Rumors and Hot Topics

Welcome to the Coral Springs ‘Rumor Has It’ page, which is meant to clarify information and dispel misinformation or rumors. If you have a rumor you would like staff to address, please submit it by clicking "Submit a Rumor" below and filling out the form.

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Topics:

Downtown Development | Projects and Planning | Economic Development | Public Art Funding | Public Safety | Schools and Education | Environment and Sustainability | Parks and Recreation

Downtown Development

Rumor: The city did not plan for green space in the downtown corridor.

This rumor is false.

The City of Coral Springs designed the Great Lawn at City Hall as a gathering space for residents to utilize in the Downtown area and recently purchased a parcel of land adjacent to Cornerstone to implement outdoor features. The goal is to create a welcoming, open area that supports community gatherings, recreation, and events. In addition to this city-led effort, we also require developers to include open space and landscaping within their projects to ensure Downtown remains vibrant, walkable, and environmentally friendly. The City’s Comprehensive Plan requires a minimum of 3 acres of open space within the Community Redevelopment Area, which may include squares, green belts, greenways, playgrounds and parks. For details about Downtown Coral Springs, visit the development page.

Rumor: The city plans to relocate the Coral Springs Charter School from its current location.

This rumor is true.

The City of Coral Springs is in the process of identifying a new location for the Coral Springs Charter School, which is currently located in a converted mall. The goal is to create a campus that offers enhanced opportunities for students, including access to a theater, football field, and improved recreational spaces. The relocation effort is part of a broader vision to ensure the school continues to provide a high-quality educational environment while also serving as a vibrant community hub where residents can gather, attend performances, and support local youth activities. While planning is still underway, the city is committed to transparency and will share updates as details become available. Learn more about Coral Springs Charter School.

Rumor: Traffic problems are ignored as the city develops downtown.

This rumor is false.

The City of Coral Springs takes traffic and transportation planning very seriously, especially as we continue to enhance and redevelop our Downtown area. When the Downtown was created, the city was required to adopt a Development Order for the Downtown Development of Regional Impact (DRI) and submit it to the state, which provided minimum and maximum thresholds for all of the permitted uses. The DRI established Level of Service standards based on the thresholds and lists required improvements for the roadways.  Every project that moves forward in Downtown Coral Springs undergoes a detailed traffic impact study and is reviewed by engineers and planners to ensure that roadway capacity, traffic flow, and pedestrian safety are properly managed and meet the requirements of the DRI. Additionally, the city collaborates closely with Broward County Traffic Engineering and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to coordinate signal timing, roadway improvements, and long-term infrastructure planning. The goal of our Downtown development is to create a vibrant, walkable, and connected community. Improvements such as enhanced crosswalks, expanded sidewalks, new bike lanes, and signal optimization are part of that ongoing effort.

Rumor: The city is giving away money to downtown businesses.

This rumor is false.

The City of Coral Springs is not giving away city funds to businesses. The financial support awarded to some Downtown projects comes from revenues generated within the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) due to increases in property values. The Coral Springs CRA was created in 2001 to overcome slums and blight. CRA revenues are reinvested back into the area through infrastructure improvements, redevelopment grants and tax increment financing. The taxable value in the CRA has increased by almost 270% since the base year. CRA funds are only permitted to be spent within the CRA and must follow the guidelines within its Master Plan. The CRA also has a Commercial Enhancement Matching Grant Program that provides funding for exterior improvements, interior buildout and demolition. These grants require a match of at least 50% from the business and are paid out as a reimbursement after the work has been completed and payments have been confirmed.

