasota · Hernando

How do I check the commute before I move?

Test the route at the times you'd actually drive, and remember that new communities may add lights and traffic as they build out. On a live tour Dorota can drive the route on camera.

What will the CDD and HOA cost?

Ask for both before you sign. A CDD assessment is billed on the county property-tax bill and Florida law (section 190.048, Florida Statutes) requires it to be disclosed in the sales contract; HOA fees are set by the association.

CDD fees explained

How do I compare price per square foot between communities?

Divide the price by the heated living area, then add the lot premium, options you'd actually choose and design-center costs — base prices rarely include them. Compare the same kind of home: single-family to single-family, townhome to townhome.

How do I check flood zone and insurance from a distance?

Look up the lot on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, ask the builder for the elevation certificate, and get an insurance quote for the exact address before your inspection or financing deadlines.

Flood zones & new construction · Insurance on new construction

Can I do all this before I fly in?

Yes. Dorota tours communities and model homes on live video in your time zone, in English or Polish, and registers you with each builder before your first contact.

Tampa Bay community guides · Sarasota & Manatee guides · Builder guides · Verified builder incentives

Questions

Good to know

How do I find which school serves a new-construction home?

Use the county school district's address lookup for the exact lot; assignments are by address and can change as new communities open.

Is a CDD the same as an HOA?

No. A CDD is a special district whose assessment appears on the property-tax bill; an HOA is a private association with its own fee. Many new communities have both.

Can I buy new construction without visiting first?

Many buyers shortlist on live video and visit once. Dorota registers you with each builder before your first contact so you keep your own representation.