Proclamation, Certificate of Recognition, and Presentation Requests
Please Note: St. Johns County is currently reviewing its policy and procedures for issuing proclamations. While we understand the importance of everyone’s proclamation, due to time constraints, please keep comments brief. All presentations will be posted on our SJC social media pages with links.
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners values the importance of taking the time to recognize and honor organizations, initiatives, and individuals who have made a positive impact on our community. Those honors are presented in the form of proclamations, certificates of recognition, and presentations. St. Johns County Proclamation and Presentation Request Form All proclamation requests must be submitted at least five weeks prior to the desired meeting date.
What is a Proclamation?
A proclamation is an official document issued by the SJC Board of County Commissioners to commemorate a specific time period (day, week, or month) for the purpose of raising awareness about an issue or celebrating milestones specific to St. Johns County and its residents.
What is a Presentation?
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners occasionally hosts presentations to commemorate an achievement, raise awareness about an issue, or recognize an organization. Presentations could also include a proclamation or a certificate of recognition.
When and Where do Proclamations and Presentations Occur?
Proclamations and presentations typically occur at the beginning of regular St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners meetings, which occur at 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month in the County Administration Building Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View. Once adopted by the Board of County Commissioners, proclamations can also be presented outside of a regular Board meeting, at external meetings or events, and through electronic correspondence or regular mail if appropriate.
What is a Certificate of Recognition?
A certificate of recognition is a document presented by the Board of County Commissioners, or an individual Commissioner, for the purpose of recognizing a specific time period or event, raising awareness about an issue, or to celebrate a milestone that directly affects the citizens of St. Johns County.
How are Certificates of Recognition Presented?
Certificates of recognition do not require Board approval and can be presented by the entire Board of County Commissioners, or an individual Commissioner, during a Board meeting, at an external meeting or event, and through electronic correspondence or regular mail if appropriate.
How to Request a Proclamation or a Presentation
St. Johns County proclamations, certificates of recognition, and presentations may be requested via email, fax, or postal mail; however, we prefer you use the online form in the link below to the St. Johns Board of County Commissioners. Once the form is received, a St. Johns County staff member will be in contact to provide confirmation of receipt, and if approved, a presentation date, and details of the event.
All proclamation requests must be submitted at least five weeks prior to the desired meeting date.
Please provide a draft of the proclamation when submitting.
The sitting Chair reserves the right to modify or deny any proclamation request.
If a proclamation has been issued in the past, a new request still needs to be requested each year and there is no guarantee that it will be granted the subsequent year.
Preference will be given to local county organizations and causes that directly affects or benefits the citizens of St. Johns County.
Proclamation, Certificate, and Presentation Guidelines
- Please submit proclamation, certificate of recognition, and presentation requests a minimum of five weeks in advance in order to allow adequate time for the request to be reviewed and approved.
- Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate all requested dates.
- Parties requesting a proclamation are required to provide a draft of the requested proclamation in the space located within the request form. Please review these sample proclamations for general guidelines.
- Parties requesting a certificate of recognition are required to provide a description of the request and any associated language that would be included on the certificate. Please review these sample certificates of recognition for general guidelines.
- Proclamations must be a maximum of four “where as” paragraphs in length consisting of no more than two sentences each.
- St. Johns County reserves the right to edit, modify, or deny any proclamation, certificate of recognition, or presentation request.
- If a proclamation has been issued in the past, a new form must be submitted for each reoccurring request. In the case of proclamations that occur annually, a new request must be submitted each year.
- Requested Proclamations MUST have significant relevance to the organization requesting and must convey local significance representing a specific purpose or benefit.
- The individual requesting proclamations, certificates of recognition, or presentations should be part of the local organization or group requesting the proclamation.
- Proclamation, Certificate of recognition and presentation requests are approved at the discretion of the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners and requests similar to other recognitions may be declined.
- Certificates of recognition may be presented by individual commissioners or a representative from St. Johns County Administration at their discretion when appropriate.
- Proclamations are limited to (3) proclamations per BCC meeting. A special exception to this rule is at the discretion of the sitting Chair.
- Hard copies are limited to (3) if requested. Additional copies will be provided via email (PDF).
Proclamation are generally considered for the following:
- To raise public awareness about issues affecting a large number of St. Johns County residents.
- To commemorate special milestones or anniversaries (10 years and up).
- To highlight significance to SJC history or cultural heritage.
Proclamations are not typically provided for the following:
- Anniversaries (of individuals, businesses, or organizations)
- Individuals (Individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to St. Johns County will be given special consideration)
- Private Businesses
- Conferences
- Grand Openings
- Fundraisers
- To act as a letter of support or endorsement of individual people, products, or services.
- Events or organizations with no direct relationship to St. Johns County
Contact
Please contact the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners staff at boccoffice@sjcfl.us, for additional information.