The City of Coral Springs offers incentive funding to support local businesses through our Economic Development Incentive Plan. There are three plans – the Permit and Impact Fee Grant Program, the Exterior Improvement Program and the Demolition Assistance Program. A Commercial Rental Assistance Program is being piloted in 2026 to assist local new or expanding businesses with lease payments. These programs are designed to attract new businesses, support existing ones, encourage job creation, and strengthen the local economy. Through these plans, qualifying businesses may receive matching funds to assist with improvements such as façade upgrades and exterior enhancements, interior build-out and renovation, technology, safety, or accessibility improvements and signage upgrades and branding enhancements. The matching grants are only paid after project completion and confirmation of payment by the business. These incentive dollars are not giveaways; they are strategic investments made to help businesses grow, revitalize commercial areas, and improve the overall look, feel, and economic vitality of Coral Springs. Each project is evaluated to ensure it aligns with community goals and provides long-term value to residents and the business district. By partnering with businesses through this program, the city helps create a stronger local economy, supports job opportunities, and enhances the appearance and success of our commercial corridors. For more information on the Economic Development Incentive Plan, visit this page.


 

Projects and Planning

Rumor: The city is planning to develop the Sportsplex area.

This rumor is true.

The City of Coral Springs awarded a contract to Sports Facilities Development, LLC for the Facility Optimization & Recreation Master Planning Service to develop a comprehensive plan for a piece of vacant land located behind the Aquatics Complex on Sportsplex Drive for a state-of-the-art gymnasium facility to include basketball courts, track, bleachers, fitness center, and locker rooms. This project will help create a centralized sports and recreation hub, giving residents easier access to multiple facilities in one location. By bringing these amenities together, the city can also expand green space, improve connectivity, and enhance the overall park experience for families, athletes, and visitors. As planning continues, the city will share updates and opportunities for public input. Our goal is to build a vibrant, accessible, and modern recreation area that benefits the entire community. For more about the project, visit this page.

Rumor: The city plans to open a food pantry.

This rumor is false.

Coral Springs has always had a strong culture of service and neighbor-to-neighbor support. Unlike nonprofit and faith-based organizations whose missions are dedicated to social services, our city is structured and funded to provide public safety, infrastructure, and essential governmental operations. Organizations dedicated to combating food insecurity are best equipped with the systems, partnerships, and experience necessary to meet these challenges consistently and we are proud of the ones offered here in Coral Springs, which includes: Royal Palm Church Food Pantry; Living Word Christian Center International and Faith Chapel Pantry Coral Springs. The city has also partnered with Meals on Wheels, utilizing Community Development Block Grant-COVID funds, which has assisted over 80 seniors and special needs residents, learn more here. This program will be complete once the grant funds are expended. 

Rumor: The city doesn’t plan accordingly for roadway construction, with numerous projects taking place simultaneously.

This rumor is false.

Many of the roadway improvement projects taking place in Coral Springs are not city projects. They are coordinated and funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or Broward County. Our city engineers work closely with both FDOT and Broward County to coordinate schedules, share information, and reduce impacts on residents as much as possible. While the city does not control the timing or funding of these county- and state-led projects, we are in constant communication to ensure work is synchronized and disruptions are minimized. We know that road construction can be frustrating, but these improvements are essential to keeping our community safe and moving forward. Learn about current and planned projects here.

Rumor: The city is allowing more rentals to be developed in Coral Springs.

This rumor is false.

The City of Coral Springs does not control or determine the type of housing (rental or for-sale) that is built on privately owned property. Property owners and developers have the right to determine whether their project will be rental or owner-occupied as state law protects owner’s rights. What the city can do is ensure that any new development, whether residential, commercial, or mixed-use, complies with safety standards, aligns with approved zoning district requirements, and contributes to the overall quality and character of our community. View projects in planning or construction phases on our interactive map.

Rumor: The city authorized sober living facilities to open in Coral Springs communities.

This rumor is false.

The City of Coral Springs has an ordinance that protects disabled persons by regulating community residences, recovery communities, and congregate living facilities in which sober living facilities are categorized. This ordinance contains regulations regarding the zoning districts in which they are permitted, distance separation requirements, and licensing requirements from either the State of Florida, Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR), or Oxford House Charter. These facilities are protected and authorized to open under federal housing laws, including the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which classify individuals in recovery from substance use disorder as disabled and a protected group. These limitations are set at the federal level, not by local government. The city takes steps to ensure that these facilities operate safely and responsibly. The city enforces property maintenance, occupancy, and safety standards just like any other residential property. If any property, sober living or otherwise, violates building or zoning codes, the city can issue warnings, citations, and require corrective action. If criminal activity is suspected, the Coral Springs Police Department investigates and responds accordingly.

