FAQ Category: Tourism Development

  • How do I apply for the Autism Certification Matching Grant Program?

    The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce manages the grant program. Information about the program is available on the chamber’s website by clicking on the below button.

  • How do I apply for the Sports Tourism Event Grant Program?

    The County’s Sports Tourism Grant Program utilizes Tourist Development Tax Revenue (commonly called “bed tax”) to provide funding support for advertising and promoting sporting events which will generate overnight stays in St. Johns County. Funding may be awarded to support and promote high-quality amateur or professional athletic events that will attract overnight visitors.

  • How do I apply for the Arts/Culture/Heritage (ACH) Funding Program?

    The St. Johns Cultural Council administers the ACH Grant Program. Information about the grant program, including guidelines, deadlines, grant portal (online application), and workshop registration, is available on the Cultural Council’s website by clicking on the below button.

  • I want to rent my property to visitors. What do I need to know about the Tourist Development Tax?

    Do you have a private home, condominium, or other type of accommodations that you rent or want to rent to visitors? Here’s a link to the St. Johns County Tax Collector’s Office to help you get started with information about the Tourist Development Tax.

  • When and where are Tourist Development Council meetings held?

    The Tourist Development Council is required by the authorizing legislation to meet at least four times per year. The meetings are generally held on the third Monday of every other month in the County Auditorium at 500 San Sebastian View at 1:30 p.m. Notices of meeting dates and times are furnished to members of the media…

  • Staffing

    The Tourist Development Council began the program in 1986 with no staff. In 1990, the Tourist Development Council hired an Office Specialist II to assist in administrative matters. The office specialist serves as an employee of the County Administrator. In 1992, the Tourist Development Council hired an Executive Director. The Executive Director is an employee…

  • What is the process for the development of policies?

    The Tourist Development Council develops policies and procedures for approval by the Board of County Commissioners. Input from the public is encouraged at all times.

  • Who serves on the Tourist Development Council?

    Florida Statute 125.0104 requires a nine-member Tourist Development Council and also states how the members are chosen. One member is from the County Commission. Two other elected officials also serve, one of whom must represent the most populous municipality in the county. Three members must be owners or operators of lodging facilities and must collect the…

  • Who is responsible for ensuring the revenues are properly spent?

    The Tourist Development Council has initial responsibility for the funds. They make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on which projects should be funded and in what amount. Funding proposals are to be submitted to the Tourist Development Council for review and recommendation before action by County staff or consideration by the Board of…

  • How is revenue allocated?

    The St. Johns County Commission has set by Ordinance 21-34 the division of funds as follows: