General Information

Telephone Service

The Area Code of St. Johns County is 904

St. Johns County receives telephone service from the following carriers: Alltel Communications: Serving the Residents of Hastings 800-347-1991. Auglink Communications: Commercial and Residential Service 904-824-1660 local or 877-284-5465 toll-free.

BellSouth: Residential toll-free 780-2355 in Florida or 800-753-2909 from out of state. Commercial toll-free 780-2800 in Florida or 800-753-0115 from out of state.

Additional numbers and information can be found in the current BellSouth phone book, The Complete Phone Book and the Verizon phone book, available from the Chamber of Commerce, One Riberia Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

Water & Service

Within the St. Augustine city limits, water and sewer service may be arranged through City of St. Augustine Water & Sewer at 825-1037. Service to a new structure may be arranged by calling the City Building Department, also in City Hall at 825-1060.

Many areas of the county outside the city limits are serviced by private companies. The Anastasia Sanitary District covers St. Augustine Beach southward along the coast and specific areas of the mainland south of the city limits. For service call 471-2161, or visit the St. Johns County Utility Department office on Anastasia Island at 2175 Mizell Road.

In the Ponte Vedra area east of A1A and west of A1A call Jacksonville Electric Authority at 665-6000. Hastings area residents please call Hastings Water and Waste Water at 692-1420.

For questions on water bills, please call 825-1034.

Garbage Collection & Waste

The City of St. Augustine provides trash and recycling pickup. Call 825-1040 in St. Augustine for specific schedules; 471-2122 for St. Augustine Beach schedules.

County residents must contract with a private refuse service. Call Advanced Disposal 827- 1005; St. Johns County Solid Waste Department 824-9720, or Seaboard Sanitation for the Ponte Vedra area, 825-0991.

For questions on garbage collection bills, please call 825-1034.

Utilities

Florida Power & Light and Jacksonville Electrical Authority serve all St. Johns County utility needs. To reach FPL call, 800-226-3545 and JEA is 904-632-5200.

Newspaper

With a circulation of 19,000, the St. Augustine Record is the local daily newspaper serving St. Johns County. Call 829-6562 for circulation and subscription information.

Cable Television

Time Warner Cable services St. Johns County. Offices are located at 2200 U.S. 1 North. Call 888-TW-TODAY(888-898-6329).

Comcast services the northern parts of the county, such as Ponte Vedra, Switzerland & Fruit Cove, call (904)380-6273.

Communications

www.timewarnercable.com/staugustine

www.bellsouth.com

www.alltel.com

www.aug.com

Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses may be obtained at the office of the Clerk of Courts in the St. Johns County Judicial Center, located on Lewis Speedway. Call 819-3600 for information.

As of January 1, 1999, Florida residents are required to have a 3-day waiting period before obtaining a license or must attend counseling. Counseling is held at certain church facilities. There is no waiting period for out-of-state residents. The cost is $88.50 for out-of-state or those choosing the 3-day waiting period. Those who choose to attend school, the cost is $56.00.

Along with payment, both parties need to apply together and present picture ID, Social Security number, and if previously married, must show a final decree or a death certificate.

Drivers Licenses

New residents must obtain a Florida drivers license 30 days after accepting employment in Florida, enrolling children in a Florida public school, or applying for the Florida Homestead Exemption provision. You must bring all vehicle registrations to the drivers license office.

Out-of-state applicants must pass a vision only test at this time as long as they have a valid drivers license from another state. Handbooks on Florida driving laws are available at no charge at the examination station. New residents must show two forms of valid identification.

The examination station is located at the Tax Collector's Office at 4030 Lewis Speedway. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call 209-2250. Driving tests are offered until 4:30 p.m.

http://www.co.st-johns.fl.us/Const-Officers/Tax-Collector/dl1.html

Vehicle Registration

New residents of St. Johns County must register all motor vehicles immediately upon moving to the area. For additional information and requirements, contact 209-2250.

Fees are based on vehicle weight. Applicants must bring the vehicle itself, title, and proof of Florida required personal injury protection and property damage liability insurance.

Vehicle registration may be obtained at the Tax Collector's Office. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Branch offices are located in Ponte Vedra Beach at 5430 Palm Valley Road, in Julington Creek at 725 Flora Branch Blvd. and in Hastings at 6195 S. Main Street, Suite E.

Taxes

The state of Florida does not impose a personal income tax. Property taxes fall under the Homestead Exemption Provision. Occupational license fees are collected from most businesses, professionals, and enterprises. The state sales tax is six percent.

In addition to the county tax structure, each municipality may also levy taxes and require occupational fees and licenses.

Occupational Licenses

Procedures for obtaining an occupational license in the county differ according to location and type of business. Locations within the corporate limits of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, and Hastings must first get a license from that city. That license is then taken to the St. Johns County Tax Collectors office, where the county license will be issued. Call 209-2250.

