Tymber Skan on the Lake Condominiums

Tymber Skan on the Lake is a condominium complex in Holden Heights, located off South Texas Avenue in South Orange County. The complex was built in 1972 and originally included 312 residential condominium units in 49 buildings.

Once a vibrant community, Tymber Skan on the Lake faced challenges beginning in the 1990s that resulted in a decline in the property. The multiple Homeowners Associations were struggling with mismanagement of funds and poor administration, which resulted in a lack of funding for routine maintenance and capital improvements. In 2004, damage from Hurricanes Charley, Francis, and Jeanne worsened the problem and by 2010, the foreclosure crisis led to many residents abandoning or losing their homes, creating a deficit in HOA dues. In 2013, to address public safety and life safety concerns, the County began demolishing vacant units that were in disrepair. That demolition continued until 2022, and of the original 49 buildings, only 8 remain.

Since 2010, Orange County has addressed numerous code violations due to unsafe buildings and sub-standard housing conditions. In June of 2014, in an effort to stabilize Tymber Skan, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved $1 million to provide relocation assistance for residents, additional law enforcement presence, garbage and trash removal, and assistance to the HOAs to maintain the property. Over the past decade, Orange County continued extending support and resources to Tymber Skan by funding demolitions, cleaning, social services, infrastructure repairs, and other functions totaling nearly $3.5 million.

Most of the buildings in Tymber Skan have been demolished, and the Special Magistrate has designated all the remaining buildings as a threat to the public’s safety because of their state of disrepair. Fire hydrants in the community are unmaintained, and people are living in condo units with no water service. There is significant trash dumping and tall grass and weeds growing throughout the complex, as well as limited squatting.

The Board voted to initiate the process to terminate the condominium associations within the Tymber Skan on the Lake condominium complex and to petition for a termination trustee to manage the partition action and the sale of the property. This plan provides a long-term solution to the significant public safety and life safety concerns within Tymber Skan.

Orange County’s Citizen Resource and Outreach Division will work directly with impacted residents to provide individualized services and support based on each household’s unique needs. Each household will be assigned a dedicated Case Manager who will serve as their primary point of contact, connecting residents with available resources and providing ongoing support throughout the transition.

Orange County will communicate available services and resources to residents through community meetings, direct communications, and other informational outreach. Residents may also contact the Orange County Office of Tenant Services at (407) 836-7368 for the latest information and available resources.

Tymber Skan has been facing increasing challenges for some 20 years. Orange County has provided support for various improvements, and community organizations including the First Baptist Church of Orlando have also helped. Mounting issues ranging from hurricane damage to HOA financial and management malfeasance have contributed to the deterioration. Despite repeated inspections, the property lacks functional fire hydrants. The community is unsafe and presents a danger to the health and welfare of its residents. Orange County is committed to assisting residents with resources for a smooth transition to a safe place to live.