The Florida RV Park and Campground Association (FRVCA) has announced updates on its legislative and industry initiatives for 2026, including bills that cap and clarify special assessments on RV parks and campgrounds, providing guidance on how fees such as Fire and EMS assessments may be levied on RV campsites.
The House bill (HB 39) and Senate bill (SB 118) propose that fees based on square footage cannot exceed 400 square feet and must account for park occupancy, aiming to reduce financial burdens on park owners.
According to an announcement from FRVCA, Bobby Cornwell, FRVCA President and CEO, said the legislation was drafted with support from the association’s lobbyist and legal team, including Marc Dunbar and French Brown, to bring clarity and fairness to how counties and special districts levy taxes on RV parks.
“Non-ad Valorem Assessments have skyrocketed for RV Parks in certain counties over the past few years, placing an unexpected hardship and significant financial burden on many park owners,” the association’s announcement explains.
Cornwell noted some mid-size park owners have faced property tax increases of $30,000 to $40,000 in a single year. FRVCA members have consistently identified these assessments as a top challenge facing park operators.
The Senate Bill passed unanimously through the Senate Community Affairs Committee on November 18, marking a successful first step. The bill still must clear two additional Senate committee stops before reaching the Senate floor for a full vote.
“So we are off to a great start, but we still have a long way to go,” the announcement indicates. HB 39 has also been filed in the House and is currently under consideration in the House Ways & Means Committee, though it has yet to be scheduled for discussion.
FRVCA has been uniting Florida’s RV park and campground community for nearly 60 years, providing essential tools, resources, networking opportunities, and advocacies.
Since its founding in 1966, FRVCA has championed the interests of more than 400 campgrounds and RV parks across the Sunshine State, promoting education, innovation, and industry best practices.
As the trade association for Florida’s outdoor hospitality sector, FRVCA empowers its members with the guidance and support needed to thrive, fostering collaboration, growth, and a strong, unified voice for the state’s dynamic campground and RV park industry.
For more information about the association, visit their website here.