County Zoning at (904) 823-2470. If it is located in St. Augustine City limits, St. Augustine Beach City limits, or the town of Hastings limits, contact the appropriate office needed, according to business location, for zoning approval and occupational license.

1. St. Augustine, (904) 825-1065
2. Beach Hastings, (904) 692-1420

Locations outside the three corporate limits must receive approval from the County Zoning Department located in the County Administrative building on Lewis Speedway. Professional and state regulated businesses must first obtain a state license, while contractors must obtain a county authorized license from the Building Department. 823-2470

http://www.co.st-johns.fl.us/Const-Officers/Tax-Collector/occupational1.html

Small Business Assistance

Businesses already in operation and people contemplating starting a business of their own may find valuable help through individual management assistance offered by the University of North Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Workshop topics include sales, customer service, advertising, and many more areas of operating a business.

The St. Augustine and St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce serves as a satellite office to the SBDC, and appointments are available twice each month. Call Cathy Hagan at 904-620-2477 or 1-800-450-4624 to schedule an appointment.

Homestead Exemption

Florida homeowners are entitled to an ad valorem tax exemption of the first $25,000 of the assessed valuation if they owned and occupied the home as of December 31st of the prior year. The owner must apply by March 1st of the tax roll year for which the exemption is sought. The owner must apply to the Property Appraiser's Office and must present a copy of the recorded deed, a valid driver's license with the correct homestead address, voter's registration or Declaration of Domicile, social security numbers of all owners, and vehicle registration or tag number showing the vehicle is registered in the State of Florida. The exemption is automatically renewed for subsequent years unless you no longer qualify.

Call the Property Appraiser's Office at 827-5560 for information.

Voting

New residents may register to vote in local, state, and national elections immediately upon arriving in St. Johns County. Registration must be completed 29 days prior to an election. Persons 17 years old may pre-register and may vote if they turn 18 on or before election day. Registration applications are available at many locations including the Supervisor of Elections Office, Driver’s License Office, public libraries, and Public Assistance agencies. Photo identification must be presented at the polls on election day. Call the Elections Office at 823-2353 for more information.

Health Clinics

The St. Johns County Health Department is located in Suite 100 of the St. Johns County Health and Human Services Center, 1955 U.S. 1 So., St. Augustine, FL 32086. Telephone number is 904-825-5055. The health department director is Dawn C. Allicock, M.D., M.P.H.

The clinic provides free immunization to all children and dental care for indigents. Venereal disease treatment is available, and family planning services are available on a sliding fee scale.

Also, a prenatal clinic in cooperation with the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services is offered.

An ambulatory, primary care facility offering non-emergency aid to low income families is also available. Call 825-5055 for information.

Rescue Services

St. Johns County utilizes a 911 computerized emergency system. Simply dialing 911 places the caller in touch with fire, rescue and police aid. Without a spoken word, the computer can locate the exact location from which the call is coming.

St. Johns County Rescue Service features specially equipped vehicles, manned with fully trained paramedics. Emergency helicopter service is also available to transport critically ill or injured patients to regional medical facilities.

http://www.co.st-johns.fl.us/BCC/emgcymngmt/index.html

Animal Regulations

All dogs and cats must be licensed by the City of St. Augustine, 825-1037, or the City of St. Augustine Beach, 471-2122. All dogs and cats four months and older are required to be inoculated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. The inoculation certificate must be shown when purchasing a city license for pets.

A county-wide leash law for dogs and cats is enforced. To report unleashed, stray, or possible rabid animals within the City of St. Augustine or St. Augustine Beach, call the St. Augustine Humane Society at 829-2737. To report County violations, call Animal Control at 823-4465.

Fishing & Hunting

Licenses for fishing are required. Regulations and licenses are available from the St. Johns County Tax Collectors Office, 209-2250. Proper identification is required.

Complete information on hunting and fishing regulations is available from the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, (850) 488-4676.

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St. Augustine & St. John’s County History and Description

Welcome!

It's easy to see why people have been settling here for nearly 500 years. Today, St. Johns County combines the best of both worlds, with its ancient natural beauty providing the backdrop for a contemporary residential and commercial lifestyle.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine's rich history and cultural diversity have helped shaped a dynamic city for both residents and visitors alike. It’s unique mix of both the Old and the New is what beckons visitors to come explore and is what has always brought them back.

The story of St. Augustine is the foundation of sightseeing tours via tram, trolley, horse-drawn carriage, walking tour or cruise boat. History comes to life here, where on any given day, you will find guides dressed in old-world costumes, weaving you through the sites of the town.

