# Apopka answers

> Forty questions about living, buying, selling, property tax, insurance, new construction and land in Apopka, Florida, each answered in a few sentences with a dated number and a link to the full page.

Source: https://moorerealtyapopka.com/answers/ · Last updated 2026-11-12 · Robert Moore, Broker/Owner, Moore Realty Group, Inc. · 352-504-6371

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Apopka, Florida

# Apopka *answers.*

Forty questions people ask before they buy, sell or move here. Each answer starts with the answer, gives the number and its date, and links to the page that goes deeper. Checked November 12, 2026

Short answer

The median Apopka home sold for $399,492 in October 2026 (Redfin), the 2026 property tax rate inside city limits is 16.0079 mills, and the average 30-year mortgage rate was 7.18% on November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac). The forty answers below cover living here, buying, selling, taxes, insurance, new construction, land and working with a broker.

## Living in Apopka

### How far is Apopka from downtown Orlando?

About 17 miles and 24 minutes off-peak on SR 414 and I-4, or 15 miles and 28 minutes toll-free on US 441, measured from Apopka City Hall on November 11, 2026. Rush-hour times are longer and were not measured. Check your own route in the [commute times tool](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/commute-times/).

### Do you have to pay tolls living in Apopka?

Only on the expressways. SR 429, SR 414 and SR 453 are tolled, while US 441 and SR 436 are free. With a transponder, rates effective July 1, 2026 include $0.98 at the SR 429 Ponkan plaza and $1.38 at the SR 414 Coral Hills plaza, and Pay By Plate is double. The full list is on [living in Apopka](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/living-in-apopka/).

### Does SunRail go to Apopka?

No. The nearest station is Altamonte Springs, about 10 miles away, and LYNX Link 436N runs there from the Apopka SuperStop. SunRail operates Monday to Friday only. Bus routes are on [living in Apopka](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/living-in-apopka/).

### What is the difference between ZIP codes 32703 and 32712?

Roughly, 32712 is north Apopka, including Rock Springs Road and the Kelly Park interchange on SR 429, and 32703 is downtown plus the south and east sides along SR 436 and SR 414. In October 2026 the median sale price was $456,756 in 32712 and $367,846 in 32703 (Redfin). ZIP codes do not follow the city limits, so check an address on the [Apopka map](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/apopka-map/).

### What grades do Apopka public schools get?

Florida's 2025-26 school grades, released in July 2026, run from A to C across the 15 public schools with Apopka-area addresses. Examples: Apopka High School B, Wekiva High School C, Wolf Lake Middle School A and Kelly Park School A. Attendance zones are set by address and changed for some streets in 2026-27, so confirm with Orange County Public Schools after reading the full table on [living in Apopka](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/living-in-apopka/).

### Do you need a reservation for Wekiwa Springs or Kelly Park?

Wekiwa Springs State Park requires a day-use reservation for every visitor, and the $6 vehicle fee is paid when you reserve. Kelly Park / Rock Springs works on a daily limit instead: 280 vehicles at $5 each since August 11, 2026, and the gate closes to new entries when the limit is reached. Hours for both are in the [parks table](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/living-in-apopka/).

## Buying here

### What is the median home price in Apopka?

$399,492 in October 2026, down 0.77% from a year earlier, according to Redfin. Realtor.com puts its median sold price at $405,495 and the median asking price at $428,375 for the same month. The [market report](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/apopka-housing-market/) shows both ZIP codes and explains why the sources differ.

### What is the monthly payment on a median-priced Apopka home?

About $2,436 a month in principal and interest. That is $399,492 with 10% down, a $359,543 loan, at the 7.18% 30-year average Freddie Mac reported on November 5, 2026. It excludes property tax, insurance, mortgage insurance and HOA dues, which you can add in the [mortgage calculator](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/mortgage-calculator/?price=399492).

### How much do I need for a down payment in Florida?

Program minimums are 3% for a conventional first-time buyer loan, 3.5% for FHA with a credit score of 580 or higher, and zero for VA and USDA loans. In Orange County the 2026 loan limits are $832,750 for conforming loans and $541,287 for FHA. Lenders add their own requirements, so confirm with yours and test a price in the [affordability calculator](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/affordability/).

