Disney World Parks and Resorts just received approval for its Environmental Resource Permit, a major step forward for its affordable housing project in Central Florida. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has approved the permit application submitted by Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts for its Hartzog Road Attainable Housing Community. The permit application for an Individual Environmental Resource Permit was initially submitted on September 8th, 2025, and the permit was approved and issued on January 23rd, 2026.

©Disney

The Hartzog Road Attainable Housing Community is a new community on nearly 80 acres in Horizon West. Disney is working with The Michaels Organization to develop 1,369 units of mixed-income housing in Central Florida. More than 1,000 of those units will be reserved for affordable housing. The development will be available for qualifying applicants in Central Florida, including Disney Cast Members.

The Individual Environmental Resource Permit covers stormwater and drainage plans for the project. According to the South Florida Water Management District, an Environmental Resource Permit is required for “development or construction activities to prevent flooding, protect the water quality of Florida’s lakes and streams from stormwater pollution, and protect wetlands and other surface waters.” An Environmental Resource Permit is needed for dredging and filling in wetlands or surface waters, constructing flood protection facilities, providing stormwater containment and treatment, site grading, building dams or reservoirs, or other activities affecting state waters.

©Disney

While the project still has many milestones to reach before it can even consider welcoming residents, the Environmental Resource Permit approval is still a great step forward. The housing community will be located in Horizon West, off of Hartzog Road, Avalon Road, and SR 429. During development, Disney is focused on intentional design, green landscapes, and thoughtful community planning. There will be a focus on storytelling and the arts, with murals and unique elevations throughout the community.

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