ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Horizon West is one of the fastest-growing communities in Orange County, and now some residents are asking whether the area should take the next step and become its own city.
The idea was sparked by some online and grew into a debate, with some residents supporting the possibility of creating a new municipality while others question whether it would lead to higher taxes and additional government costs.
Residents have mixed opinions about the idea.
“Yes, it’s a big yes. It’s growing,” one resident said.
Another resident disagreed, saying, “I think it’s busy enough here. I don’t want to pay any more in taxes.”
Currently, Horizon West remains an unincorporated community, meaning it does not have its own city government. Instead, services are managed through Orange County.
But the area has experienced rapid growth, with thousands of new residents, homes and businesses moving in.
Orange County District Commissioner Nicole Wilson said Horizon West is among the county’s fastest-growing areas, and becoming a city is possible under Florida law, but the process would require many steps.
Wilson said a future municipality would need to meet requirements such as having defined borders, a sufficient population, and funding for a feasibility study.
Some residents say they prefer keeping the current structure and remaining connected to nearby communities.
“We love living in Winter Garden. We love what the community provides,” one resident said. “Taxes are still pretty low, and we get good community resources.”
Others believe becoming a city could give residents more control over decisions affecting their community.
“There’s a lot of issues in this place. We don’t have stores or some of the necessities you would have in a city, and again, no representation locally to help us,” another resident said.
For now, Horizon West remains part of Orange County, but as the community continues to grow, the conversation about its future is gaining momentum.