Residents in the Jamaica Bay Village mobile home community are expressing concerns about rising costs that may force them out of their 55-plus neighborhood. Neighbors tell WINK News they are worried about their financial futures due to increasing rent and insurance costs.
Dan Sebring, a resident of Jamaica Bay Village, shared his worries with WINK News after learning his rate will increase in 2026.
“I can’t manage, I had to start doing ride share and taking whatever odd jobs I could get. So I am just barely scraping by,” said Sebring.
Sebring explained that after his previous lease expired, his rent increased from $1,000 to $1,500. Although he owns his home, he pays rent for the land it occupies. The rent hike, along with a $4,000 annual flood insurance fee, has left him anxious about his financial situation.
“My budget is a ticking time bomb,” said Sebring.
Another resident, Richard Charlebois, echoed Sebring’s concerns.
“Most of us are on social security. We’re getting, I think it’s 2.8% with the inflation, you know. But we’re gonna fall behind, you know, if you get an eight or 9% increase on your lot rent of 1500,” said Charlebois.
Charlebois also highlighted the difficulty of selling homes in the community.
“People, when they see the lot rent, there’s no way you can’t sell the house. There was some, you know, they’re trying to sell houses for 10,000, $15,000. I sold a house here for $5,000,” said Charlebois.
Residents are reaching out for answers. WINK News contacted Cove Communities to inquire about how they calculate “market rate” and whether any relief will be offered, but Florida law does not restrict lot rents or increases.
“Many of us are on a fixed income; we have no place to go,” said Sebring.
The issue of mobile home costs has been on the radar of state lawmakers. Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers considered a bill that would have provided rental assistance to mobile homeowners. However, the bill ultimately died in the Senate.