 

Economic Development

Rumor: The city chooses which businesses come into the city.

This rumor is false.

The City of Coral Springs does not select or control which businesses choose to open within our community. Business owners and property managers make those decisions based on private property agreements, leases, and market demand. What the City does manage is the permitting and zoning process, ensuring that any business opening in Coral Springs complies with local codes, safety standards, and zoning regulations. These guidelines are in place to keep our city safe, well-planned, and supportive of economic growth. The city’s role is to support all businesses equally by creating a welcoming environment, streamlining the permitting process, and promoting economic vitality, without favoring any particular business.

Rumor: The city provides incentive funding to businesses in Coral Springs.

This rumor is true.

The City of Coral Springs offers incentive funding to support local businesses through our Economic Development Incentive Plan. There are three plans – the Permit and Impact Fee Grant Program, the Exterior Improvement Program and the Demolition Assistance Program. These programs are designed to attract new businesses, support existing ones, encourage job creation, and strengthen the local economy. Through these plans, qualifying businesses may receive matching funds to assist with improvements such as façade upgrades and exterior enhancements, interior build-out and renovation, technology, safety, or accessibility improvements and signage upgrades and branding enhancements. These incentive dollars are not giveaways; they are strategic investments made to help businesses grow, revitalize commercial areas, and improve the overall look, feel, and economic vitality of Coral Springs. Each project is evaluated to ensure it aligns with community goals and provides long-term value to residents and the business district. By partnering with businesses through this program, the city helps create a stronger local economy, supports job opportunities, and enhances the appearance and success of our commercial corridors. For more information on the Economic Development Incentive Plan, visit this page.

 

Public Art Funding

Rumor: Tax dollars are being used to fund public art in Downtown Coral Springs.

This rumor is false.

All public art is funded through the Public Art Fund. The Public Art Fund in the City of Coral Springs is a special revenue fund where public art fees are collected during the permitting process for new construction and renovations of existing structures. The General Fund does not finance this program; it is entirely self-funded through fees from new development and redevelopment. Learn more about our Public Art Program here.

Rumor: Now that the murals for the downtown area are paused, the city can utilize that money to host the Arts Festival.

This rumor is false.

The funding that was allocated for the Downtown mural program cannot be redirected to host an Arts Festival. These funds were earmarked exclusively for public art initiatives, and by policy and budget restrictions, they must remain dedicated to that purpose. The city cannot legally repurpose those dollars for unrelated events or programs. It’s also important to clarify that the Festival of the Arts was not a city-run event. It was a non-profit organization that independently produced the festival each year. The City of Coral Springs supported the event for nearly 20 years through funding, in-kind services, staffing assistance, and logistical support, but the festival itself was operated by its own volunteer board. Because the non-profit organization dissolved, the city cannot simply “take over” the event or replace its lost funding with public art dollars. Any large-scale festival would require its own funding source, new organizers, and separate planning efforts. The city remains committed to supporting arts and culture, but we must do so within the boundaries of our budget, policies, and legal requirements.

 

Public Safety

Rumor: Our police department has a quota for traffic citations.

This rumor is false.

The Coral Springs Police Department does not have, nor has it ever had, a quota system for traffic citations. Officers are not required or encouraged to issue a specific number of tickets. Traffic enforcement in Coral Springs is based solely on roadway safety, traffic crash data and complaints, not numbers. Our priority is to keep residents and visitors safe by encouraging responsible driving and preventing crashes, not generating revenue or meeting citation targets.

Rumor: Crime is on the rise in Coral Springs.

This rumor is false.

