By Wendy Dixon

New Development

Within the past 10 years, Freeport has become the fastest growing city in the fastest
growing county in Florida, according to the city’s Planning and Zoning Department. “We are
very well located for employment opportunities,” says Samantha Graves, senior planner for
the department. “For those who work at the beach or who work for the county, for the
military, as we are close to two military bases (Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field).”

Samantha adds that the beautiful waterways, the convenient proximity to I-10 and two
major airports also make Freeport a popular new haven for an incoming population. New
multi-family developments include Latitude Phase 2 apartments at Hammock Bay, Crossings at
Riverwalk apartments, and Madison at Owl’s Head apartments. Recently approved single-family
developments include nine new neighborhoods in Hammock Bay PDP3, Owl’s Head Phase 1C
and 4A, and Ashton Park Phase 3. Bishop’s Landing Apartments, Townhomes at Owl’s Head
North and Bourbon Street Townhomes are also currently under review.

During the first eight months of 2023, the department received 561 building permits. With
a residential permit jump also comes a huge increase in commercial growth and worship
centers. Among the new commercial developments in process of approval or construction are
Freeport Hotel, Alaqua Business Park, Otto’s Carwash, Eglin Federal Credit Union, The Oaks at
Freeport, Lafayette Creek Commerce Park Revision, Creekside Warehouses, and Hwy. 331
Retail Center. Destiny Worship Center is also in the process of an expansion.

As the trend in new development persists, Samantha says that the City of Freeport
continues to evaluate and expand its infrastructure to stay ahead of the expected
growth.

For more information about the City of Freeport, Check out their website at https://www.freeportflorida.gov/.