### Is there down payment assistance for Apopka buyers?

Yes. Florida's Hometown Heroes program lends eligible first-time buyers 5% of the first mortgage, from $10,000 up to $35,000, as a 0% deferred second mortgage, with a 2026 Orange County income limit of $172,350 and more than $15 million left in the fund on November 11, 2026. Orange County's own program offers up to $70,000, $40,000 or $10,000 depending on income. Confirm that you and the address qualify, starting with the [assistance tool](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/down-payment-assistance/).

### How much are closing costs for a buyer in Florida?

Plan on 2% to 5% of the price on a financed purchase, not counting the down payment. Florida charges documentary stamps of $0.35 per $100 on the note and a 0.2% intangible tax on the mortgage: $1,260 plus $720 on a $360,000 loan. Itemize yours in the [closing cost calculator](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/closing-costs/).

### How long is the inspection period on a Florida contract?

Fifteen days after the effective date if the blank is left empty on the standard Florida "As Is" contract, and the buyer may cancel for any reason within it and recover the deposit. The loan approval period defaults to 30 days, and both can be changed: 7 to 10 days for inspections is commonly written in on competitive offers. More in the [As Is contract guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/florida-as-is-contract-explained/).

## Selling here

### How long does it take to sell a house in Apopka?

A median of 73 days on market in October 2026, up from 56 days a year earlier (Redfin). Realtor.com reported 64 days for the same month. Start with a price range from the [home value tool](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/home-value/).

### Do homes in Apopka sell for the asking price?

On average, slightly under. Redfin's sale-to-list ratio was 98.3% in October 2026, 12.7% of homes sold above list, and 41.3% of listings took a price cut. The [market report](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/apopka-housing-market/) has the same figures by ZIP code.

### What does it cost to sell a house in Florida?

Before commissions, seller closing costs run roughly 1.5% to 3% of the sale price. On a $400,000 sale the two largest fixed items are $2,800 in documentary stamps on the deed ($0.70 per $100) and, where the seller pays for it, $2,075 for the owner's title policy. Commissions are negotiable and not set by law, so enter your own in the [seller net sheet](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/seller-net-sheet/).

### Who pays for title insurance in Orange County?

By local custom the seller pays for the owner's policy and chooses the closing agent, and the buyer pays $25 for the lender's policy issued with it, plus endorsements. It is negotiable in the contract, and builders often shift it to the buyer. The premium is set by the state at $5.75 per $1,000 on the first $100,000 and $5.00 per $1,000 from there to $1 million, which the [closing cost calculator](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/closing-costs/) works out for you.

### Will I owe capital gains tax when I sell my home?

Often not on a primary residence. Federal law excludes up to $250,000 of gain for a single filer and $500,000 for a married couple filing jointly if you owned and lived in the home for two of the five years before the sale, and Florida has no state income tax. Investment property does not get the exclusion. This is general information, not tax advice; see the [selling guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/selling-a-home-in-apopka/).

## Taxes and homestead

### What is the property tax rate in Apopka?

For 2026 the total rate inside city limits is 16.0079 mills, or about $16.01 per $1,000 of taxable value. Unincorporated Orange County addresses pay a base rate of 15.9798 mills. Estimate a specific home with the [property tax calculator](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/property-tax/).

### How much is the Florida homestead exemption in 2026?

$25,000 off assessed value for all taxes, plus up to $26,411 more against non-school taxes on assessed value above $50,000. You must own and occupy the home on January 1 and file by March 1. More in the [homestead guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/florida-homestead-exemption-amendment-3/).

### What does Amendment 3 change for Florida homeowners?

It would raise the homestead exemption on non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, leaving the $25,000 school-tax exemption in place. People who become Florida residents after 2026 would start at up to $50,000. Voters approved it on November 3, 2026 with about 62% in favor, a result that is unofficial until certified. The Legislature has not passed the implementing law, so every 2027 and 2028 figure is an estimate; see the [Amendment 3 guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/florida-homestead-exemption-amendment-3/).

### Will my property taxes be the same as the seller's?

No. After a sale the assessed value resets to market value on the following January 1, and the seller's Save Our Homes cap does not transfer. That cap held the 2026 increase on a homesteaded home to 2.7%. Estimate from your purchase price in the [property tax calculator](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/property-tax/).