Some of St. Augustine's most popular landmarks include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a living history museum which interprets life in colonial, St. Augustine circa 1740; the Fountain of Youth Discovery Park, where it is said Ponce de Leon sought everlasting youth and the Mission of Nombre de Dios, where Pedro Menendez de Aviles first set foot on Florida’s shore in 1565. Still other landmarks include the Ponce de Leon and Alcazar Hotels built by Standard Oil magnate, Henry Flagler in the late 19th Century. Today those grand Victorian structures house Flagler College, St. Augustine City Hall and Lightner Museum. The original 1888 Casa Monica Hotel has been restored into a luxury hotel and provides world-class accommodations in downtown St. Augustine. The city has more than 50 attractions, historic sites and points of interest.

Accommodations are plentiful and range from splendid resorts to charming bed and breakfast inns. Dozens of unique restaurants are sprinkled throughout St. Augustine, ranging from quaint cafes to four-star rated dining establishments, with many restaurants serving as attractions themselves.

Shopping in St. Augustine is a buyer's delight with boutiques, unique gift shops, antique stores and museums waiting to be discovered on nearly every downtown street. On the outskirts are shopping malls and retail centers, including miles of outlet shopping at The St. Augustine Premium Outlets and the Belz Factory Outlet World, both at I-95 and S.R. 16. New to St. Augustine is the Cobblestone Village located on S.R. 312. With its wide array of restaurants and specialty shops, it is a shopping experience not to be missed.

Strolling through the back roads of downtown St. Augustine offers a glimpse of what life must have been like so many years ago. Many homes are registered on the National Register of Historic Places, while many other modern homes adopt the Old Florida style of their neighbors. Whether looking to buy or rent in St. Augustine, you will most certainly find something to suit your taste.

St. John’s County

St. Johns County has something for everyone. Whether you're looking forward to a relaxing day at the beach, a history lesson come to life, or a day exploring the shops of Old St. George Street, we have it all.

St. Augustine's centuries of history entice 6.5 million visitors from around the world each year. Our guests enjoy exploring the historic streets and attractions of downtown St. Augustine, lounging on the beautiful beaches of St. Augustine, Vilano and Ponte Vedra. and find plenty of shopping and entertainment to spark most everyone's attention.

Residents and visitors to St. Augustine enjoy scores of celebrations and events all year long. From the Great St. Johns County Fair in the spring, to the acclaimed holiday season Nights of Lights, to a handful of festivals and historic tributes sprinkled in between.

Mother Nature had a field day when creating St. Johns County. The forty-two miles of expansive beaches offer a natural playground for most every water enthusiast. Boating, surfing, fishing and jet-skiing are popular pastimes in St. Johns County, with several fishing tournaments drawing quite a crowd.

The golf courses of St. Johns County are world-acclaimed, luring golfers of every ability. The multi-faceted resort community of the World Golf Village, with its centerpiece World Golf Hall of Fame, calls our community home. The PGA TOUR is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach and draws world wide attention with the annual Tournament Players Championship (TPC) at Sawgrass. The annual Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Tournament is also played here in St. Johns County. Whatever level of skill, you will find inspiration by the professional golfers who have played the courses here and continue to do so with every passing year.

The ATP (governing body for men's professional tennis) maintains an elaborate world headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach where players can practice on grand slam style courts.

St. Johns County is also known as "America's First Romantic Destination." Many people start out visiting here, making memories as they stroll along the bay front, or unwind at a first-class resort. Several folks find themselves drawn back here to call this place home, capturing our timeless beauty and easy charm forever... finding it all in St. Johns County.

History

The story of the founding of St. Augustine cannot be told without including the story of the colonization of the southeast section of the United States. Known today as the nation's oldest continuously occupied city, St. Augustine's history is firmly interwoven with the fates and fancies of many nations and people.

Florida was discovered by Don Juan Ponce de Leon, a former governor of Puerto Rico. He sighted the eastern coast of Florida on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1513, while in search of gold and silver. Ponce claimed the land for Spain and named it La Florida.

In the following half century, the government of Spain launched no less than six expeditions attempting to settle Florida, but all failed. In 1565, the French succeeded in establishing a fort and colony near the mouth of the St. Johns River, and in doing so, threatened Spain's treasure fleets which sailed along Florida's shoreline. As a result, King Philip II named Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, Spain's most experienced admiral, governor of Florida and instructed Menendez to explore and colonize the territory. King Philip also instructed him to drive out any corsairs or settlers of other nations, if they should be found in Florida.

Sir Francis Drake, the English corsair, pillaged and burned the town in 1586. Then in 1668, another pirate, captain John Davis, and his English buccaneers plundered the home and left 60 persons dead in the streets. Clashes between the Spaniards and the British became more frequent when the English colonies were established in Georgia and the Carolinas.

