In case of fire, DO NOT call 911, call Forestry 407-856-6512 | Gate Emergency: 321-437-5447

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

We hope these frequently asked questions are helpful.  We are not lawyers, so none of the answers we give should be taken as legal advice.  Rather, this is what we have found over the years, and are just sharing what we know.

Thank you for your interest and doing your “homework” before coming to Suburban Estates. All of our officers and volunteers are doing this for free, for their love of Suburban Estates. Should you have additional questions, please contact us at info@sepaclub.com

If you would like to see aerials on Google Earth, type in Suburban Estates or go to the property appraiser’s web site.  You can type in Holopaw Groves Road in the street address; click on one of the search results, then click on Map View.

atv riders in the mud

What is Suburban Estates?

What is Suburban Estates?

Suburban Estates is a community name on paper. It was originally a Florida Land Deal decades ago, that was never developed. There are well over 11,000 acres, and most of it is swamp or “wet” lots. Thousands of lots were sold, so many people hoped one day the area would turn into a city. However, the condition of the land required more work than the developers wanted to do, so the land was then zoned recreation.

If I moved here, what is daily life like, and the day-to-day standards and permissible activity?

Suburban is not a residential community. There are several dishonest realtors and private citizens selling lots with the implication that you can live here. There is no infrastructure like water, power, sewer and access to emergency services like EMS or fire rescue. Access to all areas is via dirt roads that are accessible only with four wheel drive. 

SEPA

What is SEPA?

SEPA is registered non-profit recreational club comprised of landowners that want to preserve the integrity of Suburban Estates as a recreational home away from home. People love to ride their ATVs, SUVs, bikes, horses, etc.; there used to be some good fishing spots and hunting areas.

How can we become SEPA members?

You have to be a property owner to become a SEPA Club member; unless you are sponsored by a landowner.  If you are sponsored, then you can become an Associate member, meaning you can attend meetings but cannot vote on items.
Click here for more information: SEPA Membership

Can I get a key if I show my deed and tax info?

No. Some properties have keys already assigned to them, so we must ensure one key per lot. A seller must transfer the key either to you or another piece of property, if they own a key.

Our Key Committee at keys@sepaclub.com can check to see if a key has been assigned. We can email you the Key Request Form or you can access it and upload necessary documents and payment through our web site here

What Should I Know Before Buying A Lot?

Is there a way to tell the difference between an access lot (wet lot) and a lot we can actually use (dry lot)?

The seller should disclose if it is a wet or dry lot (be sure to ask!). Some wet lots will look dry during certain parts of the year, so a visual inspection may not be enough. Additionally, you can tell cypress heads when you look at the aerials either on Google Maps or on the Osceola County Property Appraiser’s web site: www.property-appraiser.org

What is the difference between dry lots and access lots?

Yes, there are dry lots and people have some decent camps out there. Access/wet lots are purchased by people that only want a key to get in. Access lot owners will just stay for the day in Suburban, while dry lots may have parking and possibly a camper on them.

What realtor do you recommend, and are there any unscrupulous sellers to watch out for?

There are two reputable realtors we recommend, Darin Crane and Helen Schmal.  They both are familiar with Suburban. There are a few private individuals that have lots to sell.  Please be aware of a few others that advertise for sale.  Do not do a payment plan if you don’t have to with some of these sellers.  They don’t care about SE, they just want to make money (they buy parcels at tax sales, split them up, and resell.)  The buyer ends up paying an exorbitant amount on an access lot (or dry one, if available.) 

Do you know anyone who would survey my land?

We do not recommend anyone officially, however, if you go to the Suburban Estates Holopaw page, there is probably someone available to mark them or can tell you how you can mark them based on aerials and GPS coordinates that you can obtain from the Osceola County Property Appraiser’s office. Just remember, aerials are not 100% accurate and there is a disclaimer to that fact. While they are very close in most instances, they say that can be up to 40 feet off.

Can I verify a piece of land is for sale via the parcel number?

We cannot verify if a piece of property is for sale. You can look it up the owner by going to www.property-appraiser.org web site and entering the parcel number (without dashes.)

How big are the lots?

Lots in Suburban Estates start at 1.25 acres. If you encounter a .33 acre lot, know that the lot was split, and typically will not be accessible to the buyer. Do your research before purchasing.

The realtor said I needed to contact SEPA for a detailed description and for details on permissible structures and activities. Can you tell me more about the lot I want to buy?

All reputable realtors have information as to the zoning, condition and access of Suburban estates, and should be able to inform you this is a recreational area only, not an area you can live in. Osceola County zoning does not allow permanent structures here. However, due to some unscrupulous behavior by local realtors and ill informed citizens, several people have purchased land with the mistaken belief they can move here. At any time, Osceola County can shut down any area that is not compliant with their zoning regulations. The county has not clamped down on some of these camps yet, but at any time they can shut down the entire area. Realtors should have all information pertaining to the sale of the lot. They would prepare or have a title company prepare the deed.

How Do I Access Suburban Estates?

The main entrance to Surburban Estates consists of a gate with a lock. To gain access, landowners may contact SEPA for a key. Only landowners may access Suburban Estates.