### What is homestead portability?

It lets you carry up to $500,000 of Save Our Homes savings from your old Florida homestead to a new one. You must establish the new homestead within three years of January 1 of the year you left the old one, and file Form DR-501T with your homestead application by March 1. The [property tax calculator](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/property-tax/) has a portability option.

## Insurance

### How much is homeowners insurance in Apopka?

The Orange County average was $3,610 a year with wind coverage, according to Florida Office of Insurance Regulation figures dated July 1, 2026 as quoted by insurance agencies. Older roofs, pre-2002 construction and missing wind-mitigation credits push a quote higher, and new construction is often well below the average. See the [insurance and inspections guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/florida-home-insurance-inspections/).

### What is a four-point inspection?

It is a report on the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems that an insurer uses to decide whether to write a policy. Citizens requires one for homes more than 20 years old, and most private insurers ask at about 20 to 30 years. It typically costs $75 to $175. More in the [insurance guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/florida-home-insurance-inspections/).

### What is a wind mitigation inspection?

It documents roof shape, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections and opening protection on state form OIR-B1-1802, and insurers use it to apply premium credits. It typically costs $75 to $175 and is not legally required. Read more in the [insurance guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/florida-home-insurance-inspections/).

### Can an insurer refuse my home because of the roof's age?

Not on age alone if the roof is under 15 years old, under Florida Statute 627.7011. At 15 years or more you may get an inspection, and the insurer cannot refuse solely on age if the roof has at least five years of useful life left. Citizens asks for that documentation on shingle roofs over 25 years old; see the [insurance guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/florida-home-insurance-inspections/).

### Do I need flood insurance in Apopka?

A lender requires it only if the home is in a FEMA special flood hazard area. First Street's model, shown on Redfin, estimates that about 3% of Apopka properties (505) are likely to be severely affected by flooding over 30 years. From January 1, 2027, Citizens requires flood coverage on all of its personal residential policies that include wind; see the [insurance guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/florida-home-insurance-inspections/).

## New construction

### Where is the new construction in Apopka, and what does it cost?

Mostly at the Kelly Park interchange on SR 429 and in the southwest near SR 414. Builder sites in November 2026 showed single-family homes from $379,990 at Crossroads at Kelly Park and $399,995 at The Oaks at Kelly Park, townhomes from $339,990 at Eden Crest, and homes from $599,990 at Wolf Lake Ranch. More in the [new construction guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/new-construction-in-apopka/).

### What is a CDD, and which Apopka communities have one?

A Community Development District is a special-purpose district under Florida Statutes Chapter 190 whose debt and operating assessments appear on the property tax bill. CDDs are confirmed at Crossroads at Kelly Park, Bronson's Ridge, Bronson Peak and The Ridge at Apopka. At [Crossroads at Kelly Park](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/neighborhoods/crossroads-at-kelly-park/) the assessment runs about $1,771 to $2,487 a year.

### What are impact fees on a new home in Apopka?

An October 2026 report lists $12,578 in City impact fees on a 2,000 square foot home: $9,000 for transportation, $1,116 for police, $1,104 for fire and EMS and $1,358 for parks. Water and sewer fees and an Orange County school impact fee of $8,829 to $12,015 are on top. Builders normally fold these into the price, and the [development tracker](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/apopka-new-development/) follows the fee debate.

### Is the Kelly Park Road widening finished?

No. The City issued its notice to begin on March 18, 2026, and the target completion is Thanksgiving 2027. A funding shortfall surfaced in mid-2026 and was still being negotiated in October. Status and sources are in the [development tracker](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/apopka-new-development/).

## Land and lakefront

### Is a home in Apopka on septic or sewer?

It depends on the parcel. Newer subdivisions are generally on central sewer, while older and rural parcels in Clarcona, Zellwood and parts of the Wekiva area are often on septic. Much of the area lies in the Wekiwa Springs priority focus area, where lots under one acre with a conventional septic system face a requirement to convert, and owners must connect within one year of sewer becoming available. More in the [land and acreage guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/buying-land-and-acreage-central-florida/).

