What's Happening

Tampa Electric (TECO) is expanding its transmission grid with the Fishhawk-Wheeler-Davis 230-kV line project. This project runs through areas near several Valrico and Diamond Hill neighborhoods, and if you live in the area, you have probably seen survey crews and heard the chatter on neighborhood Facebook groups.

Here is what we know so far and what it could mean for homeowners.

The Project

The expansion involves constructing new 230-kV transmission lines to support the growing energy demand in eastern Hillsborough County. The project connects existing substations and runs through a combination of new and existing easements.

The route passes near residential areas in Diamond Hill, Bloomingdale, and surrounding neighborhoods. Construction timelines and exact routing details are still being finalized as of early 2026.

What This Means for Property Values

This is the question every homeowner is asking. The honest answer is that proximity to high-voltage transmission lines can have a modest negative impact on property values, typically in the range of 2-9% for homes directly adjacent to the easement, according to most appraisal research.

However, context matters. Homes that are near but not directly adjacent to the lines tend to see minimal to no measurable impact. The effect also diminishes over time as the infrastructure becomes part of the established landscape.

If you are considering selling and your property is near the planned route, the timing of your sale relative to construction visibility could matter. If you are buying, this is a factor worth weighing against the overall value proposition of the neighborhood.

What Homeowners Can Do

• Stay informed. TECO holds public meetings and posts project updates. Attend them. Ask questions.
• Check your property survey. Know whether any utility easements exist on your parcel. This information is on your title commitment and available through the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.
• Talk to a local REALTOR®. If you are worried about how this affects your home's value or your ability to sell, get a professional opinion based on current market conditions, not Facebook speculation.
• Document everything. If construction impacts your property (access, noise, landscaping damage), document it. You may have recourse.

The Bigger Picture

Infrastructure expansion is a sign of growth, and growth generally drives long-term property values up. Eastern Hillsborough County is one of the fastest-growing areas in Tampa Bay. The demand for homes in Valrico is not going away because of a transmission line.

That said, it is a real factor worth understanding, not ignoring.

Have questions about how this affects your specific property? I live in Diamond Hill and I am tracking this project closely. Give me a call.

Barrett Henry, REALTOR® RE/MAX Collective | (813) 733-7907 | nowtb.com