Which lots have the best access for a truck/car to get to?

You need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to access Suburban Estates. Don’t even try it in a car.  There are no maintained roads, only dirt trails.  This property is zoned as recreational and is a part of the Big Bend Swamp.  Some areas are underwater during the wet season and may not be accessible.   

If you don’t have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you won’t make it very far past the gate entrance.

 

According to the satellite picture my lot doesn't have an access road. Do the lots have access roads?

There are no roads; only dirt trails. Owners try to maintain the trails as much as possible to keep them passible but, if you don’t have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you may not make it much past the gate.

Is there public parking, restrooms, or amenities available?

No to all of the above. There are no amenities or public parking areas. A few generous landowners offered their land past the main gate as an area for emergency temporary parking. Although we refer to it as “the parking lot”, it is not. Please do not camp, or hold your get togethers in this area.

Suburban estates is not a publicly held area, therefore there are no public services, (including no emergency services like ambulance or fire) available. Every piece of land here is owned by someone. Please do not litter, or otherwise destroy our neighbors property.

Is Suburban Estates set up the same way as River Ranch?

Suburban Estates is a different model setup than River Ranch.At Suburban Estates, only property owners have access to the area. Each property owner purchases a key to the main gate for access. Selling passes is not allowed.

What Can I Build On My Land?

Do we have access to electric and water, and can we install septic?

There is no infrastructure by the County, so everything is off the grid. There are no “roads” just dirt trails that we all try to maintain and, if you don’t have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you probably won’t make it much past the gate. Septic tanks are at the discretion of Osceola County zoning and permitting. You will not get be able to get electric service. There are no maintained “roads” once you go through the gate.

Can I put tiny house on my lot?

While several people have camps, permanent structures are not permitted out here per Osceola County Zoning regulations. Some unscrupulous sellers are painting the wrong picture about Suburban Estates. We are not a developed subdivision; we do not have a property owners’ association. The county will not issue you a permit to put a permanent structure out there.

What kind of structures can I have on my property?

There is not supposed to be any permanent structures built out here per Osceola County. Any structure placed on the property has to be able to be moved. Osceola County at any time can fine or demolish any structures in our area.

Is there somewhere I can read about restrictions for camps? What rights do landowners have?

The building rules are set up by Osceola County Zoning Department. You are not permitted to build permanent structures out there, or live out here. Other rules, such as hunting, shooting, and other activities fall under state and federal laws.

I know others can cross my property for access, but are others permitted to use your property for whatever recreation they like as well? For example, could someone run circles around my tent or hunt near my front door?

Yes, that is correct. Everyone is crossing someone else’s property to get to their own. If there is a popular trail going through your parcel, please do not block it off. A lot of people do put up a fence but not the whole parcel, especially if there is an existing trail (main or other.) No one has the right to come on to your property and tear things up or do anything on it without your permission, including hunting or approaching your personal possessions.

What Can I Do On My Land?

I want to fence my lot, but there is a trail here. Do I need a permit?

Remember, you are ALWAYS crossing someone else’s property to get to your own. If you do purchase and there is an existing trail on your property, do not block it off unless you reroute it. People do fence their property but try to only fence off what you will use, especially if there is a usable trail on it.

What are the rules and obligations of being a land owner?

Suburban Estates is a recreational area where people can go out riding, hunting and enjoy Florida nature. While several people have camps, permanent structures are not permitted. There are no amenities so everything is off the grid. There are no “roads” just dirt trails that we all try to maintain.

Is it safe to have a bonfire?

Suburban Estates is prone to wildfire. If you are setting any controlled fire, do not leave it alone. Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They can spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes.  Please note, that Emergency services will not be able to access your property, so wildfires are left to burn themselves out.
Osceola County Wildfire Informational Map

Can I go hunting?

Hunting in Suburban Estates is subject to the The Florida Fish and Game Wildlife Commission hunting regulations. Additionally, keep in mind you cannot hunt on private property, and as most of the land in Suburban is owned by someone, there are limited areas you can hunt. Always get permission before hunting.

Please note, in Florida, Trespassing while Possessing a Firearm or other dangerous weapon is a felony punishable by imprisonment up to five years and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

FWC Hunting Regulations

Can I set up a shooting range on my property?
(We have plans to install a solid burm to shoot into. This will be nothing crazy. Just for our family to shoot and camp.)

We do not recommend shooting on your property. In addition to safety concerns for yourself, there are many people riding in the trails. The woods or your camp area may seem empty, but there are always people around.

There have been several incidents of people shooting and vehicles, campers, and even people getting hit by bullets.

There is a designated area in the south end of Suburban Estates that is used as a gun range; people are encouraged to go there to shoot.  

The State of Florida Statute 790.15 Discharging firearm in public or on residential property.—(4) Any person who recreationally discharges a firearm outdoors, including target shooting, in an area that the person knows or reasonably should know is primarily residential in nature and that has a residential density of one or more dwelling units per acre, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, 

Florida Statute 790.15

Have more questions?

Please Contact us!