The year 1672 saw work begin on the stone fortress, now called Castillo de San Marcos. The fort was nearly completed in 1696, but not officially dedicated until 1756. Attesting to the strength of the fort, in 1702 Governor James Moore of Carolina led a two month siege without success, and in 1749, an even stronger attack by British General James Oglethorpe of Georgia was beaten off.

In 1763, the stroke of a pen accomplished what pitched battles had failed to do. Spain gave Florida to Great Britain in exchange for the newly conquered Havana, and St. Augustine came under British rule for the first time. England ruled over the city and the territory for 20 years, which included the period of the American Revolution. The citizens of the city remained loyal to the crown throughout the span. In 1783, under the terms of a treaty signed by England, France and Spain, Florida and St. Augustine returned to the rule of Spain, which lasted for 37 years.

In this period of the world's history, many changes were taking place in Europe and a a result, Spain sold Florida to the United States. At a colorful military ceremony on July 10, 1821, troops of the United States took possession of the territory and the Spanish soldiers departed, never to return again.

In the Second Seminole Indian War (1835-1842), the Indians made a desperate attempt to regain control of Florida from the Americans. In 1837, two prominent Seminole leaders, Osceola and Coacoochee, with a number of warriors were captured just south of St. Augustine where they had come under a white flag for a parley with the Americans. All were imprisoned in the Castillo from which Coacoochee and 20 of his followers managed to escape. Osceola, however, was transferred to Fort Moultrie at Charleston, SC, where he died.

The end of the Seminole War made Florida safe once again for visitors, who came to take advantage of the fine climate. In 1845, Florida became the twenty-seventh state of the Union with Tallahassee selected as the state capital. This was a compromise between St. Augustine and Pensacola, both of which were difficult to reach from most parts of the state.

St. Augustine continued to prosper until it was interrupted by another conflict, the Civil War. Slaves in this area played a minor role in the economy as compared with the rest of the state, and there was considerable Union sentiment in the city due to the number of northern-born residents. Florida, however, seceded from the Union, and according to letters,"It was announced here by the firing of cannon and musketry, and much shooting."

In March of 1862, a Union blockade squadron appeared off the inlet and demanded the city's surrender. During the night, the small Confederate garrison withdrew and the city was then occupied by Union forces who remained until the end of the conflict.

During the winter of 1883-84, Henry M. Flagler, one of the co-founders of the Standard Oil Company, visited the City and was impressed with the charm and possibilities of the area. As a result of his interest, he built the magnificent Hotel Ponce de Leon and the Alcazar Hotel.

Flagler purchased the newly constructed Hotel Casa Monica, renaming it Hotel Cordova. With the opening of these three, the wealthy and fashionable flocked o St. Augustine, soon to become known as the "Southern Newport". Flagler purchased the surrounding railroads at the same time as he started his hotels, marking the beginning of the Florida East Coast Railroad. Eventually, he extended FEC down the east coast of Florida, first reaching Palm Beach and then Miami in 1896.

The progress made by men such as Flagler also took its toll. The old and battered buildings inevitably gave way to the modern. Many old houses and the remaining sections of the defense lines were uprooted to make way for new buildings. In those days, these changes were hailed as a great improvement.

St. Augustine has again become a major point of interest for tourists. Now, however, instead of just a winter playground, St. Augustine, rich with heritage of the past, has become an important center for visitors all year long.

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Attractions, Historical Sites, Museums, and Tours

St. Johns County is a great place to visit since it offers so much to see and do. The city of St. Augustine alone has more than 50 attractions, historic sites, and points of interest; drawing more than 2 million visitors annually.

Founded in 1565 by the Spanish, St. Augustine is a city of carefully preserved historic sites, attractions, and neighborhoods. The Spanish influence is seen in the architecture, street names, food, and art. Historic landmarks include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest stone fort in the United States; the Spanish Quarter Village, a living history museum which interprets life in colonial St. Augustine circa 1740; The Fountain of Youth Discovery Park, where it is said Ponce de Leon sought everlasting youth; and the Mission of Nombre de Dios, where Pedro Menendez de Aviles first set foot on Floridas shore in 1565.

Still other landmarks are the Ponce de Leon and Alcazar hotels, built by Standard Oil magnate Henry Flagler in the late 19th Century. Today these grand Victorian structures house Flagler College and the Lightner Museum, a Victorian collectibles museum.

Bridging the past with the present and future, just North of St. Augustine is the World Golf Village, a new destination resort that pays homage to the sport of golf. Home of the World Golf Hall of Fame, the village features a resort hotel and convention center; Vistana Resort, PGA TOUR productions headquarters; numerous residential housing developments; shops; an IMAX theatre; and two 18-hole golf courses designed by two hall of famers.

