The Push Towards Independence

Pine Hills Explores Municipal Incorporation

Discussions about the future of Pine Hills are happening all around the community. As these talks continue, community leaders and residents are considering major changes that could reshape the area’s identity and governance. Among the key issues being explored are municipal incorporation and a potential name change, both of which aim to foster growth, improve services, and shift public perception.

For years, infrastructure and development projects in Pine Hills have faced delays, with changes often placed on the back burner for decades. Now, as growth accelerates in the area, including the arrival of a massive Amazon warehouse— leaders are pushing for action that ensures long-term investment and local control.

"We start these processes, we start these changes, we start these buildings—but do we finish them?" questioned Dr. Latanya Nichols, President, Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. “We can't wait any longer."

One of the most significant discussions involves Pine Hills potentially becoming an incorporated municipality. While some have wondered whether Orange County officials including Mayor Jerry Demings or other would need to approve the move, legal research suggests that municipal incorporation can proceed via a petition process, requiring approval only from Pine Hills residents rather than a county-wide vote.

"Based on my understanding, it does not need to go to ballot for all of Orange County. Nichols explained. "It can just be the residents of Pine Hills voting on it. And that’s important, because if the entire county were to vote, they may not be in favor of additional taxes or governance changes that primarily affect Pine Hills,” said Nichols.

Another compelling aspect of this transformation is the possibility of a community name change, which some advocates argue could help shift outdated perceptions of the community. "Think about companies rebranding—during COVID. After the Black Lives Matter movement, we saw brands like Aunt Jemima change to Pearl Milling Company to move past old stereotypes. Pine Hills has long been unfairly labeled ‘Crime Hills,’ but a new name could help change that narrative," they said.

Alternative names like Orlando Hills, Midtown, or simply rebranding within a broader economic revitalization effort are under discussion, similar to what has occurred in other parts of Orlando, such as the West Lakes district.

Incorporation, however, hinges on financial feasibility. A feasibility study would need to be conducted to assess whether Pine Hills has a sufficient tax base to support municipal services such as police and fire departments. A similar study was conducted in the early 1970s but determined that the area did not generate enough tax revenue at the time to sustain municipal governance.

"That was 50 years ago," Nichols noted. "Pine Hills has changed a lot since then. We now have a population of over 82,000 to 84,000 residents, depending on which census data you use. We easily meet the 5,000-resident requirement for incorporation."

The feasibility study would analyze property and business taxes to determine whether incorporation is financially viable. This process would require community engagement, as residents and businesses would likely see tax increases to fund municipal services.

Under Florida law (Section 165.061 of the statute), the process could begin with a petition from a majority of Pine Hills residents. Community meetings and forums are already being planned to inform residents and gather input.

"The buy-in has to be there," Dr. Nichols emphasized. "It’s up to the people of Pine Hills to decide their future."

As community leaders continue these discussions, questions remain about the status of long-delayed projects, including the town center redevelopment. Residents are eager for updates, as infrastructure issues—such as road construction and septic-to-sewer conversions—continue to be pressing concerns.

When it comes to governance, if Pine Hills were to be incorporated, it would have its own mayor, council, and public services, including a local police and fire department. This could change the relationship with the Orange County Sheriff's Department services, allowing Pine Hills to establish its own branded police force, similar to other municipalities.

Currently, Pine Hills stands as one of the largest unincorporated areas in Orange County, with a population that dwarfs other incorporated neighborhoods like Ocoee, Winter Garden, and Eatonville. While neighboring areas such as Lake Nona are expected to eventually incorporate, Pine Hills remains the largest and most prominent unincorporated community in the region.

The idea of Pine Hills becoming its own municipality raises both excitement and challenges. "There are a lot of factors to consider, but it's clear that Pine Hills deserves the opportunity to govern itself and invest in its future," said Nichols. As the conversation continues, residents and leaders are hopeful that the next steps will bring them closer to creating a Pine Hills that is self-sustaining, vibrant, and self-determined.

The road ahead is not short, but it is a journey Pine Hills’ residents are increasingly eager to undertake. While incorporation and rebranding remain in the early stages, one thing is clear: Pine Hills is at a crossroads, and its residents are determined to shape its future on their own terms.