### Can I get a USDA loan in the Apopka area?

Not inside Apopka city limits, according to a lender's 2026 check of the USDA map. Zellwood (32798) and Tangerine were reported as eligible, and addresses in 32703 and 32712 outside the city have to be checked one at a time. Treat this as reported, not official, and confirm the exact address on the USDA eligibility map before you budget the purchase in the [land calculator](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/land-calculator/).

### Does Florida homeowners insurance cover sinkholes?

Every Florida homeowners policy covers catastrophic ground cover collapse, which requires an abrupt collapse, a visible depression, structural damage including the foundation, and the home being condemned. Broader sinkhole coverage is an optional endorsement the insurer must offer, with deductibles of 1%, 2%, 5% or 10% of the dwelling limit. The Florida Geological Survey says sinkholes can in theory form anywhere in the state and that no ready reference predicts the risk at one location; see the [land and acreage guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/buying-land-and-acreage-central-florida/).

### Does Robert Moore handle land and lakefront sales?

Yes. His closed sales include 74 acres in Center Hill at $825,000 (March 2023, listing side), 10 acres in Umatilla at $800,000 (June 2026, buyer side) and a Lake Eustis lakefront home at $595,000 (June 2026, listing and buyer side). The [sold ledger](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/sold/) lists them.

## Working with a broker

### Who is Robert Moore?

Robert Moore is the Broker/Owner of Moore Realty Group, Inc., an independent, broker-owned brokerage based in Apopka, Florida 32712. A Central Florida native, he was first licensed in Florida in July 2017, and the brokerage has held its own license since February 2020. He represents buyers and sellers of homes, townhomes, land and acreage, and lakefront property in Apopka, Northwest Orange County, Lake County and Sumter County; more on the [about page](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/about/).

### Is Robert Moore licensed?

Yes. He holds Florida real estate broker license BK3391152 and was first licensed in Florida in July 2017, and Moore Realty Group, Inc. holds brokerage license CQ1060137, issued in February 2020. You can verify both at [myfloridalicense.com](https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=&brd=25), the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's lookup, and his record is on the [about page](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/about/).

### What does it cost to work with a buyer's broker in Florida?

It is negotiable, and no law sets the amount. Since August 2024, MLS rules have required a written agreement before a broker takes you through a home, and it must state a specific amount or rate that the broker cannot exceed. The seller can agree in the contract to cover some or all of it. More in the [buying guide](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/buying-a-home-in-apopka/).

### How do I choose a real estate agent in Apopka?

Check five things you can verify yourself: the license level and status on the state lookup (broker or sales associate), where the agent is based, recent closed sales, reviews on third-party sites, and who will actually handle your file.

For comparison, Robert Moore holds Florida broker license BK3391152, was first licensed in Florida in July 2017, and is based in Apopka 32712. His public profiles show closed sales of homes, land and lakefront property, and a 5.0 rating on Zillow. He has no team, so clients work with him directly. See [working with an Apopka broker](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/apopka-real-estate-agent/).

### Does Robert Moore work with a team?

No. Moore Realty Group is a broker-owned firm with no team, so clients work with Robert directly. Call or text 352-504-6371, or use the [contact page](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/contact/).

## Go deeper

- [Living in Apopka](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/living-in-apopka/): costs, commute, parks and schools
- [Apopka housing market report](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/apopka-housing-market/)
- [Apopka development tracker](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/apopka-new-development/)
- [All calculators](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/tools/) and [all guides](https://moorerealtyapopka.com/guides/)

Sources: [Redfin](https://www.redfin.com/city/441/FL/Apopka/housing-market), [Orange County Property Appraiser 2026 final millage chart](https://ocpaimages.ocpafl.org/api/Content/GetContentDynamicFile?contentFileID=418587), [Freddie Mac](https://freddiemac.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mortgage-rates-decline-third-consecutive-week-718), [Florida Department of Revenue](https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/taxesfees/Pages/doc_stamp.aspx), [Florida Housing Finance Corporation](https://www.floridahousing.org/live-local-act/hometown-heroes-program), [Florida Statutes 627.7011](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.7011.html), [Central Florida Expressway Authority](https://www.cfxway.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CFX-Toll-Rates-As-of-July-1-2026-FINAL.pdf), [Florida DBPR license lookup](https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID=&brd=25). Checked November 2026.