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America’s Finest Romantic Destination

It’s a phrase repeated time and time again as couples stroll the city’s romantic, quiet old world streets, or hold hands as they walk along the bay front, listening to the breeze in the palms and watching the twinkling lights reflected on the water.

Whether for a wedding, an anniversary celebration, or a romantic getaway, St. Augustine has everything to make a couple’s time together very special.

Some attribute it to the four hundred years of civilization that has graced the city's quiet narrow streets, others to the beauty of the centuries-old architecture, others to the fact that time seems to stand still and the rest of the world is easily left behind.

St. Augustine is the perfect place for your marriage ceremony. There are dozens of places to hold a wedding, including churches and historic homes, formal gardens, parks, and of course the beach. You will find everything you need right at hand and at affordable rates, including florists, caterers and other wedding services to suit every style and taste. There's a wide variety of lodging establishments and restaurants specializing in wedding activities and even wedding coordinators to help you every step of the way.

St. Augustine is a wonderful place to celebrate your anniversary. There's no better place to share quite reflective times with your partner. You may want to stay in a bed and breakfast, an ocean front condominium, or a resort hotel. You may spend time shopping for a special keepsake in the antique stores or enjoying each other as you wander through a museum. The hardest choice you’ll make is choosing from among the many restaurants just before your late night carriage ride.

St. Augustine has long been a favorite romantic getaway for any occasion or for no occasion at all. The city is quite simply a very special place to spend time with your very special someone. Whether your quality time together is spent on a golf course, sailing blue water, taking long walks on the beach or sitting quietly waiting for the sunset, you can do it all, and do it together in St. Augustine.

Start making plans now for your next romantic memory by exploring the visitor information pages. And, if you are looking for special services or activities, you're sure to find them listed in the membership directory.

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Demographics

St. Johns County has created a climate for business success, with rapid population growth and rising incomes. Located just south of Jacksonville, St. Johns County ranks # 2 of all 67 Florida counties for population growth with a 6.7% population percent growth rate for 2003-2004, according to the US Census Bureau.

For more detailed demographic information, please download the St. John’s County Chamber of Commerece demographics fact sheet.

County Land Area: 609 sq.mi.
Population Density: 225/sq.mi.
Source: Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research; Demographics Now, 2004

Geographic Breakdown By City

	2005	2010 Projected
Unincorporated Areas	129,854	157,847
City of St. Augustine	13,131	14,825
St. Augustine Beach	5,416	6,320
City of Hastings	605	699
Total	149,006	179,691
Source: Demographics Now, 2004

Population Growth Rate

1990 – 2000	46.9%
2000 – 2004	15.1%
2005 – 2010	20.6%

An Environment for life

Among our finest assets are St. Johns County’s public schools -- rated among the best in Florida. Our students continue to surpass both state and national averages on standardized test scores. SchoolMatch routinely recognizes our schools as "What Parents Want" in education. And when it comes to our assets, we’re passionate about protecting them. The county’s enviable public safety record continues to outperform regional, state, and national profiles.

Crime Rate

2003 Index Rate (#/100,000 pop)

St. Johns County:	2,943.2
Florida:	5,182.3
Jacksonville MSA:	5,318.3
United States:	4,063.4

Note: Jacksonville MSA includes Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns Counties.
Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement (2005) , Federal Bureau of Investigation (2005)

Cost of Living - 2004 Price Level Index

(Based on population-weighted state average = 100)

All Items	96.47
Rank Among Counties	15
Food	101.96
Health Care	99.99
Housing	90.95
Other Goods & Services	99.51
Transportation	98.56

Source: Bureau of Economic & Business Research, University of Florida (2005)

Education

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	St. Johns County	FL	US
ACT Scores	21.9	20.5	20.9
SAT Scores	1034	998	1026
Readiness for College (math)	78.0%	65.8%
Readiness for College (reading)	85.6%	74.3%
Readiness for College (writing)	88.0%	88.1%
Dropout Rate	2.0%	3.1%
Graduation Rate	78.3%	71.6%

Source: St. Johns County School District (2005)

Commercial Development

When you hear about St. Johns County, Florida being a hot spot these days, it's usually not a reference to the enviable year-round climate. Although primarily thought of as a vacation destination with the area's historic attractions, beaches, and sporting venues, St. Johns County is fast becoming known as a premier location for business development.

Northwest

The northwestern area of St. Johns County is home to the World Golf Village, a 6,300 acre multi-faceted development, with residential, industrial, and commercial structures. The World Golf Hall of Fame is the centerpiece of the development, drawing corporate and commercial interests, not to mention over 1 million visitors annually. The development is approved for 7,200 residential units, 2,493,000 square feet of office space, 562,000 square feet of retail/commercial space and 2,464,000 square feet of industrial / warehouse space. The Slammer & Squire and the King & Bear are two exclusive golf courses on which to play. The World Golf Village will continue to boost the area’s economy by historic proportions.