Crime has not increased in Coral Springs. In fact, crime statistics year to date are down: residential burglaries decreased by 8%, vehicle burglaries decreased by 18%, business burglaries decreased by 31%, and auto thefts decreased by 28%. The Coral Springs Police Department continually monitors crime trends, and recent data shows that our community remains one of the safest cities in South Florida. Our officers employ proactive strategies, community policing, and data-driven enforcement to maintain neighborhood safety. The department also regularly publishes crime statistics to ensure transparency and keep residents informed. The city remains committed to maintaining the high level of safety for which Coral Springs is known, and we will continue to work closely with residents to keep our community secure. 

Rumor: Coral Springs authorizes or supports protests to be held in the city.

This rumor is false.

As a nation, we are guided by the First Amendment, which protects the right to peaceful assembly and free expression. Protests are not organized, endorsed, or supported by the city but we do not have the legal authority to prevent it from taking place.

 

Schools and Education

Rumor: Downtown Development in Coral Springs is the reason students were rezoned from Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School to Coral Glades High School.

This rumor is false.

The development of Downtown Coral Springs would have had minimal impact on MSD and the School Capacity Availability Determination (SCAD letter)was submitted to Broward County Public Schools and approved. In fact, the City of Coral Springs strongly opposed and continues to oppose the rezoning of students from the C4 boundary area. This decision was made by the School Board, not the City of Coral Springs Commission. For more about this issue, visit this page.

Rumor: The Coral Springs Charter School is funded through the City of Coral Springs tax dollars.

This rumor is false.

The Coral Springs Charter School is funded primarily through the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), which provides state funding based on the number of enrolled students. This state funding is allocated to the city government, which then transfers it to the school, supplemented by other revenue sources such as local grants and federal funds. The charter school is run by Charter Schools USA, which oversees daily operations based on an agreement that allows them to receive a management fee. To learn more about the Charter School, visit this page.

Rumor: The Coral Springs Charter School provides priority admission to students of city employees.

This rumor is true.

The selection of students for the Coral Springs Charter School is based on a points system that prioritizes residents, military families, city employees and children of Charter Schools USA faculty. Currently, there are fewer than 50 students from the 1,770-student body who are children of city employees. To learn more about CSCS enrollment, visit the school's website.

Rumor: The City Commission, who serves as the Board of Directors for Coral Springs Charter School, can assist in getting residents a spot within the school.

This rumor is false.

The City Commission serves as the governing board for the Coral Springs Charter School (CSCS) and does not manage its day-to-day operations, which is handled by Charter Schools USA. CSCS admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, or gender. It is the intention of the school to reflect the community it serves and be open to any student residing in Broward County. Enrollment preference is given to Charter Schools USA employees, City of Coral Springs employees, siblings of currently enrolled students, children of active-duty armed forces, and Coral Springs residents (pursuant to F.S. Section 1002.33). Applications are accepted in all grade levels (6-12) and if the number of applications exceeds the number of available spaces for any grade level, a system generated, random lottery will be held to determine who is admitted.

 

Environment and Sustainability

Despite having separate green bins for trash and blue bins for recycling, everything is collected into one pile. Making no difference if residents separate materials correctly.

This rumor is false.

The city pays the hauler (Coastal Waste and Recycling) a separate fee to collect recyclable materials and transport them to a Materials Recovery Facility for processing. If a hauler mixes source-separated recyclable materials with solid waste, it is subject to an assessment per occurrence. If you have witnessed a situation like this, contact the city at 954-344-1734 so we can investigate and resolve the issue immediately. Visit the this page to learn important information about garbage and recycling in Coral Springs.

 

Parks and Recreation

Rumor: The city is getting rid of Coral Springs Youth Soccer.

This rumor is false.

The City of Coral Springs is not eliminating recreational or travel soccer. The city is looking at a soccer comprehensive plan to improve coordination and collaboration within our soccer programs and better serve the community. This effort will help ensure consistent facility usage, clearer scheduling, and more streamlined operations, creating a positive and reliable experience for families, players, and coaches. In addition, the city proudly offers scholarships for all recreation sports and camps to help ensure programs remain accessible to all residents. Our priority remains providing high-quality, inclusive soccer opportunities while maintaining fairness, safety, and accessibility for everyone.

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