Rivertown

Along a 3.5 mile stretch of the St. Johns River in northwest St .Johns County, St. Joe’s newest hometown community, RiverTown, will be taking shape. RiverTown’s 4,170 acres will be a collection of distinct residential districts offering a wide variety of home choices and lifestyles as diverse as the eco-systems and wildlife communities which are part of the river itself. Elements of time-proven historic neighborhoods will be incorporated in the design of the 4,500 home community which will ultimately encompass an expansive network of parks and trails and a variety of amenities including a private 18 hole championship golf course, a town center with quaint shops, restaurants, abundant office and retail space and a focal point for civic activities. Three school sites are also planned. Over the next decade, RiverTown is intended to give "life on the river" a new meaning!

Nocatee

Nocatee, a development of 15,000 acres zoned "New Town", will be emerging primarily in Northeastern St. Johns County, with about 2,200 acres in Southern Duval County. Nocatee is in its early stage of development and is expected to be home to over 38,000 residents upon its completion within the next 25 years. The Town of Nocatee has plans for about 14,200 housing units, 700 hotel rooms, 4.2 million square feet of office space, one million square feet of retail space, a town center, 270 acres of parks and several golf courses, as well as additional schools and roads. Upon completion, Nocatee will offer its residents a place to live, work, shop, learn and play all within the same community.

Palencia

Located to the south of Nocatee is the new development of Palencia. At build out, Palencia will be home to 2,050 new residences, 650 apartment / condominium units and 900,000 square feet of commercial space. Palencia will combine its championship caliber golf course with those of the World Golf Village to create one of the state’s premier resort golf vacation destinations. Palencia is a Hines development.

Economy & Taxation

St. Johns County: More than four centuries of success and counting.

Who can argue with that track record?

St. Johns County has been home to smart, sustainable development for hundreds of years – and it’s easy to see why.

Quality of life in St. Johns County is unmatched, and business executives these days are quick to point out that employees like working in a place they like living. St. Johns County offers a rare combination of ingredients that inspires corporate and residential neighbors alike.

At the heart is St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, founded in 1565. Situated just off the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s beautiful Spanish architecture, unique attractions, and old-world charm draw 6.5 million visitors annually.

The county’s coastal communities of St. Augustine Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach are natural playgrounds for residents and are among the most pristine in Florida. Luxurious Ponte Vedra Beach is home to the worldwide headquarters for golf and for men’s tennis – the PGA Tour and the ATP Tour.

To the west is St. Johns County’s thriving agricultural community of Hastings.

And the county’s northwest section is hosting tremendous growth including many world-class neighborhoods near the St. Johns River and the prestigious communities at the World Golf Village.

St. Johns County truly represents a collection of all that is important to people: a city with global appeal; inspiring climate; progressive commercial growth; top-rated schools; an abundance of recreational opportunities; diverse industry; rising incomes; and a safe, small-town feel.

We invite you to be a part of this prosperous legacy.

St. Johns County, in cooperation with the Economic Development Council, offers a business incentive program for new and expanding business.

New Business To St. Johns County

Companies planning to start business in St. Johns County may qualify for incentives depending on several factors.

Incentives may be offered to qualifying companies based on designation as a target industry, size of workforce, size of facility, average wage rate, and location in an underdeveloped area.

Possible awards include expedited permitting, application assistance with any potential State incentives, and an economic development grant. Depending on total qualifications, grants may be awarded for amounts up to four years’ value of ad valorem tax, four years’ value of tangible personal property tax, and up to 100% rebate of impact fees and water and sewer unit connection fees. New businesses moving into an area where county water and sewer is not readily available at the time of building will be eligible to receive that part of the grant within 5 years, if County water and sewer become available within that time period.

Existing St. Johns County Businesses Planning Expansion

Businesses currently located in St. Johns County that are planning an expansion may qualify for incentives, and they benefit from qualification standards that are a bit lower than those for newcomers.

Incentives may be offered to qualifying companies based on a point system taking into account target industry, size of workforce, size of facility addition, average wage rate, and location in an underdeveloped area. Existing local businesses may now receive 2 additional points if they are planning an expansion in a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).

Possible awards include expedited permitting, application assistance with any potential State incentives, and an economic development grant. Depending on total qualifications, grants may be awarded for amounts equal to the value of up to four years' value of ad valoreum tax, four years' value of tanigble property tax, and up to 100% of impact fees and up to 100% of water and sewer unit connection fees.

Speculative Space in St. Johns County

Incentives for speculative (spec) space are also based on a point system. Points may be awarded for square footage and use, for owning the vacant land for 10 years or more before building in an underdeveloped area or CRA. Spec space developers are also eligible to qualify for expedited permitting, as well as a grant equal to the value of up to 100% of impact fees and four years’ ad valoreum tax.

Click here for more information about local incentives.

State of Florida Incentives

TARGETED INDUSTRY INCENTIVES:

Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund (QTI)

The Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund incentive is available for companies that create high wage, value added jobs in targeted high value-added industries such as (but not limited to): communications, corporate headquarters, research & development, manufacturing, and electronic equipment. Pre-approved applicants who create jobs in Florida receive tax refunds of $3,000 per net new Florida full time equivalent job created; $6,000 in an Enterprise Zone or Rural County. For businesses paying 150 percent of the average annual wage, add $1,000 per job; for businesses paying 200 percent of the average annual salary, add $2,000 per job. New or expanding businesses in selected targeted industries or corporate headquarters are eligible.

Qualified Defense ContractorTax Refund (QDC)

Florida has committed to preserving and growing its high technology employment base-giving Florida defense contractors a competitive edge in consolidating defense contracts, acquiring new contracts, or converting to civilian production. The Qualified Defense Contractor Tax Refund may be up to $5,000 per job created or saved in Florida through: the conversion of defense jobs to civilian production, the acquisition of a new defense contract, or the consolidation of a defense contract which results in at least a 25 percent increase in Florida employment or a minimum of 80 jobs. Governor Bush and the 2003 Florida Legislature enacted new legislation adding contracts and subcontracts approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security as eligible under the Qualified Defense Contractors (QDC) Tax Refund program.

High Impact Performance Incentive Grant (HIPI)

The High Impact Performance Incentive Grant (HIPI) is a negotiated incentive used to attract and grow major high impact facilities in Florida. Grants are provided to pre–approved applicants in certain high-impact sectors designated by the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development. In order to participate in the program, a company must be in a designated high impact sector; create at least 100 new full–time equivalent jobs (if a research and development facility, create at least 75 new full–time equivalent jobs) in Florida in a three year period; and make a cumulative investment in the state of at least $100 million (if a research and development facility, make a cumulative investment of at least $75 million) in a 3–year period.

Capital Investment Tax Credit (CITC)

The Capital Investment Tax Credit is an annual credit against the project's Florida corporate income tax for up to 20 years. Eligible projects are those in designated, high-impact sectors (currently silicon technology, biotechnology, biocertain transportation equipment manufacturing or certain information technology facilities) that create at least 100 jobs and invest at least $25 million in eligible capital costs.

WORKFORCE TRAINING INCENTIVES:

Quick Response Training Incentives

Quick Response Training (QRT) is a customer-driven training program designed to assist new value-added businesses and provide existing Florida businesses the necessary training for expansion. This program is customized, flexible and responsive to individual company needs. Workforce Florida Inc. administers this program and is Florida’s innovative private-public partnership for competitive workforce incentives.

Incumbent Worker Training Program

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) is a program provides training to currently employed workers to keep Florida’s workforce competitive in a global economy and to retain existing businesses. The program is available to all Florida businesses that have been in operation for at least one year prior to application and require training for existing employees. Workforce Florida Inc. administers this program and is Florida’s innovative private–public partnership for competitive workforce incentives.

Click here for more information on Workforce Training Incentives

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE INCENTIVE:

Economic Development Transportation Fund

The Economic Development Transportation Fund, commonly referred to as the "Road Fund," is an incentive tool designed to alleviate transportation problems that adversely impact a specific company’s location or expansion decision. These grants are limited to $2 million and are awarded to the local government for public transportation facility improvements.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY INCENTIVES:

Expedited Permitting Assistance

State and local permit streamlining procedures are available to assist businesses in obtaining necessary permits and approvals in a quick, efficient and predictable manner.

Taxation

State of Florida Taxation

State personal income tax:	None (prohibited by the state constitution)
Corporate franchise tax levied on capital stock:	None
State-level ad valorem taxes:	None
Tax on goods-in-transit:	None
State sales tax on electricity used in manufacturing:	None
State Sales Tax:	6%
Corporate Income Tax:	5.5% of net profit over $5000. Subchapter S corporations are currently exempt.
Gasoline Tax:	$0.128 per gallon

Source: Florida Department of Revenue

St. Johns County Taxation

County Sales Tax	No additional sales tax
Hotel/Motel Tax:	9% 3% Local option on short-term rentals/6 months or less.
Gasoline Tax:	$0.06 per gallon

County Millage Rate: (2004) Total millage rates vary among taxing districts in St. Johns County (all figures are per $1000 of value)

School Millage Rate (included in all districts):	8.620
St. Johns County unincorporated areas:	16.7631 – 16.9392
City of St. Augustine Total:	22.3122
St. Augustine Beach Total:	18.8372
City of Hastings Total:	23.6381
Ponte Vedra Beach Municipal Svc Dist:	17.1331

Check the St. Johns County Property Appraiser’s website for the Distribution of Millage (2004)

Resident homeowners get a property tax break provided by the Florida constitution. The homestead exemption provides that the first $25,000 of assessed value of an owner-occupied home is exempt from the real property tax. An additional senior exemption (for low income) of $25,000 of assessed value is granted for general County and St. Augustine Beach.

Intangible Property Tax: Businesses pay $2 per $1000 of value on all intangibles (most securities).

Personal Intangible Property Tax: Deposits in banks and savings & loans and cash are exempt, as is the first $20,000 for individuals and the first $40,000 for couples. Then, the rate is $1 per $1000 of value.

Source: Dennis Hollingsworth, St. Johns County Tax Collector; Sharon Outland, St. Johns County Property Appraiser; and the Florida Department of Revenue.

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Employment & Wage Comparisons

Employment & Wage Comparisons for St. Johns County and the Jacksonville Metro Area, 2004

Employment Sector	Metro Area		St. Johns County		St. Johns County as a Percent of Metro Area (%)
	Average Employed per month	Average Wages ($)	Average Employed per month	Average Wages ($)	Average employed per month	Average Wages
Private
Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries	2,024	29,991	568	17,860	28.1	59.6
Construction	38,609	38,291	3,062	31,752	7.9	82.9
Manufacturing	32,693	44,632	3,461	43,453	10.6	97.4
Transportation, Info & Utilities	35,631	44,520	1,024	45,189	2.9	101.5
Wholesale Trade	24,871	50,397	1,577	46,362	6.3	92.0
Retail Trade	68,953	24,477	7,273	21,876	10.5	89.4
Finance, Ins. & Real Estate	56,540	51,075	2,153	48,429	3.8	94.8
Service–Providing	396,753	35,266	32,956	28,972	8.3	82.3
Other Services	17,325	26,959	2,338	38,026	13.5	141.1
Subtotal - Private	673,399	39,513	54,412	37,481	8.1	94.9
Government
Federal	17,689	54,168	470	52,042	2.7	96.1
State	9,427	32,509	1,474	30,696	15.3	94.4
Local	41,444	39,588	5,172	35,175	12.5	88.9
Subtotal -Gov't.	68,560	42,088	7,116	39,304	10.4	93.4
TOTALS	741,959	40,800	61,528	38,392	8.3	94.1

Last Updated: July 20, 2005

Notes:

1. Annual average covered non-farm wage and salary employees
2. Metropolitan Area includes Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns Counties

Source: Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation (QCEW data) www.labormarketinfo.com

For more information on Wages and Benefits in St. Johns County, please request a St. Johns County Wage & Benefit Survey at (904) 829-6478.

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Worker’s Compensation

Maximum Weekly Benefits

The maximum compensation rate for workers' compensation for calendar year 2005 is $651 per week.

Average costs for all manufacturing as of 8/10/2005 (weighted per $100 payroll)

Manufacturing costs differ among types of industries. Below are some examples:

Worker Comp Class Code	Classification	Rates per $100 payroll ($)
3635	Gear Grinding/Manufacturing	4.93
3507	Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing	9.42
6828	Boat Building State Act	9.21
4114	Bottle Manufacturing	4.84
4243	Box Manufacturing Folding Paper	8.13
4410	Belt Manufacturing	7.29
3076	Awning Manufacturing	8.04
3041	Wrought Iron Furniture Manufacturing	11.46
4251	Label Manufacturing	5.42
2112	Jam Jelly Manufacturing	10.12
1924	Cable Manufacturing or Wire Drawing	5.62
3018	Rolling Mill Iron or Steel Manufacturing	11.57
3400	Barrel or Drum Manufacturing	7.94

Source: Jim Browning, The Browning Agency of Ponte Vedra, Inc. For more information go to the NCCI webpage.

Average rate for office workers as of 8/10/2005

Code	Classification	Rates per $100 payroll ($)
8810	Clerical	0.64

Source: Jim Browning, The Browning Agency of Ponte Vedra, Inc

Rate Development

Florida Worker’s Compensation rates are set each year by NCCI and approved by the Insurance Commissioner. The rates are the same for any carrier. There is a 5% Drug Free Workplace and 2% Safety Credit available. Most carriers offer the stock carrier discount of 9.6% on premiums over $5,000 and up to $10,000. Higher discount and individually rated plans can occur over $100,000 of premium.

Sources: State of Florida Department of Revenue; Workers' Compensation Customer Service Center; Jim Browning,The Browning Agency of Ponte Vedra, Inc.

Last Updated: August 10, 2005

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